Alabama Football: After DUI, what happens to Da’Shawn Hand?

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 07: (L-R) The LSU Tigers offense lines up against the Alabama Crimson Tide defense in the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 7, 2015 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 07: (L-R) The LSU Tigers offense lines up against the Alabama Crimson Tide defense in the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 7, 2015 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Alabama football had a quiet summer shattered early Saturday morning with news of Da’Shawn Hand’s arrest for DUI. How will Nick Saban respond?

Just days away from the start of fall camp, Alabama football took a hit Saturday morning. Senior Da’Shawn Hand was arrested for a DUI violation. What comes next from Saban?

Alabama fans were anticipating a big year for Hand. Da’Shawn Hand was rated as the No. 1 player in the nation in 2014. Last season, Hand appeared in 15 Crimson Tide games. He made 21 tackles, including two sacks and 11 tackles for a loss.

Da’Shawn Hand has been trouble-free in Tuscaloosa. He was expected to replace Jonathan Allen as a starting defensive end for the 2017 defense. Reports from coaches, teammates and insiders projected Hand to be a leader for the 2017 defense.

Alabama Crimson Tide Football
Alabama Crimson Tide Football

Alabama Crimson Tide Football

Make no mistake Alabama football fans, Da’Shawn will suffer from this mistake. DUI is a serious offense and if convicted, punishment for even a first offense is severe.

The national media will take immediate advantage of an opportunity to find the player, the program and Nick Saban guilty. Some fans will demand Hand be suspended. Most will hope the punishment will not cause him to miss the FSU game.

Nick Saban will undoubtedly do as he has in the past and handle the problem internally. Players who have never before made a serious mistake are normally punished without suspensions. Da’Shawn Hand will be forced to pay a price for his alleged mistake, by the judicial system and by the Alabama football program.

Assuming Hand is guilty, it is an understatement to say he has failed himself, his family, his teammates and his coaches. How Da’Shawn Hand responds to the failure will impact his future as a player and as a person.

The exact form and severity of Nick Saban’s potential punishment should not be anyone’s primary concern.

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Players make mistakes. There are consequences. Younger, less known players could fill-in for Hand if needed. Alabama fans should be confident Nick Saban will do what is best for Da’Shawn Hand and the team.