Alabama's football program waiting to hear from NCAA on Marcell Dareus

The University of Alabama's investigation into junior defensive end Marcell Dareus' suspected attendance at an agent-related party in Florida is now in the hands of the NCAA. Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said today the remaining step in Dareus' situation will be a ruling from the NCAA that has yet to be received. "We won't know anything about Marcell until the NCAA makes a decision, whether he violated rules, whether he took something from somebody, whether he needs to pay it back and whether it's going to cost him any games," Saban said. "I don't know any of that. And there will be no update. It will be a (NCAA) decision." A source close to Dareus' family said the player took the trip in May on arrangements made by friend and North Carolina defensive end Marvin Austin, but that Dareus returned after a short time, not using a hotel room. UA's compliance department launched its own investigation last month while keeping the NCAA abreast of its findings. Dareus is expected to be allowed to practice when Alabama's team opens preseason camp Thursday morning, given past NCAA precedent in ongoing cases. The investigation is not expected to be an institutional matter, though it could impact Dareus' eligibility during the 2010 season if the NCAA determines violations took place.