Alabama's First Crack in Armour Appears with Suspension of Robby Green

Larry Burton (Panama City Beach, Fl) The first crack in Alabama's shiny armour appeared today when word was circulated that Alabama's starting safety Robby Green was suspended.

Though Saban has not yet made an official statement, usually he likes to give himself a chance for parents of the player to hear about it first, than from the news, word has leaked out that Greene is suspended from the team for violation of an unspecified team rule and that the suspension may include spring practice which starts shortly.

In the only statement so far to come from Saban so far, he said,

"

"There is a situation with Robby and we are currently in the process of determining the facts," Saban said in a written statement that was issued after reports surfaced that Green has been suspended for violating team rules.

"To make any kind of announcement on his playing status at this time is completely premature and it is not appropriate to do so until we have a chance to go through due process for Robby and his family.

"If there is a change in his current status, we will make an announcement once a final determination is made."

"

It is not known at this time how long the suspension will be for, but it is thought to at least be for the entire spring practice. As more details come directly from Coach Saban, we will report them.

Expect Saban to be very tight lipped and keep most of the details private. That is his way.

Saban is not adverse to sitting starters or from showing them the door. Prince Hall was shown the door after his "violation of unspecified team rules" despite the fact he was a promising young linebacker who had been a starter the year before.

Green would have played a big role in this year's version of the Crimson Tide in trying to repeat its BCS National Championship. He played in all 14 games and was considered a co-starter by the Alabama coaching staff.

Green had 33 tackles last season, 28 unassisted, six pass breakups, and one interception, that sealed the game against LSU.

Though speculation on a replacement may be premature, safety is a position the Tide is thin at with experience. Graduation and early departures for the NFL leave the Tide with only one other player with significant playing time, Mark Barron who is starting his junior year.

The team is blessed with lots of talent however, and many may have to mature faster than was expected. Rod Woodson starts his sophomore year with a reputation for being a big hitter and gifted athlete and red-shirt sophomore Robert Lester could also step in.

So while this is not a situation that will induce panic among the Alabama faithful, it is the first crack in the armour.