Tony Mitchell shares public apology after arrest, suspension
Tony Mitchell’s collegiate career got off on anything but the right foot. He was arrested back in March for marijuana possession in an incident where the vehicle he was in, which also contained a gun as well as scales and cash, evaded police. That then subsequently led to a suspension from Alabama’s football program.
Now, Mitchell has shared his own words on the matter in a video he shared on Twitter on Sunday evening. In the clip, he thanks God, the Crimson Tide, and his family for helping him to learn during this difficult time in his life while also sharing a message with other athletes to not go along with things you shouldn’t just to ‘fit in’.
“I just want to start off by thanking God for not just being there for me but also for slowing me down,” Mitchell said. “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.”
“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,” Mitchell continued. “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.”
“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,” said Mitchell. “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.”
Mitchell’s matter was resolved as a court sentenced him to three years of probation at the end of May. As part of that sentence, he must also complete 100 hours of community service. This all came after he pled no contest to the charges.
As far as Alabama, Mitchell has made progress as well as his suspension was reported as lifted on June 1st. That news of his reinstatement came from his father via a post on his social media pages.
On3’s Industry Rankings rated Mitchell as a four-star prospect and Top-125 recruit in 2023. The rankings have him listed as a Top-10 safety and Top-15 player out of Alabama as a native of Alabaster. He committed in June 2022 and is a member of the Crimson Tide’s No. 1 recruiting class in 2023.
Again, Mitchell’s time in Tuscaloosa couldn’t have started off much worse. With these words, though, all that those around him can hope for is that this situation will have him on the right path from this point on.