The Auburn Tigers began fall camp at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Thursday for the 2022 college football season.
Head coach Bryan Harsin is heading into his second season with the Tigers, following a losing (6-7) season.
As a result of the losing season and some off the field issues, questions lingered about Harsin’s job security.
With him now back in the saddle, he and his staff have the unenviable task of replacing three-year starter Bo Nix, who transferred to Oregon this offseason.
One of those vying to replace Nix, is junior T.J. Finley, who filled in pretty well last season when Nix was injured. However, Finley was arrested Thursday as camp opened due to charges stemming from a July 26 incident.
Finley’s lawyer Davis Whittelsey issued this statement about the arrest.
“The charges pending against my client, T.J. Finley, are the result of traffic violations and a misunderstanding. The charges are in the process of being handled in municipal court within the City of Auburn as all traffic citations are. As soon as T.J. learned of the charges, he turned himself in and has been released on bond he signed for himself. His first day of football camp with Auburn University has been a success.”
Those charges stem from riding his moped without a helmet. And other traffic violations that accompany those charges.
TJ Finley’s attorney confirms the incident stems from a violation for riding his moped without a helmet. Full statement here: pic.twitter.com/soNnyZ27II
— Tom Green (@Tomas_Verde) August 4, 2022
Finley was reportedly back on campus and ready to entrench himself in the Tigers starting QB battle.
Harsin Says Finley Is Back With Team And Ready To Roll
Upon Finley’s arrival back on campus Thursday afternoon, Harsin said, “He’s here. He’ll be here tonight. He’ll practice tomorrow. We’re aware of what’s going on.”
With the Tigers in rebuild mode down on the plains, Harsin is in search of signal-caller to lead his team. Finley would seem to have a leg up on the others after finishing the season with over 800 yards passing, six touchdowns and just one interception.
Official statement from Auburn police department on the arrest of Auburn QB T.J. Finley: pic.twitter.com/KAWQVe2EHn
— Nathan King (@NathanKing247) August 4, 2022
Finley Is First To Sign NIL Deal With Amazon
Finley’s arrest comes on the heels of the strong-armed QB becoming the first college football player to sign with Amazon. The deal allows the former four-star recruit to now sell his own merchandise, including hoodie, phone cases, pop socket and more. In fact, Finley took to Instagram to show off his “Nobody Cares, Work Harder,” hoodie.
Now, Finley needs to take heed to his own words and put this behind him and look to win the starting QB job at Auburn. If he does, a solid season down on “The Plains” becomes much more plausible.
