Earlier this morning sources informed Touchdown Alabama that five-star freshman Antonio Alfano was entering the transfer portal. The defensive lineman out of Colonia, New Jersey, had not been seen at practice during the week of the South Carolina game and also did not suit up for the New Mexico State game.
Head coach Nick Saban has stated in recent press conferences that he was “going through some discipline things” with him. On Wednesday Saban informed the media that “(Alfano) kind of disappeared a little bit.”
Related: Five-star freshman Antonio Alfano has entered the transfer portal
Once any player enters the transfer portal after comments like these from the head coach there is immediate speculation about the players work ethic or want to be at the school. But sometimes there is more to the story and in this situation, the freshman has been dealing with some family issues.
Following the news of Alfano entering the portal, his family released a statement via twitter to provide the reasoning behind their son’s decision.
“Antonio’s grandmother recently fell very ill and is fighting on life support,” the tweet read. “He is very close with her. Since this illness took effect, Antonio has taken it very hard. He has not attended classes and practice.
“The University of Alabama has been extremely supportive and I couldn’t ask for better support from them. Yesterday, Antonio asked to be placed in the transfer portal to see what his options are.
“Although he’s in the transfer portal, he still can decide to remain at the University of Alabama. My opinion is that Antonio should stay at the University of Alabama. However he’s an adult and it’s his decision. Antonio knows that his family has & will always be there for him”
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Despite the want for Alfano to remain at school, there are just some things that are bigger than football and family is one of them.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
