Alabama LB Dillon Lee Arrested on DUI Charges

Alabama linebacker Dillon Lee, a true junior who is competing to start on the Crimson Tide's 2014 defense, was arrested Thursday and released on $1,000 bond for driving under the influence, according to Aaron Suttles of TideSports.com.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban is aware of the arrest and issued the following statement: "I don't have all of the details at this point and will handle it appropriately once I've had a chance to review all of the information."

Lee was a 4-star recruit and the No. 101 overall player on the 247Sports Composite in 2012, checking in as one of the 10 best outside linebackers in the class. He appeared in all 13 games as a sophomore last season and recorded 16 tackles—mostly as one of the team's best coverage players on special teams.

Known as the "wild man" within the Crimson Tide's locker room, Lee's motor has earned him on-field praise from coaches and teammates alike. Saban lauded him earlier in spring practice, saying he thinks Lee "will be a really good player for us," per Michael Casagrande of AL.com.

However, for all of the good he reportedly does on the field, this is not the first time Lee has gotten in trouble off of it: He was one of two players, along with Ryan Anderson, sent home from the 2013 BCS National Championship Game after breaking curfew, per Andrew Gribble of AL.com.

A DUI arrest is obviously a little more serious than that.

Even without the arrest (and any potential suspension), Lee was locked in a loaded battle to start for Alabama next season.

He is capable of playing both inside and out, and that versatility should continue to help his chances, but given the depth of former blue-chip prospects competing with him, every step Lee takes in the wrong direction is a big one.

We'll keep you posted as we learn more.