Welcome to the first installment of a series of quick hitters I’m planning as the Crimson Tide continues spring practice. Today, we’ll focus on a bit of bad news…
Coach Nick Saban kicked off spring practice by announcing the indefinite suspension of junior safety Robby Green. As you may know, Green had just gotten clear of a year long suspension for failing an NCAA drug test and was set to compete with Robert Lester for a starting spot in the secondary. With Mark Barron limited due to recovery from a pectoral injury, Green figured to have ample opportunity to make his case. Now it’s unclear when, or even if, Green will set foot on the field again. It’s equally unclear whether this suspension for “violation of team rules” is the result of a new disciplinary problem involving Green or simply an additional team punishment related to last spring’s NCAA suspension. If it’s a case of the former, I would be surprised if Green is still with the team by the time fall camp rolls around.
Green isn’t alone in Saban’s doghouse, though. After participating in the first two spring practices, redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Brandon Moore disappeared and was later declared suspended for his own “violation of team rules” by Saban on Saturday. Much like Green, Moore is no stranger to the doghouse. He served a one game suspension during the season.
I don’t think I’m being cynical when I say this is NOT the time of year you want to be on Saban’s bad side. The Tide is currently set to have somewhere near 10 more bodies than they have room for once the incoming recruiting class arrives this summer. Glen Harbin (pursuing baseball), Kerry Murphy (knees), and Kendall Kelly (variety of health issues) are sitting out this spring and not expected to be on active scholarship this fall. But that still leaves a lot of attrition left to take place. If you’re not walking the straight and narrow path, you’re a prime candidate to be processed out. Just the way it is…
I’ll likely do a more lengthy exploration of Bama’s situation with roster numbers after spring practice wraps up. And of course, I’ll be keeping the site up to date with any new developments pertaining to these players. Next up, we’ll take a look at a couple of young offensive stars who’ve made some noise through the first week of camp.
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