Alabama OL Alphonse Taylor not guilty of DUI charge

Taylor started all 15 of Alabama’s games in 2015 (Getty).

 

Alabama offensive lineman Alphonse Taylor has been found not guilty regarding his July DUI arrest.

Taylor was arrested Sunday, July 17, after he placed a call to police saying he hit a parked car. The officer who responded said Taylor was “lethargic” and his speech was slow.

 

From Tide Sports:

Tuscaloosa Municipal Judge Ricky McKinney ruled Tuesday that Taylor was not guilty of the DUI charge. The judge is expected to issue a ruling on the leaving the scene of an accident charge after the vehicle that was struck has been repaired, said Taylor’s attorney, Jason Neff.

“Of course I am pleased with this verdict,” he said. “I hope Mr. Taylor will have an opportunity to move forward with his football career.”

A report emerged later in July that Taylor had tested negative for alcohol at the time of the arrest despite what police said was a less-than-exceptional performance in his field sobriety tests. Taylor had also said that he hit his head on the steering wheel of his Chevrolet Tahoe.

He was indefinitely suspended from the team at the time of his arrest though he’s participated in Alabama’s practices. Given the verdict, don’t be surprised to see Taylor in the starting lineup and/or play a major role in Alabama’s game against USC on Saturday. Taylor started all 15 of Alabama’s games in 2015 at right guard.