Saban cites SEC rule for not allowing Maurice Smith to transfer

Maurice Smith did not take reps with his fellow Alabama teammates Thursday as the Crimson Tide participated in its first practice of fall camp. However, the senior defensive back’s presence was felt throughout the day.

Smith, who was spotted prior to practice donning an Alabama national championship hat, saw his chances of completing a transfer to Georgia take another hit, as Alabama reaffirmed its decision not to let the senior transfer within the conference.

Smith graduates Saturday and would be able to play for the Bulldogs this season but would first have to be granted a release by Alabama according to an SEC by-law.

“I’m going to say the same thing I said at SEC Media Days, nothing has changed,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said during his press conference with the media. “We support the SEC rule of not granting guys releases to go to other SEC schools. It has been our policy here to do that unless there was a special circumstance.”

Alabama’s refusal to allow Smith’s transfer has drawn questions marks since the program allowed Chris Black to transfer to Missouri.

The university attempted to clarify the difference in situations in a release Thursday.

"While it is understandable that questions are being asked about similarities regarding a situation involving another former football student-athlete transferring to an SEC institution, that instance occurred only because of unique circumstances,” the release reads. “The student-athlete elected to have surgery in the middle of the season and left the program. Because of the timing of his departure, his scholarship was not renewed, and he requested to use the graduate transfer exception through the SEC.

“Our decision in this situation to support the SEC waiver was the exception and not the rule. We adhere to the SEC and institutional policies regarding issues of this manner. Waivers are not provided without compelling circumstances that present clear non-athletics reasons for the transfer. We remain happy to assist Maurice to enable a transfer to any non-SEC school, and have been doing everything requested regarding that throughout this process."

After his statement, Saban said he would not comment anymore on the subject. The head coach was asked again later in the press conference and provided a not-so-friendly response.

“I already talked about that, do you want me to to do a Belichick on you,” Saban asked the reporter. “What did I just say? ... Nothing has changed.”

Smith was not listed on the roster provided to the media after Saban’s press conference.

Injury updates

Saban provided updates on several injured players. Redshirt freshman offensive lineman Richie Petitibon, sophomore running back Ronnie Clark, freshman linebacker Shawn Jennings and freshman defensive back Nigel Knott all missed practice Thursday.

“Those guys will not be able to participate, probably, until school starts, but we’ll manage their rehab on an individual basis,” Saban said. “And when they’re ready to get into football, we’ll sort of step them into it as they can.”

When asked about quarterbacks, Saban said sophomore David Cornwell has been dealing with a foot injury this summer which has limited him in training.

“He’s been kind of off and on,” Saban said. “He had limited reps today, but I think all three of the other guys have made significant process throughout the summer.”

Sophomore running back Bo Scarbrough appeared to be favoring his right leg during practice. However, Saban later clarified that Scarbrough was dealing with cramps.

“I think, again, some of these guys get so anxious right before they go out there,” Saban said. “But he actually got over it and went through practice and did a pretty good job after he got going, got started and got loosened up. So he was fine.”

Offseason issues

Suspended senior offensive lineman Alphonse Taylor participated in practice, but it is unclear if he will miss any games this season.

Taylor, who started for the Tide at right guard last season, was arrested in July and charged with driving under the influence. The senior registered a 0.00 blood-alcohol level shortly after his arrest, but still remains uncertain to start the season.

"Alphonse Taylor has gone through a program – pretty significant program, pretty intense program – and we have cleared him to practice," Saban said. "But we have not made a decision, and it will be based on what he does and how he does it, as to whether that suspension that he had will be lifted when the games come. I'm not ready to make that decision right now, and I don't think we have all the information we need to have to be able to make that decision."

Left tackle Cam Robinson and safety Laurence “Hootie” Jones both participated in practice, with Robinson back at his normal spot among the offensive line’s first unit. Saban stuck with his stance that if the two continue to “do what they’re supposed to do,” they will be available for the Tide’s season opener against Southern California on Sept. 3.

“Unless there are other issues that come up, I don’t know that any kind of further punishment is going to help their behavior,” Saban said. “I think they learned their lesson. I think when the facts came out, things were not what they seemed to be and I’m not going to comment on that anymore, either.”

Saban ended his press conference answering a question about the status of Tony Brown, who faces an indefinite suspension from the NCAA. Brown participated with the team in practice.

“We are sort of in a work in progress with the NCAA,” Saban said. “At some point in time they will give us a decision based on what they feel is fair punishment for him or whatever. When that time comes we will let you know, but we are preparing for the season as if he’s suspended for several games.”

Charlot not in Alabama anymore

Sophomore receiver Daylon Charlot, who released his decision to transfer from the program Wednesday, announced he will be transferring to to Kansas.

“I would love to thank @beaty_david (Kansas head coach David Beaty) for the opportunity. #KU #Jayhawks - Time to eat.” Charlot tweeted from his Twitter account @D_4Charlot on Thursday night.

The 6-foot, 177-pound receiver had two receptions for nine yards last season.

This story was originally published August 4, 2016 at 9:01 PM with the headline "Saban cites SEC rule for not allowing Maurice Smith to transfer."