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The Alabama athletic department can’t seem to get out of its own way. The past year has been one of turbulence as key players and staff members continue to cast a negative light on the sports programs.
The latest arrest involves a deputy athletic director who oversees compliance among other things. Fans have been quick to react to the latest reports.
Crimson Tide athletics and alumni have been involved in a murder case, gambling headlines, and a drug bust of late.
Earlier this year, the basketball team had a number of players linked to a shooting in Tuscaloosa that ended in the death of a 25-year-old woman. Darius Miles was kicked off the team and charged for his involvement in the crime.
Star player Brandon Miller, who was not arrested, reportedly brought the murder weapon to the scene of the crime.
Head coach Nate Oats received criticism for his response to the incident and the fact that he didn’t suspend his team’s top player.
A few months later, an Alabama transfer commit was arrested in Tuscaloosa for a gun charge of his own. Jaykwon Walton, a transfer from Wichita State, is no longer being recruited by the university.
On the football side of things, incoming freshman Tony Mitchell was arrested on possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. There was also a concealed weapon without a permit in the car.
Casting a larger shadow over the program, former Alabama star football player Henry Ruggs plead guilty to his vehicular manslaughter case on Tuesday, while another Crimson Tide pass catcher, Jameson Williams, was recently suspended for breaking the NFL gambling policy.
The baseball team was also the subject of its own gambling investigation, though that likely has little to do with the team itself.
Alabama athletics staff member arrested on domestic violence incident
Now, the issues are trickling into the department staff.
Deputy athletics director Matt Self was reportedly arrested on domestic violence charges. Here’s more from CBS Sports.
The Tuscaloosa Police Department were called after midnight Sunday morning and Self was arrested following an investigation… Alabama’s athletics website states that Self leads the athletics compliance office, and is “responsible for all areas of compliance with NCAA, SEC and UA rules and regulations.”
Self is a graduate of the University of Alabama Law School, and he’s been involved in Crimson Tide sports professionally dating back to 2008.
He was previously arrested for DUI in 2010 as a member of the Alabama staff.
Fans were quick to comment on the news as they posted responses on social media.
One person wrote, “This Athletic Department is out of control,” while another said, “Bama is on quite the heater right now.”
National sports commentator Tim Brando even weighed in by saying, “Ouch! Not a good thing here.”
Things are not getting any better in Tuscaloosa.