Alabama football coach Nick Saban suspends safety HaHa Clinton-Dix

Thursday, October 3, 2013

photo Alabama defensive back Ha Ha Clinton-Dix celebrates after a tackle on fourth down during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Alabama football coach Nick Saban announced after Wednesday's practice that safety HaHa Clinton-Dix has been suspended indefinitely for violating team rules.

"I'm going to be consistent," Saban told reporters. "When guys get suspended, I never say what it's for. I'm not going there, so don't ask me.

"I don't know for how long this will be, so don't ask me that either."

The 6-foot-1, 208-pound junior from Orlando is second on the top-ranked Crimson Tide with 24 tackles, and he has two pass deflections. Clinton-Dix had five interceptions last season, which tied for the most in the Southeastern Conference, and he collected one in the SEC championship and another in the BCS title game.

Nick Perry, who is out for the season after undergoing shoulder surgery, was Clinton-Dix's backup, so Saban said Landon Collins and Geno Smith likely would work at the position Saturday against visiting Georgia State. Smith, a former cornerback, was suspended for the season opener following a DUI arrest.

Saban also announced that three freshmen have switched numbers to avoid having double numbers on special teams. Linebacker Reuben Foster will now wear No. 9, while tailback Derrick Henry will wear No. 27 and Altee Tenpenny No. 28.

Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.