Deon Johnson: Alabama Must Let Go of 4-Star Commit Arrested on Rape Charges

No matter how talented a football player is, there is a line that can be crossed that will instantly make him undesirable as a commitment. Alabama 4-star commit Deon Johnson has allegedly crossed that line.

According to Andrew Gribble on AL.com, Johnson was arrested on Thursday on rape and sodomy charges, as first reported by WKRG:

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Deon "D.J." Johnson, a star athlete at Spanish Fort High who committed to Alabama in April, was arrested Thursday on charges of second-degree rape and sodomy.

Johnson, 18, was booked at the Baldwin County Corrections Center at 8:43 p.m. on Thursday. According to the Baldwin County Sheriff's website, he has been released on $20,000 bond.

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The Crimson Tide would be wise to distance themselves from Johnson as soon as possible.

Character concerns are always a hot topic when it comes to athletes, both pro and college. Often, when an athlete makes a mistake and is contrite about it, he or she is awarded a second chance to be part of the team and even play.

This is not and should never be an instance where a second chance is allowed.

Even to be accused of rape is a serious red flag about someone's character, and there's no room for that type of person on a college football team, especially for a program as prestigious as Alabama.

It's important to note that the details of this arrest still aren't out, but it's a serious alleged crime, and the fact that he was arrested on those charges alone is enough to garner a withdrawal of Alabama's offer.

Johnson may be talented, but all of that has been thrown out the window.

We'll see how the legal process plays out, but in the meantime, Alabama needs to cut ties with Johnson.