Alabama lineman Elijah Pritchett faces charges for allegedly transmitting an STD with awareness.
An Alabama football player has been taken into custody for allegedly transmitting a sexually transmitted disease with prior knowledge. Elijah Pritchett, an offensive lineman for the Crimson Tide, was apprehended on Wednesday in connection with a reported incident from the previous week, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Tuscaloosa Police Department.
The 19-year-old Pritchett is now confronting a Class C misdemeanor charge, under AL Code § 22-11A-21, which stipulates penalties of three to five months of imprisonment or fines up to $500 if convicted.
Pritchett, a freshman who has participated in all 13 games of Alabama’s current season, albeit with limited playing time, was released on a $500 bond later on the same day as his arrest. Due to the sensitive nature of the charge and legal protections regarding medical information, additional details about the arrest may not be publicly disclosed.
Originally from Columbus, Georgia, Pritchett was a highly regarded four-star recruit in the class of 2022, ranking fourth among offensive tackles and 34th nationally. Throughout the 2023 football season, he shared playing time with true freshman Kadyn Proctor, competing for the left tackle position.
Pritchett emerged as the primary tackle for the Crimson Tide in SEC play, and despite placing his name in the transfer portal on December 15, he withdrew it the following day, stating that transferring was not in his best interest.
As Alabama gears up for the Rose Bowl against Michigan on January 1, Pritchett’s arrest has raised concerns about his eligibility. However, as of now, Alabama has not issued any official statements regarding Pritchett’s arrest.
