Alabama DB Tony Mitchell makes first public comments since March arrest

Alabama defensive back Tony Mitchell on Sunday made his first public comments since he was arrested in March for marijuana possession and since placed on probation for three years.

“I just want to start off by thanking God for not just being there for me but also for slowing me down,” said Mitchell in a video shared on his Twitter account. “Even though this situation was beyond hard for me, I find joy in knowing that if God didn’t stop where he did, something much bigger could have happened. I also want to thank Alabama football for seeing my potential and giving me a second chance.

“I am grateful for everyone who supported me through this hard time. Every day, just thinking the possibility of it all being over with devastated me. I didn’t know if I would get to play football again, but I continued to work out and stay close with the Lord and those who love me unconditionally.

“During these times, it helped me to keep my mind off it, but when I was by myself, looking at social media and what everybody had to say about it, it just felt like it happened again. I couldn’t sleep at night. Everyone is always going to have something to say about you, whether you’re right or wrong.

“But I appreciate my family and my dad for always being there for me and the constant advice, my mom for always making time to talk to me and my grandma for always being there for me since I was young and all my events and games. And Byron (De’Vinner) also being a mentor for me and all the college trips we went on all the time. My trainers, Donnie Lee and Mike McCoy, for pushing me to train hard and helping me take my game to another level.

“I was doing things knowing I shouldn’t to try to fit in, but not everybody is your friend. And I learned this when I looked around and saw that our morals didn’t align. To all the athletes here tonight, just keep pursuing your dreams. God’s got a designated path for you, and all your talents are from the Lord. Do not let anyone or anything distract you from your purpose, and keep a small circle of people that truly love and care about you. Always work hard because it will pay off in the end. Thank you.”

Mitchell’s father recently shared via Facebook that his son had been reinstated to the Crimson Tide football program following a suspension, but Alabama has yet to comment on Mitchell.

Mitchell was arrested on a felony marijuana possession with intent to sell and/or deliver charge on March 15 in Bonifay, Fla., the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office publicly shared on Facebook.

Mitchell, who was driving, and passenger Christophere Lewis were stopped by deputies with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, March 15. During the traffic stop, police detected the “odor of burnt marijuana” coming from the vehicle, according to the sheriff’s office Facebook page. When asked if there was marijuana in the vehicle, Mitchell produced a baggie from the passenger floorboard. Both Mitchell and Lewis were then taken into custody.

“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,” per the Facebook post. Both subjects were taken to the Holmes County Jail. 

According to the arrest report obtained by AL.com, more than $7,000 in cash and 226 grams of marijuana were found in the vehicle. New details also revealed the vehicle Mitchell was driving evaded law enforcement at 141 mph before it was later found and stopped. Deputies stated Mitchell “admitting to fleeing law enforcement, claiming Mr. Lewis told him to ‘punch it.’”

Mitchell was one of 26 newcomers that enrolled at Alabama in January. He was a 4-star recruit out of Alabaster, Ala., during the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 industry rankings.

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