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Coach Avery Johnson lost a potential contributor on Sunday when PG Jared Butler, a four star player out of Louisiana was granted his unconditional release. Butler has since committed to sign with Baylor and will be eligible immediately, if he can pass his physical.
Butler, the reigning player of the year in Louisiana, was never cleared medically by Alabama doctors to participate in team activities. Butler was the 75th ranked player in the nation as a high school senior.
With the reclassification and signing of Kira Lewis last week, the blow is a little easier for the Tide to stomach. Lewis joins other new comers, 6’9” freshman Javion Fleming and 6’5” transfer Tevin Mack from Texas. In addition, red shirt senior Riley Norris will return after missing most of last season after hip surgery. Norris appears to be completely recovered. Lewis is expected to play point guard along with junior Dazon Ingram and senior Avery Johnson, Jr.