This would’ve been the end of the line if we had Oklahoma on the schedule.

Still not good, but I don’t think losing Andre is going to be enough.

It has to be contacts with NFL agents. And it probably occurred before they arrived in NO. I just hope that this won’t damper our chances

I seriously doubt it has anything to do with agents. My guess is it is probably some secondary violation akin to the “textbook scandal” from last year. I maybe too optimistic, but I doubt that Andre Smith was foolish enough to be involved with an agent directly. Also, I think the only major violation would be if he signed with an agent, if memory serves correctly you are allowed to interview agents before signing.

Im kinda pissed at ole Smitty right now. If he did infact contact an agent, then ill be REALLY pissed. After all this team has gone through and for him to do something as self-ish(perhpas) as this then be gone with you sir. You are not the man i thought you were.

…the University ain’t in trouble, Ima be OK. However, if we still go out and beat Utah to go 13-1 without our Outland Trophy winner, I will love this team even more.

… you’re not going to miss a beat.

Trust me.

But I heard some speculation somewhere that maybe he signed with an agent on purpose, knowing he’d lose his eligibility, because he knows he’s a top-5 pick and he’s concerned about playing in the Sugar Bowl and getting hurt. I don’t know what kind of person he his, but I thought I would throw that out there. Is he the kind of player that might do something like that?

Cecil Hurt said that some information was provided to the University, and the school talked with Andre and decided to suspend him. He said that there is no evidence at this time that it was discussion with an agent, but that is the most probable outcome.

He seemed to indicate that this was a case of the University being proactive. He seemed to indicate that this may be a case of the University not knowing all the evidence, and they chose to be proactive and not play Andre Smith. Cecil pointed out about the previous problems Alabama players had, 1992 with Langham.

but, i dont like to see us going to a BCS bowl without our future NFL pro-bowl left tackle. we better not get 15 holding penalties this time round…

Intersting article

Sources told ESPN.com that Smith’s suspension was related to improper dealings with an agent.

It will be interesting to see what the full story on all of this is.

i already bought a parlay with us on it…

This is the last person I would expect this of. This is the way he wants to be remembered? The way he wants to end his career at Alabama? Unbelievable!!! If the logical deduction is true and it is NFL related, how selfish was it that he couldn’t wait another freakin’ week?

Ironically, before this story broke, I was going to post this about Coach Saban winning another “Coach of the Year” award. This was in the article:

Although it wasn’t part of the original trip itinerary, the entire team went to the Louisiana Superdome to watch some of the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints game, which had playoff implications. "There are quite a few players on our team that have never seen a professional football game before, so I thought this would be a great opportunity for them," Saban said.

I thought that was so cool. Could this have happened yesterday? If we find out he jeopardized any of this season’s wins in any way, I may have to hunt his ass down.

I still say we win the Sugar Bowl, of course, but I have to tell ya’ll that I had a nightmare a few nights ago and we were behind 24-14 in the 4th quarter. Seriously.

Left guard Mike Johnson was practicing in Smith’s spot at left tackle on Monday, and sophomore David Ross moved into the starting rotation at left guard.

This is NOT good! I don’t like Ross, probably never will, he’s a smug, unhappy little man and he makes people feels stupid…

Seriously though, don’t like our left side NEARLY as much.

that sums up today, I frickin hate this time of the year trying to make numbers and quotas and this news just made the day that much better

another BCS game without our star left tackle

I have heard several Auburn fans pine that maybe this happened before the Auburn game, and the Alabama victory in the Iron Bowl will not count. They are actually talking about 8, and they claim we are number obsessed. File this under smells like desperation.

If he violated team rulez to the degree to get him suspended then we dont need him…i dont care if he is the outland trophy winner. The place we want to be as a team is above this. It’s for the best and we shall overcome.
The future of the crimson tide is bigger than any one player, and now’s as good of a time as any to prove it.

you guys think that if this happened right before the SEC title game, Andre would have been suspended?

That they will drop in talent and preparation too much.

Being prepared, execution, the play calling, these things outweigh the difference in talent between one starter and his replacement, especially with a team as talented as yours is on the line.

I’d prefer to have seen him play, but best of luck anyway and may the best team win.

See you all in Nawlins.

to say all year its about us not me, this sure hurts. All we give to this team and what we have been through over the last 10 years i thought this group was different. Thanks andre, u just landed urself in the same boat as Fran and DeBouse……thats great company. enjoy the nfl dumbass, and ill say this for the team and the fan base, way to leave us for your selfisness ambitions and selfcenterd attitude. Your true colors have been shown

…I say I’m glad he’s gone. Our team and Coach Saban deserve better than this. We were all “Snowed”(pun intended) by his quiet demeanor and humble “all I’m thinking about is the next game” when asked about his NFL plans. There is no excuse for not waiting until after the Sugar Bowl to talk to ANYONE. It’s not like his money would change over the course of a week. I hope he goes to Detroit. I’ve been there and it is on my list of the top 10 armpits of the US.

Haven’t we been down this road before? I realize that all of the players today were toddlers when Bama went to NO in 92, but come on. Do you need a history lesson? I’ll be glad to give you one. Antonio Langham makes an agreement with an agent on a napkin, that starts the ball rolling on a decade plus long journey through hell that has only really come back THIS YEAR!!!
My advise, if you see any agent within talking distance of a player, TAZE HIM!!!!
I know that CNS will now use this as a reminder to all players, that no one man is bigger than the team. This ain’t your Daddy’s football program, this is a new day and a new way!!!!!!

ITS HAPPY HOUR!!!

We made it or better yet RBR made it big time!

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/Andre-Smith-s-jump-on-the-draft-will-cost-him-th?urn=ncaaf

I bet RBR gets more hits a day than good ole Dr. Saturday but its still kinda neat…unfortunately it was under these circumstances.

the birmingham news is now reporting the alabama AG might get involved….

Chris Bence, spokesman for Attorney General Troy King said, “We are aware of allegations and taking steps to review the allegations.”… Bence said Smith’s case could be helped because of Alabama’s stringent laws regarding sports agents.