An Alabama football player was arrested after knowingly transmitting a sexually transmitted disease, authorities said.
Crimson Tide offensive lineman Elijah Pritchett, 19, was arrested Wednesday night and charged with a Class C misdemeanor. He is charged as a young offender.
A spokeswoman for the Tuscaloosa Police Department confirmed that a complaint was filed against Pritchett last week, leading to his arrest, the Tuscaloosa Thread reported.
Pritchett was later released on $500 bail and it is unclear what sexually transmitted disease he allegedly passed on to another. Due to the nature of the charges and legal protections, few details have been released.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban has yet to comment on the arrest.
Crimson Tide offensive lineman Elijah Pritchett, 19, was arrested after knowingly transmitting a sexually transmitted disease, authorities said
Pritchett, 19, was arrested Wednesday evening and charged with a Class C misdemeanor. He is being tried as a young offender
Alabama head coach Nick Saban has yet to comment on the arrest
In the state of Alabama there is a specific penalty called AL Code § 22-11A-21, which states: “Any person suffering from a sexually transmitted disease and knowingly transmitting a sexually transmitted disease, assuming the risk of transmission, or any act “who is likely or likely to transmit that disease to another person commits a Class C misdemeanor.”
Pritchett could potentially face up to three months in prison and a fine. He was granted youthful offender status, meaning people ages 18 to 21 cannot be tried as an adult.
He was granted that status by a judge in Tuscaloosa and can now receive a lighter sentence and waive his right to a jury trial. There will also be no criminal conviction and the case files will be sealed.
He was released on bond just days before the Crimson Tide's departure for the College Football Playoff semifinal game in the Rose Bowl. Alabama will face Michigan.
Pritchett could potentially face up to three months in prison and a fine. He was granted youthful offender status, meaning people ages 18 to 21 cannot be tried as an adult
He was released on bond just days before the Crimson Tide's departure for the College Football Playoff semifinal game in the Rose Bowl
According to AL.com, Pritchett was previously pulled over for driving 95 mph in a 65 mph zone. He told the officer he knew he was speeding and pleaded guilty.
A month later, he was required to take a four-hour defensive driving course, complete 10 hours of community service and pay $197 in court costs.
His case was later dismissed on September 5 and the university has not publicly punished Pritchett.
He arrived at the school in 2022 and has played a total of 13 games for the Crimson Tide this season.
Bama Central reported that he planned to enter the transfer portal, but announced in a statement released Saturday that the transfer was “not in his best interest” and that he would remain with the Alabama team.
According to On3, he was the fourth-ranked offensive tackle in his class and the 34th player overall.
It is unclear whether Pritchett's new protégé will influence the team in the upcoming semifinal game or whether he will play.
Pritchett was ranked as the fourth-ranked offensive tackle in his class and the 34th ranked player internationally
The Crimson Tide has won a total of 30 conference championships in program history
Alabama won the SEC after pulling off a thrilling win over No. 1-ranked Georgia in Atlanta on Dec. 2
Since Alabama's Crimson Tide was founded in 1892, the team has appeared in 75 bowl games.
Earlier this month, the Crimson Tide won the SEC after securing a thrilling win over No. 1 Georgia in Atlanta, ending the Bulldogs' hopes of three straight national championships.
But the Crimson Tide came from behind to secure a 27-24 victory, with quarterback Jalen Milroe leading Alabama to victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
It was Georgia's first loss since the 2021 SEC Championship Game, when the Bulldogs were beaten again by Alabama.
The win secured Saban's team's third SEC title in four years – and eighth championship since 2012.