Pair of former UA players arrested

TUSCALOOSA | Former University of Alabama defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick and former UA teammate Chris Rogers were arrested in Florida and booked by the Manatee County (Fla.) Sheriff's Office for possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana Tuesday morning, according to a police report.

Kirkpatrick was booked shortly before 1 a.m. and was bonded out for $120 cash. Rogers' charge and bond were the same. Court dates for both were set for Feb. 21.

According to the arrest report by the Palmetto Police Department, Kirkpatrick was the front-seat passenger in a truck that was stopped for driving on the wrong side of the road. A police canine alerted the officer to the presence of drugs, and the officer discovered 7.9 grams of marijuana on the floorboard at Kirkpatrick's feet. According to the report, Kirkpatrick admitted after being advised of his rights that he was present in the car when the drugs were purchased, but did not know at the time that drugs were being purchased.

Efforts to reach Rogers were unsusccessful.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Christopher Airruen Rogers, who admitted, according to the report, to purchasing the drugs after being advised of his rights. Rogers is a former defensive back for the Crimson Tide and was a teammate of Kirkpatrick's on Alabama's 2009 national championship team. According to the report, Rogers was driving a rental vehicle.

Kirkpatrick, a junior cornerback, declared early eligibility for the NFL Draft last week, and draft services have projected him as a high-to-mid first-round choice. He was a two-year starter for the Crimson Tide and made 30 tackles during UA's 2011 national championship season.

Reach Chase Goodbread at chase.goodbread@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0196.