A comment on Marlon Humphrey, a 15 dollar phone charger and T-Town
By Ronald Evans
Most of the nation’s college football fans are sure Alabama football players are often, not held accountable in Tuscaloosa. Marlon Humphrey would disagree.
Former Alabama football and current NFL Baltimore Ravens player, Marlon Humphrey has a problem in Tuscaloosa. Reportedly Humphrey was arrested for allegedly stealing a 15 dollar phone charger. The facts are unclear. Is the arrest for a misdemeanor or a felony? Both have been reported.
What is clear is reputations have been sullied. Marlon, the University of Alabama, perhaps Tuscaloosa or University law enforcement have been damaged. Haters of Alabama football will jump on the opportunity to bash the program, Nick Saban and Marlon Humphrey for character deficiencies.
Most judgment will not be withheld for a full review of the facts. That is the way it works now in an age of constant and almost instant ‘information.’ Writing about any arrest of a current or former University of Alabama athlete is always unpleasant. Even if it becomes clear that actions warrant serious punishment.
Until more reporting is available we suggest considering al.com’s story as the definitive source.
"Humphrey is charged with felony 3rd degree robbery, according to the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s booking information. The arrest was made by University of Alabama police.The item allegedly stolen was a phone charger valued at $15. The incident report lists it as fourth-degree theft, a misdemeanor. The report also lists harassment among the offenses. The suspect was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol.The incident allegedly occurred Jan. 13 between 2:03 a.m. and 3:19 a.m. at the Hotel Capstone on Alabama’s campus. The alleged victim was not named but listed as a 30-year old male."
Whatever are the complete facts, it is clear the University of Alabama did not coddle its former star. Given the dollar value, perhaps some restraint could have resolved the dispute without an arrest. We don’t know. The Humphrey name carries a lot of positives in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, long established by Marlon’s father, former Alabama star, Bobby Humphrey. It certainly did not help his son in the early morning hours of a Tuscaloosa night.
The Baltimore Ravens issued this response
"Marlon told us that it was a misunderstanding regarding a $15 telephone charger, which he thought was his. Our understanding is that he has been interviewed by University of Alabama Police and is cooperating. We are monitoring the situation."
Most of the football world knows Ravens’ General Manager, Ozzie Newsome is also a former Crimson Tide star.
There will be all sorts of conjecture about the police report and the words “harassment” and “alcohol.” We will not add to it. At least Marlon had the good judgment to return to the hotel from the Strip via Uber. In the end, not much will come of this arrest, other than what we mentioned above. Reputations will be rightly or wrongly tarnished.
Next: The Tide better without Collin?
This post will be updated if more facts become known. Until then we will go back to focusing on the multitude of good things about the University of Alabama and Tuscaloosa.