Tulane University quarterback TJ Finley was arrested on Wednesday in New Orleans for alleged possession of a stolen vehicle. The 23-year-old was charged with illegally possessing stolen property valued over $25,000 and was subsequently released.
According to court documents, police responded to a complaint about a truck blocking a driveway near Tulane’s Yulman Stadium. Upon running the vehicle’s license plate, officers discovered it was registered to a different vehicle owned by Finley. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle identification number matched that of a Dodge Ram reported stolen from Atlanta. When officers arrived, Finley attempted to move the truck and informed them he had recently purchased it in Atlanta.
Following his arrest, Tulane University announced Finley’s indefinite suspension from the football program pending the outcome of the case. The university stated, “We are aware of a situation involving TJ Finley. He has been suspended from the football program pending the outcome of the case.”
Finley’s attorneys, David I. Courcelle and Scott C. Stansbury, contend that their client is a victim of a Facebook Marketplace scam. They assert that Finley purchased the used pickup truck from an individual claiming to represent Mountain Adventures LLC, who provided a bill of sale and registration, leading Finley to believe the transaction was legitimate. The attorneys stated, “Within three days of the purchase, Tulane police informed TJ that the truck had been reported stolen.”
Finley’s collegiate football journey has been extensive. He began his career at LSU in 2020, starting five games and recording 941 passing yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions. He then transferred to Auburn for the 2021 and 2022 seasons but did not secure the starting quarterback position. In 2023, Finley played for Texas State, earning an All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention after throwing for 3,439 yards and 24 touchdowns. He spent the 2024 season at Western Kentucky before transferring to Tulane in December 2024.
This arrest is not Finley’s first encounter with legal issues. During his time at Auburn, he had previous interactions with law enforcement, though details of those incidents have not been specified.
As the legal process unfolds, Finley’s future with Tulane’s football program remains uncertain. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 1. The university has refrained from further comment, citing federal student privacy laws.
This situation underscores the importance of vigilance when purchasing vehicles from private sellers. Authorities recommend conducting thorough research and verifying the legitimacy of the seller and the vehicle’s history to avoid potential scams.
As more information becomes available, updates will be provided on Finley’s legal proceedings and his status with the Tulane Green Wave football team.
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