Tide suspends 5 players for Tennessee game

October 20, 2007

By Ken Rogers

Alabama’s challenge of beating No. 20 Tennessee got even tougher today when the university announced the suspensions of five prominent players. Starting guards Antoine Caldwell and Marlon Davis, running back Glen Coffee, cornerback Marquis Johnson and defensive back Chris Rogers were suspended for a violation of school rules involving “impermissible receipt of textbooks.“
The infranction was discovered on Thursday and the school immediately initiated an inquiry that is remains ongoing. The student-athletes were informed of the suspensions on Friday upon initial results of the inquiry. The university is still investigating and will release further details when it is completed.
“This is still very open-ended,“ athletic media relations director Doug Walker said before Saturday’s game.
“This is a situation that developed late this week and we are actively investigating,“ UA athletic director Mal Moore said. “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.“