The college football career of Alabama recruit Tony Mitchell didn't get off to the ideal start after he was arrested for marijuana possession in an incident where the car he was in also had a gun in addition to scales and cash, after it had evaded police. That led to the Crimson Tide suspending the player from the program.
Now, Mitchell is going public with a statement, noting how he has leaned on his religious faith to get through the ordeal, also offering his thanks to Alabama and his family during that time, and sharing a message for his fellow athletes.
"I just want to start off by thanking God for not just being there for me, but also for slowing me down," Mitchell said in the video posted to Twitter.
"Even though this situation was beyond hard for me, I find joy knowing that, if God didn't start where he did, something much bigger could have happened."
Mitchell thanks Alabama
Mitchell added: "I also want to thank Alabama football for seeing my potential and giving me a second chance. I am grateful for everyone who supported me through this hard time. Every day, just thinking the possibility of it all being over with devastated me.
"I didn’t know if I would get to play football again but I continued to work out and stay close with the Lord and those who love me unconditionally. During these times, they helped me to keep my mind off it.
"But when I was by myself and looking at social media where everybody had something to say about it? It felt like it happened again. I couldn’t sleep at night. Everyone’s always going to have something to say about you, whether you’re right or wrong. But I appreciate my family for always being there for me and their constant advice."
His message to players
"I was doing things knowing I shouldn’t to try to fit in. But not everybody’s your friend and I learned this when I looked around and saw our morals didn’t align,” Mitchell said.
“And, to all the athletes here tonight, just keep pursuing your dreams. God’s got a designated path for you and all your talents are from the Lord. Do not let anyone or anything distract you from your purpose. Keep a small circle of people that truly love and care about you. And always work hard because it’ll pay off in the end."
Legal situation
As far as Mitchell's legal matter goes, it was resolved when a court sentenced him to three years of probation at the end of May.
As part of the sentence, Mitchell must complete 100 hours of community service. He originally led no contest to the charges.
Alabama also lifted its suspension of the player at the start of June, according to the player's father, who celebrated his son returning to the team in a Facebook post.
Tony Mitchell as a recruit
Mitchell was a highly-regarded high school football prospect from the state of Alabama since his middle school playing days.
Originally a Tennessee commit, Mitchell pledged to Alabama in June as a member of the school's consensus No. 1 ranked football recruiting class.
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