On Wednesday night, University of Alabama offensive lineman Elijah Pritchett was taken into custody by the Tuscaloosa Police Department on charges of knowingly transmitting a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Who is Elijah Pritchett?

The 19-year-old athlete, regarded as one of the top offensive lineman prospects in the 2022 high school class, was subsequently released on a $500 bond shortly after his arrest. The Tuscaloosa Police Department informed TMZ Sports of the misdemeanor charge filed against Pritchett in connection with the case.

Also Read: New York Jets owner confirms keeping Douglas and Saleh for 2024 season

If convicted, Pritchett could face penalties of up to three months in jail or fines reaching $500, as reported by AL.com. Despite his legal situation, Pritchett had been an integral part of the University of Alabama’s football team, participating in all 13 games of the season primarily on special teams.

Notably, Pritchett had recently announced his intention to transfer earlier in the month. However, he later reversed this decision a couple of weeks later. This turn of events adds an additional layer of complexity to Pritchett’s collegiate career and future prospects.

Also Read: Falcons and head coach Arthur Smith fined $100,000 for NFL injury report policy violation

The young offensive lineman, originally from Georgia, had committed to the University of Alabama over other prominent schools such as Florida State and Georgia. As his legal matters unfold, the University of Alabama football team, known as the Tide, is gearing up to face Michigan in the opening round of the College Football Playoffs scheduled for January 1 in the Rose Bowl. Pritchett’s arrest casts a shadow over his athletic career and introduces uncertainty about his role in the team’s upcoming crucial match.