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Report: James done at LSU

BATON ROUGE, La., Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Damien James, a senior defensive back at Louisiana State, has been kicked off the team by Coach Nick Saban.

According to a report Tuesday by the Baton Rouge Advocate, the decision was made by Saban after a joint meeting Monday with other seniors and various athletic officials at the school.

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The Carencro, La., native had been suspended indefinitely last Saturday for "a violation of team rules and policies."

"We've tried to help Damien, and we've given him second chances," said Saban. "I like Damien a lot. He's one of the favorite guys I've ever coached, and he's a very good player, a stabilizing force in the secondary who makes a lot of the calls. But, from a program standpoint and for the overall discipline of the players, you have to have accountability. What's right -- the principles and values of a program and doing what's right or looking the other way on an individual so you can win a game? What's more important?"

Saban added that James will be allowed to retain his scholarship.

One player who felt the decision had to be made was linebacker and team captain Bradie James.

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"I feel like Damien was given a lot of chances," James told the paper. "A lot of people stuck their neck out for him. Damien pretty much made the decision for himself. When you make a decision like he made, you not only affect yourself, you affect all your teammates, the program and your family. We'll support Damien from a personal standpoint. He's somebody we really care about. We're real disappointed from a team standpoint, but we have to move on without him because he's not coming back."

James had been considered one of the nation's top free safeties in the country, and was expected to make the All-SEC First Team this season. He had two interceptions, returning one of those for a touchdown against The Citadel, and had nine picks for his career.

Damien James likely will be replaced by one of two juniors -- Adrian Mayes or Jack Hunt.

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