Ex-UA player returns home to Mississippi

TUSCALOOSA | Former University of Alabama linebacker Jimmy Johns has moved back to Mississippi to be with his family after his arrest on Tuesday on multiple felony drug charges, his attorneys said Thursday.

Johns’ attorneys Jim Roberts and Mary Turner released a statement Thursday afternoon:

“As would be expected, and contrary to comments made by those claiming to be close to him, Jimmy Johns is distraught over his arrest. Furthermore, he regrets that his arrest has shed a negative light on the university and its athletic program. Jimmy is deeply saddened that his arrest has hurt his family and the University of Alabama family, both of whom have been positive influences in his life.

“Jimmy has voluntarily withdrawn from the University of Alabama and returned to Mississippi to be with his family. Jimmy and his family appreciate all who have shown their concern, offered prayers, and tried to help him during this difficult time.”

Roberts and Turner have requested a preliminary hearing on the five counts of distributing cocaine and one of cocaine possession that Johns faces. It will likely be held in four to six weeks.

Undercover narcotics investigators say confidential informants bought cocaine from Johns five times over three days last week, once in the UA football complex parking lot.

Court documents indicate that they have audio and video recordings of the transactions.

Johns was arrested Tuesday morning and released Wednesday from Tuscaloosa County Jail on $120,000 bail.

Reach Stephanie Taylor at

stephanie.taylor@tuscaloosanews.com or 205-722-0210.