Former Alabama and Georgia defensive tackle Jonathan Taylor has landed on the FCS level, specifically with the Southland’s Southeastern Louisiana Lions. ESPN reported the story.
It’s a somewhat controversial but also predictable ending for Taylor, who was dismissed from both Georgia and Alabama following arrests for domestic violence at each university. Taylor was dismissed from Alabama in the spring after his arrest.
In fact, it was Taylor’s signing with Alabama that caused the SEC to adopt a rule which stated that member schools could not accept transfers who had committed “serious misconduct” including domestic violence, sexual assault or other sexual violence.
Thus, Taylor finds himself with an FCS program. He won’t be able to suit up until next season, his final year of eligibility, but SELA released a statement on the addition of Taylor.
“While we are aware of past controversies, Jonathan has not been found guilty for the incidents he was accused of that led to his dismissal from his prior institutions,” the school said in a statement Wednesday. “The Director of Athletics and Head Football Coach have met with Jonathan to outline the expectations of a Southeastern student-athlete. Southeastern Louisiana holds its student-athletes to high standards both on and off the field and we expect Jonathan, as well as all of our student-athletes, to adhere to those standards.”
That’s somewhat inaccurate, as the case that got Taylor dismissed from Georgia is still pending and the one in Alabama was plead down to criminal mischief after the victim recanted her claims.
Needless to say, however, Taylor’s football career is now running on borrowed time, so he had better make the most of it if he wants to keep playing past the collegiate level.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports