Auburn DB Stephen Roberts arrested on misdemeanor charges

The junior is expected to play a major role for new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele this fall.

An Auburn University football player was arrested Wednesday on charges of attempting to elude a police officer and possession of a firearm without a permit, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office confirms. Per the arrest report, Roberts was arrested on Wednesday night during a traffic stop.

The Opelika native was later released from the Lee County Detention Center on bond. Each charge is a Class A misdemeanor, and carries a penalty of no more than one year in jail and a fin up to $6,000.

Roberts court date is set for November 17 at 8 a.m.in Lee County.

“Coach Gus Malzahn is aware of the situation”, an Auburn spokesman confirmed to Inside The Auburn Tigers. Roberts was projected to be Auburn’s starting free safety but he also has been practicing at cornerback. He started the last four games of the season, and appeared in 13 games in 2015.

Roberts is the fifth Auburn player arrested this offseason. Byron Cowart, Carlton Davis, Ryan Davis and Jeremiah Dinson were arrested in May for marijuana possession.

The punishment for those four players was handled internally, and none of the four will miss any playing time during the 2016 season.

The Tigers open the season against Clemson on September 3 at 8 P.M. CDT on ESPN.