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College football quarterback TJ Finley of Tulane University is claiming to be the victim of a Facebook Marketplace scam after his recent arrest related to a stolen pickup truck. The athlete’s legal team asserts he unknowingly acquired the vehicle and is cooperating with authorities.
Tulane Quarterback Claims Facebook Marketplace Scam in Stolen Truck Case
Attorneys representing the 23-year-old Finley maintain he is an ‘unwitting victim’ of an online scheme via Facebook Marketplace. This situation has led to his arrest in Louisiana and subsequent suspension from Tulane’s spring practices.
Arrest Details and Police Investigation
Finley’s arrest occurred last week following a New Orleans police investigation into a complaint about a Dodge Ram obstructing a residential driveway. Upon inspection, officers discovered the truck’s license plate mismatched official records and was registered to another vehicle owned by Finley. Further investigation revealed the Ram had been reported stolen from Atlanta.
When confronted at the scene, Finley reportedly told officers he had recently purchased the vehicle in Atlanta. Authorities confirmed the truck’s stolen status in Atlanta, according to local news outlet NoLa.com.
Defense Statement: Legitimate Purchase Believed
In a statement released by his legal representatives, David Courcelle and Scott Stansbury, it was stated, ‘He purchased a used pickup truck from an individual identifying himself as John Spillway, representing Mountain Adventures, LLC. Spillway provided TJ with a bill of sale and vehicle registration, giving TJ every reason to believe it was a legitimate transaction.’
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‘Within three days of the purchase, Tulane police informed TJ that the truck had been reported stolen.’
According to legal representatives for the 23-year-old, Finley is the ‘victim of a Facebook Marketplace scam,’ which has resulted in his arrest in Louisiana.
TJ Finley (1) during warm-ups for a game in Birmingham on December 28, 2021.
‘TJ is eager to continue his full cooperation with law enforcement in hopes of recovering the funds he lost, bringing the criminal(s) to justice, and exonerating his name and reputation,’ the statement further added. ‘TJ is hopeful this matter will be resolved swiftly, allowing him to proceed with his academic and athletic pursuits.’
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Finley was booked into Orleans Parish jail on charges of illegal possession of stolen items valued at $25,000 or more. He has since been released and is scheduled to appear in court on June 1.
Finley’s Football Career
The experienced quarterback is currently at his fifth college program, having previously played for LSU, Auburn, Texas State, and Western Kentucky.
Standing tall at 6-foot-7 and weighing 238 pounds, the Louisiana native from Ponchatoula achieved his most successful season at Texas State in 2023. He threw for 2,439 yards and 24 touchdowns, while limiting interceptions to just eight.
Last season at Western Kentucky, an ankle injury limited his playing time to three games, granting him eligibility for the 2025 season.
Tulane Spring Practice and Team Response
Tulane’s spring practice proceeded without Finley on Thursday, with transfer quarterbacks Kadin Semonza (Ball State) and Donovan Leary (Illinois) taking over duties.
Tulane coach Jon Sumrall commented briefly on Finley’s suspension afterward.
‘When individuals make mistakes, accountability is necessary,’ Sumrall stated.