Big 12 News

Alabama Suspends Three Players Ahead of College Football Playoff

NCAA Football: Alabama at Mississippi State

The Oklahoma Sooners’ College Football Playoff opponent announced some surprising news on Monday night, just days before playing in the semifinal on Saturday. Three Alabama players, including starting offensive lineman Deonte Brown, did not travel with the team to Miami and will not compete against OU at the Orange Bowl.

Reserve Elliot Baker, an offensive lineman who has yet to appear in a game this season, and tight end Kedrick James, were the other two suspended players. James has yet to record a catch during his collegiate career in Tuscaloosa.

Per head coach Nick Saban, the three players were suspended “due to a violation of team rules and policies,” according to a a statement released to the media on Monday night.

Brown is by far the biggest loss of this group. He has started five of Alabama’s past six games, including the SEC championship game against Georgia. The sophomore had been dealing with a turf toe injury, but Saban said last week he was making progress.

The Sooners and Crimson Tide kick off from South Florida at 7:00 CST on Saturday night on ESPN. For a full list of dates and times for every Big 12 bowl game, check it out here.

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