Nick Saban announces Tony Mitchell suspension following recent arrest

Alabama defensive back Tony Mitchell was recently arrested on a marijuana possession with the intent to sell and/or deliver charge. The incident occurred in the state of Florida on Wednesday, as another male was arrested alongside Mitchell. Marijuana, scales, cash, and a loaded gun were found in the car.

Just days after the incident, head coach Nick Saban announced Mitchell has been suspended from the team. Saban wants more information on the situation to be released, before discussing there is “no such thing” as being in the “wrong place at the wrong time.”

“Tony Mitchell has been suspended from the team and all team activities until we gather more information on the situation and what his legal circumstance is,” Saban said. “Everybody has the opportunity to make choices and decisions. There’s no such thing as being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“You got to be responsible for who you’re with, who you’re around, and what you do. Who you associate yourself with and the situation you put yourself in. It is what it is but there is cause and effect when you make choices and decisions that put you in bad situations.”

A Facebook post on the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office’s page originally announced the arrest. Via the post: “A search of the vehicle produced an additional significant amount of marijuana, a set of scales, a loaded handgun between the passenger seat and center console, and a large amount of cash. Both subjects were transported to the Holmes County Jail.”

Mitchell was an early enrollee of the program, being a member of the Crimson Tide’s No. 1 ranked 2023 recruiting class. While his position had not yet been determined, Mitchell was expected to play safety for Alabama and potentially have the opportunity to contribute during his freshman season.

Alabama released its 2023 spring roster on Monday, where Mitchell is still listed. His full bio is online as the freshman defensive back will wear No. 27 if/when he returns to team activities. For now, he will stay off the field as everyone involved in the situation waits for the legal process to play out.

Mitchell played high school football at Alabaster (AL) Thompson, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 116 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.