TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) -Five Alabama players, including starting linemen Antoine Caldwell and Marlon Davis and tailback Glen Coffee, were suspended for Saturday’s 41-17 victory over Tennessee for a violation of school policy involving the receipt of textbooks.
The university discovered the infractions Thursday but did not elaborate on what happened. Also suspended were reserve defensive backs Marquis Johnson and Chris Rogers.
Coach Nick Saban said he didn’t learn about the suspensions until Friday night and didn’t know how long the players would be out.
“Obviously some players did not use good judgment in what they did,” he said. “I don’t know all the circumstances around it. “
“This is a situation that developed late this week and we are actively investigating,” athletic director Mal Moore said in a release Saturday. “These suspensions are a measure aimed at dealing with the facts as we know them at this time. While I cannot discuss the situation in great detail, I can assure you we will address it fully when we have completed this inquiry.”
Coffee is Alabama’s second-leading rusher with 413 yards and has 14 catches for 122 yards.
In his absence, Terry Grant had a season-high 26 carries and gained 104 yards against Tennessee.
The shuffled offensive line had BJ Stabler move from tackle to right guard, Evan Cardwell start at center and Mike Johnson at right tackle.
“We had three guys step up big time,” said quarterback John Parker Wilson, who said he didn’t learn about the suspensions until before the game. “It shows a lot about our team.”
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