Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Alabama star left tackle Cam Robinson has avoided prosecution, for now.
Robinson and reserve defensive back Hootie Jones were arrested in May in Monroe, La. Robinson was charged with possession of a stolen firearm, a felony, and a misdemeanor charge of possession of a controlled dangerous substance. The 6-foot-6, 330-pound All-American also was charged with the illegal carrying of a weapon in the presence of narcotics.
Jones was facing the same two lesser charges as Robinson.
But on Monday, the district attorney in Monroe declined to prosecute, saying there was not sufficient evidence.
“I want to emphasize once again that the main reason I’m doing this is that I refuse to ruin the lives of two young men who have spent their adolescence and teenage years, working and sweating, while we were all in the air conditioning,” District Attorney Jerry Jones told KNOE-TV of Monroe.
But the charges were not dropped completely, however. The case could proceed in the future if new evidence is presented.
According to a police report, the two players were arrested in a Monroe park on May 17 when an officer approached a parked car around 2 a.m. and smelled marijuana.
A bag of pot was found and Jones is alleged to have had a gun on his lap. According to the police report, a stolen gun was under Robinson’s seat.
Robinson has started 29 games for the Crimson Tide. Coach Nick Saban had said he would let the legal process run its course before deciding how to punish the two players.
