Nick Saban updates Elijah Pritchett's status following arrest for STD charge

Alabama did not make it the full month off without having an off-field issue pop up. Offensive tackle Elijah Pritchett was arrested following a charge related to knowingly transmitting an STD. Happening just days before the College Football Playoff semifinal against Michigan at the Rose Bowl, Pritchett’s status of the game was unknown.

That was until Alabama head coach Nick Saban gave an update on Pritchett, who was confirmed to be on the team’s flight to California. As for any kind of disciplinary actions taken against the second-year player out of Columbus, GA, Saban says the matter is being handled internally.

No statement has been made regarding Pritchett from the University of Alabama, who was released on a $500 bond and granted youthful offender status at the age of 19. The arrest occurred on Dec. 20 despite the report being filed the following week.

The charge against the Alabama player is a Class C misdemeanor.

Pritchett has spent most of the 2023 season as a backup, working behind true freshman Kaydn Proctor at the left tackle position. While Proctor struggled earlier in the year, Pritchett got to run with the first team. However, Proctor eventually worked things out and was able to secure the full-time job.

Had Saban determined Pritchett was unable to go in the Rose Bowl, Alabama would have likely had to make some kind of plan in case Proctor was injured. However, just a few days ahead of kickoff, it seems as if Pritchett will be available and suited up to play against the Wolverines.

More on Elijah Pritchett, recent arrest in Tuscaloosa

Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Elijah Pritchett has reportedly been arrested for knowingly transmitting an STD, per AL.com.

A report was filed against Pritchett on December 13th, leading to the warrant for his arrest on Wednesday night. He was later released on a $500 bond. It’s a class C misdemeanor charge in the state of Alabama.

“Any person afflicted with a sexually transmitted disease who shall knowingly transmit, or assume the risk of transmitting, or do any act which will probably or likely transmit such disease to another person,” AL Code § 22-11A-21 reads.

A redshirt freshman, Elijah Pritchett was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2022, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He was the 34th-ranked player nationally and the fourth-ranked offensive tackle in that class.

On3’s Dan Morrison contributed to this report