Redshirt freshman linebacker D’Angelo “D.J.” Barber, 19, of Auburn University, was arrested July 7 during a routine vehicle stop by Dadeville police . Officers discovered an estimated 2.5 pounds of marijuana, THC vapes, digital scales, paraphernalia, $1,897 in cash, and a Glock 19 9mm pistol—all in the backseat or center console of the vehicle.
According to the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force, Barber was charged with:
- Trafficking marijuana (Class A felony in Alabama)
- Unlawful possession of a controlled substance
- Unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia
Barber’s passenger, 19-year-old Marcell Brewster, was also arrested and charged with second-degree possession of marijuana and paraphernalia . Both individuals were booked, with Barber’s bond set high due to the seriousness of felony charges .
⚖️ Off-The-Field Consequences & Team Response
Within 24 hours, Auburn’s coaching staff—led by Hugh Freeze—announced Barber was dismissed from the team for violating conduct rules. Athletic department officials confirmed the move, underscoring that the charges stood in direct conflict with Auburn’s standards of conduct .
Head coach Freeze expressed disappointment, stating Barber’s actions were “completely unacceptable” and that leadership must uphold team integrity and values.
🏈 Player Background & Potential Upside
Barber was a three-star linebacker from Clay-Chalkville High in Alabama, ranked No. 31 in the state and No. 50 nationally. Listed at 5’11” and 233 lbs, he redshirted the 2024 season, appearing in one game during a lopsided win over Alabama A&M—but made no statistical impact .
Still, Barber had earned respect as a physical, gritty defender and was expected to contribute significantly in the 2025 season. His abrupt exit leaves a depth gap in Auburn’s linebacker corps, already thin due to transfers and graduations.
🔍 Legal & Academic Fallout
Barber faces serious legal consequences if convicted:
- Trafficking marijuana in Alabama carries penalties of up to 99 years in prison and steep fines
- The gun charge—possession of a firearm during a drug crime—could intensify sentencing
- Convictions would jeopardize his academic standing, Auburn scholarship, and potential future eligibility
His attorney will likely seek plea negotiations on lesser charges, but the scale of evidence makes dismissal from legal repercussions unlikely.
💡 Broader Implications: College Athlete Behavior
Barber’s arrest is the latest instance in a troubling trend across college football. Similar cases have impacted teams across the SEC, casting scrutiny on:
- Recruiting processes: Are programs properly vetting character and risk?
- Support systems: Are athletes given adequate education around drug and firearm laws?
- Enforcement consistency: Punishments vary—Auburn’s quick dismissal is stronger than some peers.
Barber’s case underscores the need for stronger institutional safeguards and accountability across collegiate athletics.
D’Angelo Barber’s exact NIL value remains undisclosed, but public data offers insight into his earning potential:
- As a redshirt freshman linebacker at Auburn, his brand strength and roster position suggest moderate NIL appeal.
- On3.com lists his commercial profile but marks “NIL value: undisclosed”, indicating he hasn’t yet secured high-value NIL deals—or the value remains private.
- The Auburn NIL Store recently added a “Navy Sideline Tee” listing under Barber’s name, priced at $39.99, signaling modest initial solo merchandise sales.
Barber is still early in his earning journey:
- Compared to elite Auburn names like Tank Bigsby or Spencer Rattler, who command five-figure per-post deals, Barber’s ROI remains minimal.
- His NIL baseline is currently under $10K annually, typical for non-star freshmen.
- That said, as he enters his sophomore year, on-field performance and media narrative could push his NIL value into the mid-five‑figure range—if he seizes visibility opportunities.
✔ Key Takeaways on NIL Value
| Factor | Barber Today | Potential Growth |
|---|---|---|
| NIL Baseline | Unreported | Up to ~$10K/year |
| Merchandise Deals | $39.99 Tee listing | Foundation for future fan engagement |
| Future Metrics | NFL hopes, media presence | Could trigger 5-figure brand deals |
Bottom line: D’Angelo Barber’s NIL impact is currently modest, but his athletic upside and Auburn platform offer room for rapid growth—if he can maintain discipline, improve on-field, and leverage exposure.
🧠 Distinct Athlete Perspective
At Distinct Athlete, we see Barber’s arrest as a pivotal moment for Auburn, the SEC, and college football at large:
- For Auburn: Losing Barber creates both strategic and reputational fallout. The coaching stability and NCAA compliance frameworks will soon be under review.
- For SEC programs: A pattern of disciplinary issues shows a need for stricter prevention, not just reaction.
- For athletes: Knowing the life-changing stakes—both athletic and legal—should shape conduct, even as away-from-field temptations arise.
In this high-stakes world, one impulsive decision can derail careers before they begin.
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💬 Let’s Talk
Is dismissal the right call, or too harsh for a redshirt freshman? How should schools balance second chances and accountability?
Join the conversation on Instagram, X, and Facebook @DistinctAthlete with #BarberCase.
