The case of a mistaken phone charger resulted in a felony charge for former Alabama football star Marlon Humphrey.
The Baltimore Ravens' cornerback was shocked Thursday morning to learn there was a warrant for his arrest stemming from a Jan. 13 incident on the Alabama campus. Charged with third-degree robbery, Humphrey spent a few hours in Tuscaloosa County Jail after turning himself into police. He was released on $2,500 bond.
What happens from here?
Humphrey's attorney, Paul Patterson, said they hope the district attorney will drop the charges after reviewing the case. If that is denied, it will go to a grand jury to decide if the case continues on to trial.
"The criminal setting is never a quick process," Patterson told AL.com, "but hopefully there will be a dismissal sooner than later."
If it goes to the grand jury, it could be a three-to-six-month process. Patterson was not aware of an initial court date in the matter.
Patterson said they have witnesses that back up Humphrey's side of the story.
It all started with a 2 a.m. Uber ride on Jan. 13 from the Strip near campus to the Hotel Capstone. Humphrey asked to borrow a phone charger for his iPhone. The driver handed him one, which turned out to be for an Android phone. It was valued at $15, according to the incident report.
Patterson said Humphrey exited the car with the charger and the unnamed driver responded.
"The Uber driver escalated this matter and confronted Marlon and Marlon never threw a punch," Patterson said. "Sadly, the Uber driver was able to get a warrant."
The driver said he was elbowed but it did not cause an injury.
"I have a feeling if Marlon Humphrey throws an elbow at an individual," Patterson said, "that individual would be hurt."
The lawyer also said it was clear the driver knew who Humphrey was, based on statements from witnesses at the scene.
"Marlon is saddened by this because he knows it's an honest mistake," Patterson said. "He's confused and perplexed as to how an Uber driver could go down and be able to secure a warrant for his arrest over something so simple and innocent. He realizes there are individuals out there who will not believe his side of the story but fortunately, we have eye witnesses that will support our position 100 percent."
Humphrey just completed the first of a four-year contract with the Ravens worth $11.8 million. The 16th pick in last year's draft started five of the 16 games in 2017, made 30 tackles and intercepted two passes.
Michael Casagrande is an Alabama beat writer for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @ByCasagrande.