Tuscaloosa, AL -- (Sports Network) - Alabama head coach Nick Saban announced Wednesday that senior linebacker Ezekiel Knight has been medically disqualified from participating in the 2008 season.

"Zeke Knight has been medically disqualified based on a medical condition that we cannot disclose due to student privacy laws," said Saban. "He has had extensive medical evaluations by numerous physicians, all of which concluded that it was in his best interest to no longer play football."

Knight played in all 13 games for the Tide last season with 11 starts at outside linebacker. He finished sixth on the team with 64 tackles, adding two interceptions and three sacks.

"Zeke is a fine young man and we appreciate all that he has done for this program," said Saban. "Zeke did a great job for us as a starter last year and, more importantly, is on track to graduate in August. I would like nothing more than to have him with us for one more season on the football field, but unfortunately that won't be the case after consulting with the doctors and medical staff on numerous occasions. I wish him and his family nothing but the best. Zeke Knight will always be a part of the Crimson Tide family."