TJ Finley arrest: Attorneys release statement, say Tulane QB was 'victim of a Facebook Marketplace scam'

Attorneys representing TJ Finley released a statement regarding the Tulane QB’s arrest on charges connected to a stolen car. David Courcelle and Scott Stansbury said Finley was “a victim of a Facebook Marketplace scam” in a statement to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg.

Finley was booked Wednesday for illegally possessing a stolen item worth more than $25,000, according to WVUE-TV in New Orleans. He told authorities he bought the vehicle in Atlanta, and he has since been released from jail.

In their statement, Finley’s attorneys also said he had a bill of sale and registration for the vehicle. The statement also said Finley plans to cooperate with authorities.

Statement from David Courcelle and Scott Stansbury, the attorneys for Tulane QB TJ Finley, who was arrested Wednesday for illegal possession a stolen vehicle. He told police he purchased the truck recently. Tulane suspended Finley pending the outcome of his case. pic.twitter.com/M9pokEwglt

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) April 3, 2025

“TJ Finley was a victim of a Facebook Marketplace scam,” the statement read. “He purchased a used pickup truck from an individual who presented himself as John Spillway, representing Mountain Adventures, LLC. Spillway presented TJ with both a bill of sale and registration, giving TJ every reason to believe the purchase was legitimate. Within three days of the purchase, Tulane police informed TJ that the truck had been reported stolen.

“TJ looks forward to continuing to cooperate fully with the authorities in hopes of recovering the funds he lost, bringing the criminal(s) to justice, and clearing his name and reputation. TJ is hopeful that this process will be completed quickly so that he can move forward with his academics and athletic career.”

Tulane released a statement on the situation and said Finley is suspended, pending the outcome of the case. Green Wave coach Jon Sumrall also addressed Finley’s arrest, deferring to the statement but adding “accountability” has to happen when mistakes occur.

“Legally, I can’t. I’m not in a position to be able to dive into it,” Sumrall said. “When things happen off the field, it’s unfortunate. And I’ll let the statement say for what it is. But, when guys make mistakes, then they have to have accountability.”

Finley committed to Tulane in December after spending last season at Western Kentucky. He previously played at LSU, Auburn and Texas State during his career, meaning Tulane will be his fifth program. He had his biggest season in 2023 at Texas State when he threw for 3,439 yards and 24 touchdowns while helping the Bobcats to an 8-5 record and a First Responder Bowl victory over Rice.

Tulane recently started spring practice ahead of the 2025 season. The Green Wave’s spring game is set for April 19.