On Wednesday, a University of Alabama football player, Elijah Pritchett, was apprehended for knowingly transmitting a s*xually transmitted disease
The offensive tackle faces a Class C misdemeanor, with potential fines and a maximum of three months in jail, as per reports.
Who is Elijah Pritchett University of Alabama OL as he’s arrested on misdemeanor STD charge
Alabama offensive lineman Elijah Pritchett has been arrested and charged with knowingly giving someone an STD. Pritchett was a 5-star recruit. pic.twitter.com/j8ir4rjHR1
— SAY CHEESE! ๐๐ง (@SaycheeseDGTL) December 22, 2023
Alabama football player Elijah Pritchett is arrested after he 'knowingly transmitted an STD' but will be tried as a 'youthful offender' pic.twitter.com/FxxHIeaYYD
— SHOโNUFF (@IAMSHO_NUFF) December 21, 2023
Pritchett was Granted Youthful Offender Status
Pritchett secured his release on a $500 bond and was granted youthful offender status, a designation applicable to individuals aged 18 to 21.
This status allows him to negotiate a lighter sentence, forgo a jury trial, and prevents a criminal conviction. Additionally, case records will be sealed from public access.
This development coincides with Alabamaโs upcoming College Football Playoff against the University of Michigan on January 1.
The University has not issued a public statement on Pritchettโs arrest, and head coach Nick Saban is not scheduled for media obligations until the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
Previous Offences
While Pritchett had a relatively uneventful tenure at Alabama, he encountered legal issues earlier in the year for speeding at 95 mph in a 65-mph zone after the spring scrimmage.
He pleaded guilty, completed 10 hours of community service, a four-hour defensive driving course, and paid $197 in court fees. The case was dismissed on September 5.
On the field, Pritchett participated in all 13 games this season, contributing to special teams during the Crimson Tideโs SEC Championship victory over Georgia. Notably, he is the third Alabama football player to face arrest this year.
For those unfamiliar, Pritchett hails from Columbus, Georgia, standing at an impressive height of 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 312 pounds. According to reports, he emerged as one of the top prospects for the offensive line in the 2022 cycle, earning a five-star rating from Rivals.
However, Pritchett finds himself in a challenging situation, becoming the third Alabama football player to face legal issues this year. In previous instances, Alabama swiftly took action by suspending or dismissing the players involved from the program.
In March, the first incident occurred when freshman defensive back Tony Mitchell was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.
This transpired after a traffic stop where authorities claimed he drove at speeds exceeding 141 mph while attempting to evade deputies in the Florida panhandle.