Insufficient Evidence
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DA Will Not Pursue Prosecution Of Robinson & Jones
Cam Robinson
Photo Credit: Heavy.com
According to a report from KNOE 8 News out of Louisiana yesterday, the district attorney in Monroe will not prosecute Alabama Crimson Tide football players Cam Robinson and Laurence "Hootie" Jones stemming from their arrest in May.
Many had speculated, and we had previously reported, that the district attorney, Jerry Jones, would suspend or reduce the charges against the pair as he had a history of working with young people, especially those who had never been in trouble before. Robinson and Jones both fit that profile and everyone was hopeful.
D.A. Jones commented, "I want to emphasize once again that the main reason I’m doing this is that I refuse to ruin the lives of two young men who have spent their adolescence and teenage years, working and sweating, while we were all in the air conditioning."
He further commented, "I'm dismissing this case because I refuse to ruin the careers of two young men who worked very hard ... to obtain the ability to play a game and therefore make themselves more upwardly mobile. Destroying the lives of two young men over the possession of .5 grams of marijuana is not something I'm willing to do."
What does this do for Robinson and Jones concerning Alabama football? It should, of course, mean they will remain on the team and be able to play this fall. What it doesn't mean, however, is that nothing will be done by Alabama head football coach Nick Saban. Saban has been known as a strict disciplinarian, but with no charges now existing it's hard to say what, if anything, Saban might do concerning disciplinary or corrective action. Even if some sort of punishment is handed down, the public may not hear of it.
Saban had briefly addressed the issue back on May 18th concerning the pair pending the outcome of the case against Robinson and Jones. Saban said, "If we can change their behavior based on what we do, that would be the purpose of discipline. Discipline is not necessarily just punishment, which a lot of people view it that way. It's how do you change somebody's behavior so they have a better chance to be successful.
"That's the way we've always done it. That's the way we always try to do it. That's the way I like to do it with my own children. I think that's the way most parents like to do it with their own children."
No new statement, either from Saban or the university, has been made since the district attorney has decided not to prosecute Robinson and Jones due to insufficient evidence.
However, it should be noted, the case has not been dropped. Should new evidence arise the case can indeed be reopened. As it stands now the pair are free to live their lives.
Laurence "Hootie" Jones
Photo Credit: Desertsun.com
KNOE Photo
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JUCO Cornerback Jhavonte Dean Impresses Saban
Jhavonte Dean
Photo Credit: Buccaneer Sports
University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban is impressed by JUCO cornerback Jhavonte Dean out of Blinn College in Texas. The 6' 2", 180-pounder has earned a scholarship offer from the Crimson Tide.
Dean, origninally from Homestead, Florida, has received offers from Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Miami, UCF, Cincinnati and Utah among others.
Speaking with AL.com, Dean said, "I did a private workout with (head) coach (Nick) Saban and coach
Derrick Ansley, the defensive backs coach. I did some
individual drills and we got to 1-on-1s and after that, I got a chance
to talk to coach Nick Saban and he talked to me about the offer.
Graduation for Dean wouldn't be until next May so he wouldn't be able to join the Tide for spring practice, should he make Alabama his choice. He commented that he is looking to make a commitment in late August or early September.
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Kivon Bennett Shuns The Crimson Tide
Three-star defensive tackle Kivon Bennett from St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, Florida committed to Tennessee yesterday. The 6-foot-3 and 265 poundser is ranked as the No. 36 defensive tackle prospect nationally according to the 247Sports composite.
The younger Bennett held 28 offers, according to his 247Sports profile. One was from Alabama,
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Smith Hinton Transfers To Alabama Women's Tennis
Kansas-To-Bama Transfer Smith Hinton
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
Alabama women's head coach Jenny Mainz said yesterday, "We're enthusiastic about Smith joining our Alabama tennis family. Smith brings a wealth of experience to our team as she’s played at the top of the lineup at Kansas. She has continued to elevate her game and was recognized with All-Big 12 honors last year. Smith is undoubtedly going to positively impact our team."
Hinton was one of two Kansas Jayhawks last season to pick up all-conference honors, which was the first time Kansas produced an all-Big 12 performer since 2008. Hinton, who played primarily on court two, won 10 matches in singles throughout the dual match season and 19 overall. In doubles competition, she posted a 24-8 combined mark with three different partners.
Hinton won 11 matches in singles and another eight in doubles during her freshman season. She was named the Co-Big 12 Player of the Week on April 6, 2015 after leading the Jayhawks to a victory over in-state rival Kansas State.
