Castille speaks out on arrest

TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama senior cornerback Simeon Castille briefly met with reporters Thursday afternoon and fielded a few questions about the aftermath from his weekend arrest.

“I’ve learned a lot, about being responsible and how people see me, how I am in the spotlight and how I need to be more careful about where I am, what I’m doing and that sort of thing,” he said.

Castille was arrested at approximately 2 a.m. Sunday on the Strip and charged with disorderly conduct after loudly trash-talking with teammates who were driving in an SUV. The arresting officer wrote in his police report it appeared Castille was trying to pick a fight.

The All-SEC cornerback who is on the watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award (defensive back of the year), said he didn’t have to do too much explaining to teammates, especially since a handful were at the scene. He also said coach Nick Saban was “supportive” and “understanding.”

“My teammates have been behind me 100 percent, my family definitely,” Castille said. “I’ve really been encouraged by people I’ve run into, friends, family like I said, coaches. They’re trying to keep my head up and so have I.”

However, the arrest has drawn massive attention, both in media circles and on Internet fan sites. While Castille said there’s been “nothing but love” at the football complex, he hasn’t paid attention to the hoopla.

“Been too busy,” Castille said. “I’m trying not to listen to the talk radio shows — all that stuff. I’ve been worrying about school, just started school, and getting off on the right foot with that. Going to practice, going to school, that’s about it.”

“I’m just trying to do well at practice.”

Earlier this week, Saban hinted that Castille would not be suspended. Alabama opens its season Sept. 1 against Western Carolina.

Reach Christopher Walsh at christopher.walsh@tuscaloosanews.com or 205-722-0196.