Why does everyone take it as gospel that Amar was forced out? Mullin, Slice and St. Jean would never say that directly to an insider, someone around the university, or a reporter. I think it was more about Amar's desire to play than the info being passed around suggests.
Amar probably saw the writing on the wall with Owens finishing his redshirt and the staff recruiting Clark and Livingston. With Livingston out of the picture, there was a need for his services and minutes available.