Alabama OT Andre Smith has been suspended

[richtree]

Alabama OT Andre Smith has been suspended from the 2008 Sugar Bowl for violating team rules.

Smith is a junior, but this should make his decision to leave for the NFL a lock. Widely considered the top tackle prospect in what projects to be another extremely deep draft at the position, Smith was a consensus first-team All American and won the Outland Trophy in 2008. What team rule he violated is unclear, but we're guessing it was bad. Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban puts winning above all else. This could affect Smith's draft status in April. Dec. 29 - 3:47 pm et

[C-Mob 71]

Wow, dont want to speculate too much until the details are out, but this could greatly affect our decision in April. We're looking for high character guys, and getting suspended for your last college game certainly knocks you out of that category imho.

[RedArcher7]

Rumor has it it's "Contact with an agent".

[PeoriaRam]

Wow, dont want to speculate too much until the details are out, but this could greatly affect our decision in April. We're looking for high character guys, and getting suspended for your last college game certainly knocks you out of that category imho.

Unless it's for chatting with an agent.

[Nick]

Scott Wright of NFL Draft Countdown has confirmed it has something to do with involvement with an agent.

Very strange, and I'm not sure what to think about this. You've got one more game to play, and then that's it. Could it not have waited?

The rules about players contacting agents are pretty clear, and while I'm not naive enough to think it doesn't happen, I agree with Scott's take on his website forum in that Smith's violation must have been pretty blatant to warrant a suspension from this game.

This is going to be something that needs to be hammered on in his combine interviews, because while I don't think the violation itself is that bad, the act of doing it to the extent of having to be suspended right before a BCS bowl game is concerning.

[Falconator]

if its contact with an agent, that is not a big deal for NFL teams.......its not exactly like Andre Smith smoked pot, got in a bar fight or beat up his girlfriend......not even cheating on a test.

The guy is about to become a multi-millionaire and agents are standing in line trying to get him to sign......He just gave in and talked to somebody......hardly a crime or a character flaw.....

.....a lapse in judgement - perhaps...

[general counsel]

It doesnt impact me at all if its for contact with an agent. If he is the best guy, i have no problem taking him.

ramming speed to all

general counsel

[PeoriaRam]

Scott Wright of NFL Draft Countdown has confirmed it has something to do with involvement with an agent.

Very strange, and I'm not sure what to think about this. You've got one more game to play, and then that's it. Could it not have waited?

The rules about players contacting agents are pretty clear, and while I'm not naive enough to think it doesn't happen, I agree with Scott's take on his website forum in that Smith's violation must have been pretty blatant to warrant a suspension from this game.

This is going to be something that needs to be hammered on in his combine interviews, because while I don't think the violation itself is that bad, the act of doing it to the extent of having to be suspended right before a BCS bowl game is concerning.

I think Alabama was burned by one of its guys chatting with an agent a couple of years ago, so that may possibly explain the haste and severity of the reaction.

[eldfan]

It doesnt impact me at all if its for contact with an agent. If he is the best guy, i have no problem taking him.

ramming speed to all

general counsel

I agree but it shows poor judgement, something the rams needs to look at.

[RedArcher7]

I think Alabama was burned by one of its guys chatting with an agent a couple of years ago, so that may possibly explain the haste and severity of the reaction.

Antonio Langham in 93. Nick Saban wasn't around I don't really think it's something to do with Antonio unless pressure came from above, which is possible no doubt. Talking to an Agent is an NCAA Violation the team needs to discipline Smith otherwise the NCAA steps in and gives Alamaba further sanctions. After textbookgate Saban doesn't need to take any chances, Alabama's probably still on probation

[Bar-bq]

I agree but it shows poor judgement, something the rams needs to look at.

Agreed. It's risk versus reward, and I'm not sure if the Rams will risk this one.

[PeoriaRam]

I agree but it shows poor judgement, something the rams needs to look at.

How is it poor judgement? He escapes injury in what amounts to a meaningless exhibition game (he's a lock for going in the top 5), and presumably has secured effective representation. Kind of smart if you ask me.

[Bar-bq]

How is it poor judgement? He escapes injury in what amounts to a meaningless exhibition game (he's a lock for going in the top 5), and presumably has secured effective representation. Kind of smart if you ask me.

But he did get suspended.

[AvengerRam]

Kind of a... false start.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

[shower beers]

Kind of a... false start.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Give this man the 10,000 dollars!