Alabama LB VanDarius Cowan Dismissed for Violating Team Rules

Alabama linebacker VanDarius Cowan has been dismissed from the program for violating team rules, the team announced on Monday.

According to The Tuscaloosa News, Tuscaloosa Police charged Cowan with misdemeanor assault earlier last month after he allegedly punched someone inside High Tide bar. The University of Alabama released a statement on Monday morning but it didn't address the recent charges.

“VanDarius has been dismissed from the team and is no longer a part of our football program due to a violation of team rules,” Coach Nick Saban said in the statement. “Each of us has a responsibility to represent The University of Alabama in a first-class way, and failure to meet those standards can’t be tolerated. We wish VanDarius the very best in the future.”

26-year-old Jesse Ray told The Tuscaloosa News that Cowan punched him as he entered the bar and surveillance footage shows the moment it happened.

Cowan was an up-and-coming linebacker for the Crimson Tide who likely would have completed for playing time during his second season on campus. As a true freshman in 2017, the Palm Beach Gardens native appeared in the final seven games of the season including both College Football Playoff games.