After missing two games on suspension for a violation of team rules, Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix has been reinstated and is eligible to play against Arkansas.
According to a release from UA, the NCAA did not notify UA until late Friday afternoon that the star junior, who is considered among the top NFL draft prospects at his position, would be eligible for the weekend. The late notice makes it questionable how much Clinton-Dix will be able to contribute against the Razorbacks, who visit Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday night.
Clinton-Dix has been practicing with the Alabama scout team while on suspension, so it's unclear whether he will be prepared to immediately resume as the Crimson Tide's starter. Typically, scout-team players spend more practice time mimicking the opposition rather than delving into the game plan designed for first-team players.
Still, UA coach Nick Saban indicated Clinton-Dix has stayed sharp in practice despite scout-team status.
Although Saban declined to divulge details of Clinton-Dix's violation, it reportedly stemmed from a loan Clinton-Dix accepted from an assistant strength coach who had ties to a sports agent. Under NCAA rules, student-athletes are not permitted to accept anything of value from an agent or an agent's representative.
The assistant strength coach, Corey Harris, was placed on administrative leave by the school.
Clinton-Dix's return adds perhaps the Crimson Tide's second-most talented defender back to a defense that has allowed only one touchdown since giving up 42 points to Texas A&M on Sept. 14. Without Clinton-Dix, UA shutout Ole Miss two weeks ago.
Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter @ChaseGoodbread.
