University of Alabama football player Elijah Pritchett has been arrested for allegedly knowingly spreading a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The offensive tackle was taken into custody on Wednesday in Tuscaloosa and released on a $500 bond. Pritchett, who is only 19 years old, is charged with a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a potential punishment of up to three months in jail or fines up to $500.

The arrest comes as a shock to the University of Alabama community, especially as the team prepares to face the University of Michigan in the Rose Bowl, a College Football Playoff game. Pritchett, a redshirt freshman, was expected to play a crucial role in the matchup against the top-ranked Michigan Wolverines. However, his future with the team now hangs in the balance as he faces legal consequences for the alleged offense.

According to AL.com, Pritchett had previously expressed his intention to transfer from the University of Alabama but later changed his mind and decided to stay. He made this announcement on December 16, just days before his arrest. The sudden turn of events has left many puzzled about Pritchett's mindset and his future with the team.

This is not the first time Pritchett has found himself in trouble off the field. Earlier this year, he was pulled over for speeding, going 95 mph in a 65-mph zone, following a spring scrimmage. He pleaded guilty to the offense and was ordered to complete 10 hours of community service, a four-hour defensive driving course, and pay court fees. The case was dismissed by a judge on September 5.

The University of Alabama has yet to make a public statement about Pritchett's arrest. Head coach Nick Saban, who is known for his strict discipline policies, is not scheduled to address the media until the team arrives in Pasadena for the Rose Bowl. It remains to be seen how the university and the football program will handle this situation, especially considering Pritchett's youthful offender status, which allows him to plead down to a lighter sentence and have the case sealed from public view.

Pritchett's arrest adds to a string of off-field incidents involving Alabama football players this year. He becomes the third player from the team to be arrested, raising concerns about the discipline and behavior of the program's athletes. As the University of Alabama prepares for the highly anticipated Rose Bowl, it faces not only the challenge of competing against the top-ranked Michigan Wolverines but also the scrutiny and attention surrounding Pritchett's arrest.