02/01/2002

By David Wasson
Executive Sports Editor

TUSCALOOSA | Feb. 1, 2002 was perhaps the darkest day in University of Alabama football history -- the day the NCAA handed down penalties and probation to the Crimson Tide. Thursday, the Tide's five-year probation ends.

To mark the date, both looking back on how and why Alabama found itself "staring down the barrel" of the NCAA's gun as well as examining whether Alabama football is better off having gone through the process, we present a multi-part package both in print and online.

Christopher Walsh dissects the sting of Alabama's NCAA punishment, as well as all that has happened since Feb. 1, 2002. He also tracks down the key players -- both on the field and off -- that were associated with Alabama, the NCAA, the SEC and beyond during that period. Cecil Hurt offers a unique commentary reflecting on probation and its effects. And various documents -- both public and unprecedented -- will be published again online.

All that appears in the Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007 edition of The Tuscaloosa News, and online at www.tidesports.com.

David Wasson
aka = ESE D-Dub
Executive Sports Editor
The Tuscaloosa News

Tide Football Places 13 on SEC Academic Honor Roll

TUSCALOOSA – The Southeastern Conference announced the 2006 fall academic honor roll with 13 University of Alabama football players named to the list.

The group of Tide players selected to the honor roll includes eight seniors, two juniors and three sophomores. Four of the 13 players were named to the honor roll for the third straight year, while the other nine were first-time recipients. Matt Collins, a senior biology major, received his third consecutive selection along with Barrett Earnest (junior kinesiology major), Bryan Kilpatrick (senior finance major) and Kenneth Vandervoort (senior biology major).

Collins played in all 13 games in 2006 with 11 tackles and one sack. Kilpatrick was one of the leading players on special teams with 14 tackles and Vandervoort recorded one tackle against Florida International.

Seniors Tim Castille (telecommunications major) and Jamie Christensen (business major) were both named to the list for the first time. Castille led the team with six rushing touchdowns to go along with 129 yards rushing. Christensen made 13-of-17 field goal attempts, including a perfect 10-for-10 under 30 yards.

Other players receiving a spot on the honor roll for the first time were: Trent Dean (junior business major), Charles Hoke (sophomore finance major), Justin Johnson (senior general studies major), Cory Reamer (sophomore business major), Chris Rogers (sophomore consumer sciences major), Brian Selman (senior business major) and Luke Spaulding (senior psychology major).

In all, Alabama had 35 student-athletes named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll in football, soccer and volleyball.

Was Saban the right choice for Alabama?

Was Saban the right choice for Alabama? I say yes but others may say different. What do you think?

AU fans find Tide won't die

The comments keep coming in from a column last week entitled "Tuberville Can't Catch a Break." I've racked my brain (OK, no jokes!) for days attempting to understand why it bothered some people so much.

I simply stated the obvious, which is that Auburn has taken a back seat to Alabama as a result of the mania over Nick Saban, and even some of Tommy Tuberville's success has been marginalized because four of the five straight wins came against Mike Shula.

And then, I finally figured out the rest of the story.

It isn't so much the hiring of Saban that has some Auburn fans sniveling, but the resiliency of the Alabama Nation. How many times has this Alabama program been knocked down to the canvas since the death of Paul Bryant but somehow, some way, been able to get up, bloody, beaten and battered, to live to see another day? Even to someone from another state and who attended a rival school, it is an extraordinary thing to witness.

I won't bore you with a long litany of events to support this thesis, but here are a few to consider:

Bill Curry, after three straight losses to Auburn, tucks his tail in early 1990 for Kentucky, replaced by a popular but underwhelming choice in Gene Stallings. He loses his first three games. Yet he wins a national championship in 1992 and runs off a streak of 28 games without a loss. In 1995, the Tide program is humiliated with its first NCAA probation, but the next year Stallings wins 10 games and retires with a 5-2 mark against Auburn. Mike DuBose enters, gets caught up in a secretary scandal three years later, is nearly fired, loses to Louisiana Tech (and is days from being fired), and follows up with an overtime win over Florida and then beats the Gators for the SEC title. He goes from preseason No. 3 in the nation to 3-8 in 2000 and is gone. The Albert Means story explodes and Alabama is staring down the barrel of a gun from the NCAA, which is threatening the death penalty. Dennis Franchione has a cup of coffee and bolts; Mike Price, his replacement, goes down in flames (before ever coaching a game); and Mike Shula, who seemingly throws up all over himself for two years, wins 10 games and finishes No. 8 in the nation ahead of Auburn, which should have played for the national championship the year before.

This season, of course, Alabama loses to Mississippi State and nearly everyone else, and gets left at the altar by Rich Rodriguez (and nearly everyone else) in the aftermath of Shula's bungled firing. The entire college football world, led by Auburn fans, are dancing on Alabama's grave and guess what? The Tide lands Saban -- one the most feared college coaches in recent history.

Yes, I can feel the pain of the Auburn Nation. I can understand its frustration. It's like, "Dude, what else do we have to do?"

