Jay Barker Says Reports of Nashville Arrest Lack Context, Asks for Privacy

Former Alabama quarterback and radio talk show host Jay Barker said reports of his felony assault arrest in Nashville this weekend lack "full context" and asked for privacy for himself and his family.

In a Sunday afternoon statement to shared to Instagram, Barker thanked his fans for messages of support following news that he was arrested Saturday morning following an incident with his wife, country superstar Sara Evans.

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Evans was reportedly leaving a party in her Nashville neighborhood early Saturday morning when the alleged assault took place. As a friend drove her home, Barker reportedly reversed a vehicle towards the two of them in the driveway of the home he shares with Evans there.

The two vehicles did not collide, but Barker's alleged actions were enough for police in Davidson County, Tennessee to arrest him hours later and charge him with felony assault.

He has since been released from jail there on a $10,000 bond.

"We all confront challenges in life, and my family and I are facing one now," Barker wrote. "Unfortunately, headlines and quick-to-publish new stories do not adequately capture the full context and complex fabric of our lives. I love my family dearly, and at this difficult time, respectfully ask for privacy for the sake of my family and especially our kids."

Barker and Evans have been married since 2008, and together they have raised a blended family of kids from their respective previous relationships. Barker's son Braxton plays football at the University of Alabama but has recently entered the transfer portal, while his other son, Harrison, plays at UAB, and his daughter, Sarah, plays basketball at the University of Georgia.

Their relationship has reportedly strained, and media outlets in Tennessee have reported that Evans filed for divorce in August 2021.

Editor's note: Barker hosts the Jay Barker Show, which whose flagship station is Tide 100.9 in Tuscaloosa. The radio station is owned by Townsquare Media, who also owns and operates the Tuscaloosa Thread.