Former Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus arrested for domestic violence

Former Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus has been arrested for domestic violence. The incident occurred just before the New Year, taking place in Hoover, AL. Dareus turned himself in on Monday, now facing charges of second-degree domestic and third-degree domestic violence/harassment according to jail records.

“According to Hoover police, officers were called on Dec. 30 to the Lake Cyrus neighborhood by a woman who reported a domestic violence incident with her boyfriend, who she identified as Dareus,” a story from AL.com said.

Just around an hour after turning himself in to the police, Dareus was released after posting a $36,000 bond.

The article for AL.com continues, saying Dareus shoved his girlfriend to the ground and used an object to cause damage to a piece of her property. Turns out, it was a metal object hitting her car, with the damage exceeding $2,500.

“As with all individuals charged with a crime, any allegations by the state of Alabama is merely an accusation that has to be proven to a jury’s satisfaction beyond a reasonable doubt,’’ Tommy Spina, Dareus’ lawyer said in a statement. “Until that occurs, he is entitled to the constitutional protections of the presumption of innocence.”

Dareus only spent three seasons at Alabama, being a huge piece of the 2009 national championship-winning team. He recorded 33 tackles in 2009, adding nine tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and even a pick-six in the BCS title game against Texas.

The following year, Dareus put up similar numbers with the same 33 tackles, 11 TFLs, and 4.5 sacks. At the time, NFL teams were chomping at the bit to select him.

Buffalo wound up getting the honors, taking Dareus No. 3 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. Nine seasons were spent in the league, mainly with Buffalo. He joined the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017 and spent a few seasons there. In total, Dareus had 365 tackles, 50 tackles for a loss, 61 quarterback hits, and 37.5 sacks.

Dareus last played in 2019, putting together a decent career. The peak was in 2014 when he was named a first-team All-Pro. That was the lone year he reached double-digit sacks while also having career-highs in tackles for loss and quarterback hits.

A comeback was even attempted back ahead of the 2022 season but no team signed the defensive tackle.