For much of 2016, things were going very well for Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide. However, that string of positive outcomes came to an end in the National Championship game loss to Clemson and, since then, things have flowed downhill in Tuscaloosa.
The Crimson Tide have seen major shuffling on Saban's staff, including the exile of both Lane Kiffin and Steve Sarkisian, and that extends to off-field issues with the arrest of assistant strength coach Josh Chapman. This time, however, it was a member of the playing roster that met trouble with the law, as offensive lineman Lester Cotton was arrested on Friday evening.
Kelvin Reynolds of Fox 6 brings word that Cotton will face a drug charge after a traffic stop.
From there, Cotton's car was searched and police uncovered drug paraphernalia to go along with the existence of marijuana.
It remains to be seen what the final outcome will be, but Cotton was reportedly charged with two different crimes.
Saban's handling of the situation will undoubtedly be met with an additional layer of scrutiny and this should be considered a developing story. Cotton did not play for Alabama in 2016, but he was a highly regarded recruit in the Class of 2015 and, with that, he is expected to at least compete for playing time next season.
Stay tuned.
