Alabama head coach Nick Saban speaks with cornerback Cyrus Jones (5) during their game in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Sept. 6, 2014.CYRUS JONES ARRESTED
Alabama senior cornerback Cyrus Jones was arrested early Wednesday morning and charged with third-degree domestic violence criminal mischief and third-degree domestic violence harassment. According to a release from the Tuscaloosa Police Department, Jones damaged the 22-year-old victim’s cell phone and threatened to assault her in front of a witness. He is the fourth Alabama player arrested since the start of spring practice, joining safety Geno Smith (DUI), defensive tackle Jonathan Taylor (domestic violence) and tailback Tyren Jones (marijuana possession). Taylor and Jones were dismissed following their arrests. “We don’t ever condone any behavior that shows any kind of disrespect,” Nick Saban said Wednesday in a released statement. “There was no physical contact in this situation. Once we get the facts, we will take the necessary steps to correct this behavior in the future.” Jones was the Crimson Tide’s most consistent corner last season, racking up 46 tackles, three interceptions, two tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. He played through a torn labrum in his hip but underwent surgery in January, which resulted in him missing spring practice.
Recent National Football League drafts have doubled as infomercials for Alabama’s talent-rich program, and that isn’t expected to change tonight.
Former Crimson Tide receiver Amari Cooper has been widely projected as a top-10 pick, with ESPN analyst Todd McShay pegging him as high as third overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Safety Landon Collins, who joined Cooper in forgoing his senior season in Tuscaloosa, is also a first-round projection.
“I played my heart out for Alabama, and they’re going to get the same thing when I get to the NFL,” Collins said during his interview at the NFL scouting combine in February. “Wherever I get drafted, I get drafted, and I know I’ve got to work to take somebody’s spot.”
Should Cooper and Collins get selected this evening in Chicago, it would extend the Crimson Tide’s record of early draft dominance.