Former Alabama coach Nick Saban has publicly backed Terrion Arnold as the former Detroit Lions cornerback continues to battle criminal charges.

According to a report by Bama247 on June 30, Saban submitted a character reference to a Florida judge ahead of Arnold's bond hearing. The letter became public after it was filed with the court.

"I write this letter because of the exceptional character I witnessed in Terrion Arnold over the more than six years I have known him," Saban wrote. "While I'm not overly familiar with or educated on the charges he is facing, I understand the seriousness of his situation before the court.”

Saban also said that Arnold made an immediate impression after arriving at Alabama in 2021. He impressed the team with his talent and the way he carried himself off the field. 

“I would respectfully ask the Court to take into account my experience with Terrion, his character, history and the positive impact he had on our program," wrote Saban in the letter as published by Bama247.

The seven-time national champion said Arnold regularly spent time with his family. He consistently treated everyone around the program with respect. 

The letter came at a time when Arnold's legal situation took another dramatic turn.

Arnold's future remains uncertain after Lions release

Arnold was arrested last week on multiple felony charges, including armed robbery and kidnapping, in February. 

After the release on Monday, a Florida judge granted him a $1 million bond in a court hearing, as per the same report.

After a few hours, the Detroit Lions released the former first-round pick as per ESPN, ending his tenure with the franchise. Arnold is now on waivers and will become a free agent if no team submits a claim.

Saban was not the only member of his family to publicly support Arnold.

After the arrest, Saban's daughter, Kristen, shared a message on her Instagram story.

“I know the character of T, he’s like a brother to me, and this has been incredibly hard to watch. I'm praying for truth, justice, and for everyone affected as the legal process unfolds," said Kristen, as published by NDD.

Arnold spent three seasons under Saban at Alabama before becoming a first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

While Saban's letter is unlikely to influence the NFL's handling of Arnold's future, it offers a rare glimpse of how the coach views one of his former players.

Do you think this letter will affect the proceedings?

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi