Alabama junior defensive back Tony Brown is facing an indefinite suspension from the NCAA, the Tuscaloosa News reported Monday.
The 6-foot, 195-pound junior from Beaumont, Texas, was sent home in December before the Crimson Tide’s 38-0 dismantling of Michigan State in the Cotton Bowl due to an undisclosed violation of team rules. He did not travel to Arizona for the title game of the four-team playoff against Clemson.
Brown has participated in all eight of Alabama’s spring practices, including this past Saturday’s first scrimmage.
Alabama coach Nick Saban said after the Crimson Tide held their first spring workout on March 11 that Brown would be facing further suspensions.
“When I get the final data on that, I’ll definitely let you know,” Saban said in a news conference.
Brown enrolled early in 2014 as a five-star recruit, with Scout.com ranking him as the No. 4 overall prospect in that year’s signing class and ESPN pegging him at No. 8. He started games as a freshman against Florida and Ole Miss.
As a sophomore last season, Brown recorded 16 tackles, two pass breakups, one tackle for loss and one forced fumble. He had eight of his tackles on special teams.
Brown’s forced fumble came against Florida in the Southeastern Conference championship game.
Alabama held its ninth spring workout Monday, practicing for two hours in full pads. The Crimson Tide will practice again Wednesday and Friday and conduct their second spring scrimmage Saturday.
Saban is not scheduled to meet again with the media until after Wednesday’s workout.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.