A day after Alabama coach Nick Saban declined to say why Ha Ha Clinton-Dix was suspended, the Tuscaloosa News learned Clinton-Dix accepted less than $500 from a Crimson Tide strength and conditioning coach.
Alabama placed Assistant strength and conditioning coach Corey Harris on administrative leave for providing Clinton-Dix with money, according to The News. The amount, less than $500, was intended to be a loan and was given to Clinton-Dix sometime during the summer.
Harris' reported loan violated NCAA Bylaw 16.11.2.2, which states "an institutional employee or representative of the institution's athletics interests may not provide a student-athlete with extra benefits or service, including, but not limited to ... a loan of money."
Clinton-Dix has reportedly cooperated with the UA athletic compliance department by providing bank records to show a withdrawal of money that he says was used to repay Harris.
In addition to receiving impermissible benefits, the UA compliance department found a link between Clinton-Dix and a representative of a sports agent, although the school's internal investigation found no evidence any connection.
When asked on Wednesday, Saban refused to specify the infraction that led to the player's indefinite suspension.
"When guys get suspended, I never ever say what it's for, so I'm not going there, so don't ask me," Saban told reporters on Wednesday, via ESPN. "It's the way I've always handled this - every guy. They do right, they wouldn't be getting suspended. And I don't know for how long this will be, so don't ask me that either."
Landon Collins or Geno Smith is expected to replace Clinton-Dix at safety for the duration of the suspension.
*Article updated on 10/7/13.
