Alabama suspends star OT Andre Smith for Sugar Bowl

Dec 30, 2008 - 12:22 AM NEW ORLEANS (Ticker) -- Alabama will be without star offensive tackle Andre Smith for Friday's showdown with undefeated Utah in the Sugar Bowl.

Smith has been suspended from the Sugar Bowl for a violation of team rules and policies, Alabama head coach Nick Saban announced Monday.

Saban did not reveal the nature of Smith's violations, saying only that the school will support the junior "in all future endeavors."

ESPN.com reported later in the day that the suspension is related to improper dealings with an agent.

The 340-pound Smith is Alabama's top offensive lineman and has been widely projected as a first-round selection in next April's NFL draft.

"The University of Alabama, the team and the football program are more important than any individual player," Saban said in a statement. "Everyone on our team depends on each other to be responsible, to make good choices and decisions relative to their actions."

Although Smith has not announced whether he will skip his senior season, Saban indicated that the reigning Outland Trophy winner's collegiate career may be over.

"Andre Smith has done an outstanding job in our program as a person, student and a player and we will do all we can as an institution to support him in all future endeavors," Saban said.

The 6-5 Smith allowed only one sack this season and anchored an offensive line that helped Alabama average 196.5 rushing yards per game, the second-best mark in the SEC.

Smith's absence could prove damaging for the fourth-ranked Crimson Tide (12-1), who will take on a Utah defense that ranked 12th nationally in terms of opponents' scoring.