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Jeff Goodman, ESPN Insider 11y

Devonta Pollard leaves Alabama

Men's College Basketball, Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama freshman Devonta Pollard has decided to withdraw from school in the midst of legal issues, the Crimson Tide announced in a statement on Monday afternoon.

The 6-foot-8 forward, who averaged 3.9 points and 3.1 rebounds this past season, was charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping earlier this month in his home state of Mississippi. Prosecutors claim Pollard's mother, Jesse Mae Pollard, allegedly took a 6-year-old girl from her elementary school on April 30 to pressure the child's mother in a land dispute.

"Devonta has endured a very challenging time these past few months due to the legal issues involving him and his family," Alabama coach Anthony Grant said in the statement. "Our primary concern is and has always been his well-being and doing what is in his best interest. In light of the issues at hand, we felt it best to allow him the time he needed to focus solely on family without having to address his status as a student-athlete. In a recent meeting with Devonta, he informed me that he and his family have decided that he needs to withdraw from The University of Alabama so that he can be closer to his family during this difficult time. Devonta has my full support with his decision. It was a pleasure coaching him this past season. As this is an ongoing legal situation, I cannot comment further."

Pollard lost his father to cancer in high school and will return to Mississippi to be closer to his family. Multiple sources told ESPN.com that basketball is not his primary concern right now.

CBS Sports earlier reported that Pollard was no longer enrolled at the university.

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