Tide safety Green suspended indefinitely

TUSCALOOSA _ According to numerous sources, University of Alabama sophomore defensive back Robby Green has been suspended indefinitely for violation of team rules.

Green, expected to challenge for a starting job at safety this spring, played in all 14 games last season with six starts including the BCS national championship game. He was credited with 33 tackles (28 solo) to go with six pass breakups and one interception.

"There is a situation with Robby and we are currently in the process of determining the facts," Coach Nick Saban said in a statement Thursday afternoon. "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."

Green had a career-high five tackles against north Texas, the pickoff came against LSU and the New Orleans native went into the Texas game leading the team with 14 special-teams tackles.

He was one of 16 true freshmen to play for Alabama in 2008, but moved from cornerback to safety during the offseason where he backed up senior free safety Justin Woodall. Tyrone King Jr. was the other backup, which could mean an immediate opportunity for Robert Lester, who played in seven games as a freshman in 2009, and others.

Strong safety Mark Barron is the lone returning starter in the secondary and backed up by freshman Rod Woodson.

Last spring Green made three interceptions in three scrimmages and won the Ozzie Newsome Most Improved Freshman Award following the A-Day Game.

Out of John Curtis Christian High School, Green was ranked the 17th cornerback in the nation by Rivals.com, and 10th prospect in the state. The son of former LSU player Robby Green Sr. tallied 45 tackles and four interceptions as a senior, earning Class 2A All-State honors.