Alabama's compliance department sent a cease-and-desist letter to the owner of a Tuscaloosa men's clothing store in December, asking it not to use the likenesses of football players in any advertising or commercials.

Alabama looked into the relationship between T-Town, the store, and players such as star running back Trent Richardson and concluded that the players did not receive benefits such as merchandise or discounts, a source said.

Student-athletes can't be featured in any commercial advertising. The school also looked into autographs seen at the shop.

The Alabama compliance office is monitoring the situation. The NCAA and SEC have not been engaged, the source said, because there is not believed to be an eligibility issue.

Joe Schad covers college football for ESPN.