TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- 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."