It appears the door is wide open for Alphonse Taylor‘s unfettered return to the playing field when Alabama kicks off the new season this weekend. Maybe
Stephanie Taylor of the Tuscaloosa News was the first to report that Taylor had been not guilty of driving under the influence. Al.com subsequently confirmed the news.
The offensive lineman was arrested and charged with driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident last month. It was subsequently reported that Taylor, who called police himself to notify them that he had hit another vehicle, took two breathalyzer tests and both came back at 0.0.
“Of course I am pleased with this verdict,” Taylor’s attorney, Jason Neff, told the News. “I hope Mr. Taylor will have an opportunity to move forward with his football career.”
Neff added that "[t]he judge is expected to issue a ruling on the leaving the scene of an accident charge after the vehicle that was struck has been repaired,” the News wrote.
It was announced the day after his arrest that Taylor had been indefinitely suspended, although he has since been permitted to practice with the team. His status for Saturday’s opener against USC is unclear at the moment.
A redshirt senior, Taylor has played in 35 games during his time in Tuscaloosa, starting 17 of those contests. 15 of his starts came at right guard during the Tide’s run to the title in 2015.
Last month, the media tabbed the redshirt senior as second-team preseason All-SEC.