Saban addresses suspension

NEW ORLEANS — Alabama head coach Nick Saban discussed Andre Smith’s suspension for the first time with reporters after the Crimson Tide’s practice Wednesday at the Superdome.

Smith’s suspension, it has been widely reported, is over improper contact with an agent. Still, Saban did not confirm that and offered no details.

“I know that there is an issue that you’re going to want to discuss and I’m going to tell you like this: I’m going to make a statement about it and then I’m not going to talk about it any more,” Saban said. “So if you ask about it, it’s going to be wrong, because I’m telling you right now I’m not going to give you the details of it and I’m not talking about it.

“Andre Smith is a fine young man and he did a great job here for us. He may be doing a great job for somebody else in the future; he may doing a great job for us some more. That decision has not been made.”

Saban said poor judgment can come with consequences.

“It’s unfortunate but hopefully it’s something we can all learn from and other players on our team will learn from,” Saban said. “... When you do things right, things usually work out the right way. And if you don’t, they don’t. And sometimes when you don’t, your actions create consequences and that can go in a positive way or it can go in a negative way. And this one didn’t work out that good.”

Asked if the suspension involved Smith or someone close to him, Saban shook his head.

“It doesn’t matter. I’m not making comments about it,” he said. “I’m not giving you details about it. Don’t think that’s my place to do that. This is a family issue. It’s something that happened internally with a player on our team. I know there’s interest out there but I don’t feel like it’s my place to give out that information about our players. And I’m not going to.”

Alabama probe: Results of the university’s internal investigation into the Smith situation will be shared with the state Attorney General’s office and the NCAA.

NCAA spokesman Erik Christianson confirmed the organization has been in contact with Alabama, and that “the institution is handling the matter.”

“This is an institutional matter, it’s not an NCAA matter, which has been verified by the NCAA,” Saban said. “So anybody who’s out there worried about that doesn’t need to really think too much about it.”

Alabama Attorney General Troy King said Wednesday that he will wait for the university to complete its internal investigation before deciding on the state’s course of action in the matter.

“I have been promised and am now awaiting the results of that investigation,” King said in a statement. “As soon as I receive them, we will move swiftly to determine whether any violations have occurred and, if so, to hold those responsible accountable.”

King applauded Alabama’s response and quick reaction to the situation.

“The university and this office have the shared goal of protecting the university and its athletic programs from illegal or inappropriate outside influences that place the university and those programs in jeopardy,” the statement read.

Lineup change: As expected, Saban said Alabama will move left guard Mike Johnson to left tackle for the game. David Ross will start at left guard.
That was the lineup when Alabama played Tulane in Week 2. Smith missed the only start of his three-year career due to a sprained knee.

The Tide was held under 100 yards rushing for the only time this season in that game. However, right guard Marlon Davis went down with an injury early in the game.

Johnson hopes Alabama draws on a game from last season for inspiration.

“Last year we lost two lineman before the Tennessee game and came out on fire, pretty much,” he said, referring to the loss of starters Davis and Antoine Caldwell in the textbook investigation that sidelined five players for four games.

“We’re trying to bring the same mentality, try to use that game as an example that we can do it.”

Johnson and Smith have been roommates when Alabama has stayed in hotels this season. He has talked with the Outland Trophy winner this week.

“He’s helping me out with the defensive end that we’re playing against and giving me some tips,” Johnson said about Utah star sophomore defensive end Paul Kruger.

“He can get up the field and plays with quickness and he’s a really big, strong guy. He’s a big, fast defensive end. He’s got a lot of stats this year — well deserved, too. He’s a good player.”

Other injuries: Saban said three players will not be available due to injury.
Tight end Colin Peek, who has a foot injury, receiver Will Oakley and running back Roy Upchurch won’t play in the game.