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Alabama defensive back Geno Smith charged with DUI
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama defensive back Geno Smith is out of jail today after he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence this morning, according to the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's office website.
Smith’s bond was set at $1,000.
Smith, a rising senior, was also arrested and charged with DUI in August of 2013. At the time, Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban suspended Smith for the season opener against Virginia Tech while also stating that Smith had some “other things to do in house.” During that time, Saban also mentioned that other than the arrest, Smith was an “excellent person” who had “never been in trouble here before, never been in my office for anything.”
Smith was not present during Alabama’s practice Saturday.
After contacting both the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s office and the Tuscaloosa Police Department, spokesman for both departments said Smith was arrested by the University of Alabama Police Department. A message was left with UA spokesperson Deborah Lane, but was not immediately returned.
A spokesman for Alabama’s athletic department said Saban would not comment on the matter today as he gathers all of the details. Saban is scheduled to speak with reporters following Alabama’s practice Monday.
Smith, an Atlanta native, started in six of the Tide’s 14 games in 2014. He played mostly at the star position — the fifth defensive back in nickel and dime packages — but also saw time at free safety.
Smith finished fifth on the team with 56 tackles (31 solo stops). He also had 3.5 tackles for loss, one pass breakup and one forced fumble.
With Nick Perry moving on, Smith was projected to be the Tide’s starting free safety for the 2015 season with Laurence “Hootie” Jones expected to take over at strong safety for Landon Collins.
With Smith absent Saturday, rising senior Jabriel Washington stepped in at free safety. Other options at the position include junior Maurice Smith, sophomore Jonathan Cook and January enrollees Ronnie Harrison and Deionte Thompson. Safety and middle linebacker are two of the Tide’s thinnest positions.
-- Contact Anniston Star Sports Writer Marq Burnett at mburnett@annistonstar.com. On Twitter:@Marq_Burnett.
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