It looks like Bama is making a run for the Fulmer Cup. In a six day period one Bama player has been dismissed from the team and a second, linebacker Prince Hall has been indefinitely suspended.

Freshman defensive tackle Jeremy Elder is gone. He is facing charges of robbery of two students at gun point. Coach Saban says, "Our team needs to have better discipline, judgment. We can not tolerate poor judgment." Coach Saban has hit the nail on the head with that one. Armed robbery certainly qualifies as "bad" judgment.

Prince Hall is suspended for team rule violations relating to his behavior. He will not be participating in spring ball, nor conditioning.

Saturday morning All-Southeastern Conference safety Rashad Johnson was arrested for disorderly conduct. He is not suspended. Saban acknowledges Johnson put himself at risk in a bad situation, but rightfully suggests the legal system should be able to run its course.

Whether or not Johnson is guilty of a crime, or bad judgment, who knows, but the facts are eight players have been arrested in the 14 months Saban has been the coach. Five of the eight were arrested for disorderly conduct type of charges.

Four of the players arrested prior to last season suffered no in season suspension. Amazingly Alabama lost 30 games this past year to players suspensions. Per saban, "That may be an NCAA record. We're heading in the same direction again next year."

This author is the first to excuse behavior under the general premise that boys will be boys. At the same time each of us has to admit we are one bad Saturday night from rolling up Fulmer Cup points with our team of choice, but....... Eight arrests in 14 months with 30 games lost to players suspensions would sure as hell indicate Alabama and Coach Saban have a problem. Bama by devine right needs to be an elite program, but not at any cost. Here's hoping Saban gets a handle on his players or modifies who he recruits to represent the Tide.

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