Report: Clinton-Dix took improper benefits from coach

Tuscaloosa, AL (SportsNetwork.com) - Alabama star safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix received a loan from an assistant strength and conditioning coach that prompted his recent suspension from the program, the Tuscaloosa News reported Thursday.

According to the newspaper, Clinton-Dix borrowed an amount less than $500 from Corey Harris, a member of the Crimson Tide's strength and conditioning program, during the summer. The loan qualifies as a violation of 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 services, including, but not limited to ... a loan of money."

Alabama's compliance office reportedly discovered that Harris had ties to a sports agent during its investigation, though the university found no evidence that Clinton-Dix had contact with an agent.

Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban suspended Clinton-Dix, a junior who started 10 games on last year's BCS national championship squad and ranks second on the 2013 team with 24 tackles, indefinitely on Wednesday for a violation of team rules and policies.

Clinton-Dix will miss at least the top-ranked Crimson Tide's game against winless Georgia State on Saturday.