NCAAF teams
Alex Scarborough, ESPN Staff Writer 6y

Alabama dismisses VanDarius Cowan for violation

College Football, Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama linebacker VanDarius Cowan has been dismissed from the program for what coach Nick Saban described as a "violation of team rules."

"Each of us has a responsibility to represent The University of Alabama in a first-class way," Saban said in a statement, "and failure to meet those standards can't be tolerated. We wish VanDarius the very best in the future."

Cowan, an ESPN 300 recruit in 2017, appeared in seven games as a true freshman last season. He was expected to play even more as a sophomore.

The Florida native, who missed part of spring practice while dealing with academic issues, was charged last week with third-degree assault stemming from an incident at a Tuscaloosa bar, according to the Tuscaloosa News.

Alabama, which dealt with a rash of injuries at linebacker last season, returns the majority of its starters at the position this fall. The Crimson Tide open the season on Sept. 1 against Louisville in Orlando, Florida.

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