Auburn QB arrested after allegedly eluding police officers

Dec 28, 2021; Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback TJ Finley (1) looks to pass against the Houston Cougars during the first half of the 2021 Birmingham Bowl at Protective Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

TJ Finley is competing for a starting quarterback job at Auburn heading into the 2022 season, but training camp did not get off to the best start for him this week.

Finley was arrested on Thursday after a warrant was issued stemming from two alleged incidents last month. The 20-year-old turned himself in and was booked at the Lee County detention center on a charge of attempt to elude police.

According to Auburn police, Finley was seen riding his motorcycle without a helmet near Jordan-Hare Stadium on July 26. Officers attempted to pull him over on two separate occasions to cite him for riding without a helmet, which is illegal in Alabama. Finley allegedly eluded police and officers ended their pursuit in both instances “as a matter of safety.”

Although Finley eluded police, they were still able to identify him. That led to the warrant being issued.

Finley signed for his own bond and was released shortly after 11 a.m. on Thursday. Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin said he expects the junior to continue to practice and that the team and school have been made aware of the situation.

Finley’s attorney, Davis Whittelsey, said in a statement that the incident was all a “misunderstanding” over traffic violations.

Finley is competing with Texas A&M transfer Zach Calzada and others for Auburn’s starting quarterback job. He started three games for the Tigers last season after Bo Nix went down with a season-ending ankle injury. Finley appeared in nine games in total and threw for 827 yards, six touchdowns and one interception.