Alabama did not have three of its players – Deonte Brown, Kedrick James and Elliot Baker – on the plane with the rest of the team on Monday as it traveled to Miami, Fla.
Head coach Nick Saban released a statement on how the trio was suspended for a “violation of team rules,” however, he never discussed the matter. Brown, a sophomore, is the most important name in the group as he is the Crimson Tide’s starter at left guard on the offensive line.
RELATED: What the loss of Deonte Brown means for Alabama
With the program gathered at Hard Rock Stadium for Thursday’s media day session, Saban told reporters that all three players committed NCAA violations by making poor decisions and will not play the rest of this season.
News of this was first reported via Alex Scarbrough of ESPN.
He dealt with a turf toe during the latter portion of the year, but Brown started in five of Alabama’s last six games. The offensive line became solidified with him as its rushing attack improved and three of the team’s eight 50-plus point matchups came with Brown anchoring the left side.
Baker has not played at all and James has been seen in five games this year.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
