Report: Alabama offensive lineman Lester Cotton arrested for possession of marijuana
Bad news for Alabama’s football program as junior offensive lineman Lester Cotton was reportedly arrested over the weekend. Cotton started a number of games for the Tide in 2016 and is expected to compete to make the starting five next season.
According to Kelvin Reynolds of WBRC Fox6 News in Birmingham, Cotton was arrested Friday night and charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Reynolds broke down the events Monday morning on Twitter:
Tuscaloosa Police say Alabama Offensive lineman Lester Cotton was arrested on a drug charge Friday night.
— Kelvin Reynolds (@Fox6Kelvin) February 13, 2017
A TPD Spokeswoman says officers stopped Cotton at 11PM Friday. He was driving a Chevy Tahoe @ the intersection of Hackberry Ln and Bryant Dr
— Kelvin Reynolds (@Fox6Kelvin) February 13, 2017
During a search of the vehicle, a quantity of marijuana and drug paraphernalia were recovered.
— Kelvin Reynolds (@Fox6Kelvin) February 13, 2017
Cotton was charged for Poss of Marijuana II and Poss of Drug Paraphernalia, processed and released on bond.
— Kelvin Reynolds (@Fox6Kelvin) February 13, 2017
The 6-foot-4, 319-pound Cotton started five games for the Tide last season and appeared in nine others in a reserve role. Cotton made starts at both left guard and right guard and is expected to compete for a starting role moving forward into the 2017 season. Cotton is a Tuscaloosa native, having played his high school football at Central High School.
It will be interesting to see how head coach Nick Saban responds to this arrest, as last offseason starting left tackle Cam Robinson did not miss any action after a similar, albeit more serious, offense in Louisiana.
