Former UGA player charged with murder

By Alexis Stevens

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

SLIDELL, La. — Former University of Georgia safety Terreal Bierria has been arrested in the killing of a Louisiana man in a suspected dispute over drugs.

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain said Tuesday that Bierria, who played for the Seattle Seahawks in 2002 and 2004, has been charged with one count of first-degree murder.

Authorities say the victim was 29-year-old Soron Salter of Slidell. He was found on the floor of a home with wounds indicating a violent struggle. They say Bierria's car was seen at the house and he admitted himself to a hospital for cuts to his hands and arms.

Strain says investigators obtained an arrest warrant for the 29-year-old and booked him into the parish jail, where he is being held without bond. Booking documents do not list an attorney.

Strain said investigators believe the crime occurred "over a certain quantity of drugs found at the home."

Sheriff's spokesman Capt. George Bonnett said details about the type of drug or amount would not be released.

No other arrests were made.

Bierria skipped his senior season at UGA to enter the NFL draft. The two-year starter was the Bulldogs' third-leading tackler in the 2001 season.

He was the 120th overall pick in the 2002 draft by the Seahawks, and started at strong safety for the 2004 season.

This is not the first time Bierria has been in trouble. In January 2001, he was arrested in Athens for an outstanding arrest warrant in Carroll County. Bierria twice failed to appear in Carroll County court for a misdemeanor charge of underage possession of alcohol.

During the 2000 season at Georgia, Bierria returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdown vs. Auburn. But he was benched for the Bulldogs' Oahu Bowl matchup vs. Virginia for missing practices and violating team rules.