Alabama drops Jonathan Taylor from team after domestic-violence arrest

Alabama football Coach Nick Saban dismissed Jonathan Taylor from the team Sunday, hours after the defensive tackle was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence for the second time in less than a year.

Taylor was arrested by Tuscaloosa, Ala., police Saturday after a woman reported she was assaulted by the 6-foot-4, 330-pound junior. Police reported that the 24-year-old woman, who said she was Taylor’s girlfriend, had injuries to her neck.

Taylor, 21, was charged with third-degree assault and domestic violence and third-degree criminal mischief. He was being held in Tuscaloosa County Jail on $1,000 bond early Sunday.

Taylor signed with Alabama in January, about six months after he was dismissed from the University of Georgia following his arrest on suspicion of domestic-violence charges stemming from an incident with another girlfriend.

“When he was given an opportunity here, it was under strict guidelines and we made it clear there was a zero-tolerance policy,” Saban said.

Alabama Athletic Director Bill Battle supported the decision to part ways with Taylor.

“Jonathan was afforded a chance to successfully overcome the difficulties that resulted in his departure from the University of Georgia,” Battle said in a statement. “Unfortunately, it appears that he was unable to do so, in spite of extensive efforts to assist him.”

In February, Saban defended his decision to sign Taylor even though a University of Georgia police report said Taylor punched and choked his girlfriend last summer. Taylor also was among four Georgia football players arrested in March 2014 for allegedly receiving double payments of $71.50 in checks issued by the school’s athletic department.

“I know the sensitivity of the issue and we’re going to do what we can to help this young man have success here,” Saban said in February.

Alabama spokeswoman Deborah Lane said Taylor was admitted “following the same procedures that the UA admissions office uses to evaluate any student who has dealt with legal issues.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.