Bama's Green suspended

TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama defensive back Robby Green has been suspended for a violation of team rules and is not expected to participate in spring practice, multiple sources have told The Tuscaloosa News.

It is unclear when the junior from New Orleans might be reinstated, but sources indicated the suspension may extend beyond spring drills.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban issued a statement on the matter Thursday afternoon.

“There is a situation with Robby and we are currently in the process of determining the facts,” Saban said in the statement. “To make any kind of announcement on his playing status at this time is completely premature and it is not appropriate to do so until we have a chance to go through due process for Robby and his family.

“If there is a change in his current status, we will make an announcement once a final determination is made.”

Green's playing status will not be an issue until Sept. 4, when UA opens its season against San Jose State.

The suspension comes at a time when Alabama goes into the spring with questions in the secondary. Alabama lost six senior defensive backs from last year's team, and a seventh, Kareem Jackson, to early National Football League draft entry. Green figured to be a prominent challenger for a starting position in the secondary this spring.

Green was unavailable for comment. Players are not made available to media during the offseason.

Green played in all 14 games and made six starts for the Crimson Tide last season, making 33 tackles, six pass break-ups and one interception. He primarily played on special teams and in UA's nickel and dime defensive sets, which call for extra defensive backs.

Green, who played at one of the South's top prep programs in John Curtis Christian in New Orleans, signed with Alabama in 2008 after choosing the Crimson Tide over LSU. His only interception last season helped secure a 24-15 home win over the Tigers late in the fourth quarter.

Without Green, returning safeties on scholarship for spring drills include only starter Mark Barron and reserves Robert Lester and Rod Woodson. At cornerback, UA returns limited experience, including sophomore Dre Kirkpatrick, LSU transfer Phelon Jones and B.J. Scott. Incoming freshman defensive backs include Nick Perry, DeMarcus Milliner, John Fulton, Deion Belue, Dequan Menzie and Jarrick Williams. Two of those — Milliner and Fulton — are already enrolled at UA and will participate in spring practice.

Reach Chase Goodbread at chase.goodbread@tuscaloosanews.com, or at 205-722-0196.