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Arrest Details:: Finley was arrested on Wednesday, April 3, 2025, by Tulane Police near the university stadium.
The Charge:: He was booked for illegal possession of a stolen item valued at over $25,000.
Vehicle Origin:: The vehicle, a Dodge Ram truck, was reportedly stolen from Atlanta, Georgia. Police identified it after finding it blocking a driveway; the license plate was registered to Finley but for a different vehicle, while the VIN matched the stolen truck.
Finley's Account:: According to court documents and police reports, Finley told authorities he had recently purchased the truck in Atlanta.
Release & Suspension:: Finley was booked into the Orleans Parish Jail but has since been released. Tulane University announced his suspension from the football program pending the outcome of the case.
Why This Matters:: The arrest and suspension disrupt Tulane's quarterback situation, especially as Finley was expected to compete for the starting role after transferring. It also marks another legal issue for Finley, who faced charges in Alabama in 2022.
T.J. Finley's journey through college football has seen him play for multiple high-profile programs, including LSU and Auburn, before stints at Texas State and Western Kentucky, and finally transferring to Tulane in December 2024. He was anticipated to contend for the starting quarterback position following Darian Mensah's departure.
This recent arrest stems from police investigating a Dodge Ram truck found blocking a driveway near Tulane Stadium. While the license plate was linked to Finley, it was for a different vehicle. A check of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) revealed the truck was reported stolen from Atlanta. Finley reportedly claimed he had recently purchased the vehicle there.
The charge of possessing a stolen item valued over $25,000 is serious. Tulane Athletics responded promptly, suspending Finley indefinitely from all team activities while the legal process unfolds, citing student privacy laws for limiting further comment. This incident follows a previous arrest in 2022 in Alabama, where Finley was charged with attempting to elude police.
The suspension comes during spring practice, a crucial time for team development and position battles. It leaves Tulane potentially needing to reassess its quarterback depth chart.
What was T.J. Finley arrested for?
He was arrested and booked for illegal possession of a stolen item valued at over $25,000, specifically a truck reported stolen from Atlanta.
What is T.J. Finley's status with the Tulane football team?
Tulane University has suspended him from the football program indefinitely, pending the outcome of the legal case.
Has T.J. Finley been in legal trouble before?
Yes, he was arrested in Alabama in 2022 for attempting to elude police.
Impact on Tulane:: Finley's suspension creates uncertainty at a key position for the Green Wave football team during their spring practice period.
Legal Consequences:: Finley faces a serious felony charge related to possessing stolen property.
Career Implications:: This incident could significantly impact Finley's collegiate career, especially given his previous legal issue and multiple transfers.
This news adds another layer to T.J. Finley's complex college football career. How do you think this will affect Tulane's upcoming season?
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