A former University of Alabama linebacker faces multiple charges after police accused him of driving drunk and leading an officer on a chase through downtown Mobile over the holiday weekend.
Officers said they spotted Ralph Staten, 45, speeding and running stop signs near Government Street and Claiborne Street around 4:45 a.m. Friday, Nov. 27. According to police, Staten refused to stop and led an officer on a short pursuit before pulling over and surrendering.
From Traffic Stop to Jail Charges
The arresting officer reported that Staten appeared intoxicated when he got out of the car. He was booked on charges of attempting to elude police, reckless driving, and driving under the influence.
Mobile police say intake officers at Metro Jail then found a small bag of marijuana in his possession, adding counts of marijuana possession and promoting prison contraband.
Staten was a standout for the Crimson Tide in the mid-1990s, earning All-SEC honors at linebacker during his senior year in 1996. The Baltimore Ravens drafted him in 1997, and he spent two seasons in the NFL.