Saban: 4 arrested Bama players dismissed from team

[February 28, 2013]  TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) -- Four players for two-time defending national champion Alabama have been dismissed from school following their arrests after two robberies on campus.

University spokeswoman Deborah Lane said Wednesday that linebackers D.J. Pettway and Tyler Hayes, safety Eddie Williams and H-back Brent Calloway are no longer enrolled after a judicial review.

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban had earlier said the players "are no longer associated with the football program."

"Their actions do not reflect the spirit and character that we want our organization to reflect," Saban said. "It's obviously very disappointing and unacceptable what happened.

"I also think I'm really proud over the last five years that our team has done a very good job with their personal responsibility and how they've represented the university. Some people learn by words, some people learn by consequences, some people can't learn."

Pettway, Williams and Hayes are charged with two counts of second-degree robbery. Williams and Calloway, who was not accused in the robberies, are charged with fraudulent use of a credit card.

Williams confessed to robbing a student who was punched in the head and face and kicked in the ribs and back. He said Pettway and Hayes watched him commit another robbery from a nearby vehicle about an hour later, according to court documents.

Hayes, 18, admitted to participating in the first robbery and watching the second, court documents said.

Williams and Calloway, both 20, are scheduled for preliminary hearings on March 19 in Tuscaloosa District Court.

Those two and 18-year-old Pettway have requested youthful offender status.

The first student reported having his Apple Macbook Pro stolen from his backpack. Both sustained mild concussions, cuts on the face and heavy swelling, and had items stolen, according to court documents.

All four players were backups last season for Alabama, which has won three of the past four BCS titles. Williams didn't play in 2012, but he was one of the nation's top prospects the previous year and moved from receiver to safety.

Saban also updated the status of four other players regarding injury or suspension.

Cornerback John Fulton and wide receiver Kevin Norwood are not participating in offseason conditioning workouts with turf toe injuries. Saban said both are uncertain for spring practice.

Saban said Fulton had surgery after the season and the recovery time is typically about three months. Alabama opens spring practice on March 16.

He said receiver Marvin Shinn has left the team, and fellow receiver Danny Woodson is suspended for violating team rules and won't participate in spring practice.

[Associated Press; By JOHN ZENOR]

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.