Dec. 10, 1963 - Alabama’s first-string quarterback, Joe Namath, has been suspended from the team, Coach Paul Bryant said last night. “Namath has been suspended for the rest of the season, including the Sugar Bowl, for an infraction of training rules this past weekend,” Bryant said. “Joe has indicated to me that he will remain in school and concentrate on his studies. He will be allowed to remain on scholarship.” Bryant did not specify what the rules infraction was. There was unsubstantiated talk of a curfew violation. This morning, Namath said in reaction to the news: “I have thought about it, and I don’t know of a thing to say that would help. I’m as sorry as can be that it happened. It certainly will never happen again, and I certainly will be back next season.” The junior from Beaver Falls, Pa., has quarterbacked in only three losing games since he came to Alabama: last year’s 7-6 loss to Georgia Tech and defeats inflicted by Florida and Auburn this season. Namath has completed 63 of 178 passes for 765 yards and 7 touchdowns in Alabama’s nine games to date. He has added 201 rushing yards for a total offense mark of 966, seventh in the SEC. In later season games, Bryant also called on him for defensive duty in clutch situations.
