The Alabama Crimson Tide will be without one of their young defensive contributors, as sophomore defensive back has been suspended indefinitely following his arrest over the weekend.
According to multiple reports, top star was taken into custody in Tuscaloosa and charged with three counts of reckless endangerment, along with one count each of attempting to elude police and speeding. The incident reportedly took place, though further details surrounding the arrest have not yet been released.
Kirkpatrick — the son of former Alabama and NFL cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick Sr. — was later released from Tuscaloosa County Jail after posting a $1,500 bond. Head coach Kalen DeBoer addressed the situation during his Monday press conference, confirming that disciplinary action had been taken.
“Based on the information I have right now, I spoke with Dre, and we’ve decided to suspend him indefinitely,” DeBoer said. “He understands that his actions carry consequences.”
The suspension comes at a critical point in Alabama’s season, with the No. 4-ranked Crimson Tide preparing for a pivotal SEC showdown against LSU at Bryant-Denny Stadium this weekend. Kirkpatrick’s absence will further test the depth of a young secondary that has shown steady improvement throughout the year.
Before his suspension, the sophomore had appeared in all eight games this season, recording eight total tackles and one forced fumble. While not a starter, Kirkpatrick had become a reliable rotational player on defense and special teams, earning valuable experience in Alabama’s retooled secondary.
The younger Kirkpatrick arrived in Tuscaloosa with plenty of expectations attached to his name. A three-star recruit from Gadsden, Alabama, he followed in the footsteps of his father — a former five-star recruit and first-round NFL Draft pick — who starred for the Tide from 2009 to 2011 under Nick Saban.
Kirkpatrick Sr. went on to enjoy a 10-year NFL career, playing for the Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals, and San Francisco 49ers between 2012 and 2021. His son had embraced that legacy while carving his own path in DeBoer’s defense this season.
For now, however, that journey is on pause as Alabama awaits further developments in the case. The program has not provided a timeline for Kirkpatrick Jr.’s potential return, emphasizing instead the importance of accountability both on and off the field.
As the Tide turn their focus to LSU, the message from DeBoer is clear: discipline and responsibility remain non-negotiable pillars of the Alabama standard.