At seemingly the darkest moment in the Tide's history, the school rises like Phoenix from the ashes.

There is an old saying that has been passed down from Plato's time and repositioned by the great essayist and poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson, which seems appropriate here: "If you strike the King, you must kill him." In this case, the King is obvious, and as often as Alabama has been hit in recent years, as desperate as the times have seemed, as dire and late as the hour has often been, the school's football program has survived.

Saban knows he can't revive it by simply waving a magic wand. However, he has given people reason to feel proud again. He has given people reason to hope again for better days. In some respects, this is what kills the other side of the state.

The Auburn program has grown and prospered beautifully under Tuberville. He was the right man at the right time. It has been pretty resilient, too, with Terry Bowden reeling off 20 straight wins following the ouster of Pat Dye, and when Tuberville went 13-0 and made his critics eat crow after he was nearly fired.

However, in spite of what the record book says, showing a 6-2 mark against the Tide and five in a row, there is still something missing. The sight and sound of Alabama still makes some Auburn fans quake. There is a nervous feeling that -- let's go to the history books for one more quote -- they have awoken a sleeping giant. That, of course, being the Crimson Tide.

Tide gets WR

Alabama picked up another commitment Monday while four schools await an announcement today from one of the state's top prep players.

Receiver Darius Hicks of Norcross, Ga., said he will sign with the Crimson Tide on national signing day on Feb. 7.

Alabama's Saban addresses use of ethnic phrase

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — As an audiotape spread on the Internet, Alabama coach Nick Saban acknowledged Wednesday using a phrase considered derogatory to Cajuns but said he doesn't condone such language and merely was repeating something a friend told him.

Saban, a former LSU and Miami Dolphins coach, used an ethnic slur Jan. 3 while telling Florida reporters in Tuscaloosa an anecdote about an LSU fan's angry reaction to his hiring.

When asked about the LSU fans' reaction, Saban related a phone call from a friend on the LSU board of trustees, whom he did not name. In what seemed to be an attempt at humor, Saban told of the friend's encounter with an LSU fan, who speaks in a Cajun dialect.

A-day Game

TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama football program will hold its annual A-Day Spring Football Game on Saturday, April 21 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. local time. Further details about A-Day weekend activities will be released as they are finalized.

Tide lands two more recruits!

Demetrice Goode and Chris Underwood both recently commited to the UA. Welcome aboard fellas.

Luther Davis

By Chris Sherman
Scout.com
Posted Jan 28, 2007

West Monroe, (Louis.) football star Luther Davis is learning the hard way how serious the game of college football is to the fans who follow their home-state teams. Davis was a hero at school after committing to LSU, but after switching his commitment to the University of Alabama he has gone from hero to enemy in just one week.


The very polite and well-spoken Davis gave Scout.com an inside look at the events of the past few days and how hard the recruiting game can become for an 18-year old.

"My decision came down to basically just sitting down with my family and evaluating LSU and Alabama trying to see what school gave me the best opportunity to fulfill my dream of playing in the NFL," the Scout.com four-star defensive end Luther Davis said.

"And, at the same time how strong the school was committed to academic support. After figuring out everything, Alabama was the best pick. Location was not a factor because Alabama is only three and half hours away."

"I never would believe that number one I would be at Alabama. I followed Alabama for awhile last year. Watching this season and last season I noticed that the ends they had were in range from probably 220 to 240, just rush ends. I probably would not have fit in that scheme. The old staff looked like they wanted smaller ends."

"I weigh about 255 or 260, but with coach Saban the reason I am really drawn to Alabama is because everything he is trying to do is very similar to what he did when he came to LSU. He wants bigger ends."

"My brother was the first person to tell me about coach Saban. He has the utmost respect for coach Saban," Davis said of his brother and former high school All-American Lucas Jackson (Arkansas). "He told me just what a great defense Saban runs."

"I wasn't really interested initially until they did contact me. They came at me straight forward and told me what they had planned for me and how I fit in the plans. I thought it was just a whole bunch of recruiting talk. Basically the same thing other schools have told me, but when I got there on my visit and saw it (depth chart) with my own eyes. I was thinking it is just no way possible I couldn't contribute early."

"Even the current players were telling me that. Wallace Gillberry told me he watched some of my film, and he thought I could contribute right away. I don't expect to walk in there and be given anything. I will prepare mentally and physically to compete with those guys and be ready. If they are there right now it is because they deserve to be there and are good players."

"I talk to Sidell (Corley) all the time. I actually talked to him Friday. He de-committed from Florida, of course. I am hoping coach Saban is behind that. After our conversation this weekend I think the possibility of us becoming bookends together at Alabama is very strong in my opinion. He (Corley) has a great feel for Alabama. He is a home-state guy. By me making the sacrifice to come to Alabama I think Sidell will see what we can do together at Alabama."

"I talked to Ahmad (Paige) to see if he is going to visit. He is still real iffy. He wants to visit USC and see the California life. Rolando (Melancon) is going for sure, Chad Jones said he going for sure. Stephoin is coming, but I haven't talked to Joe (McKnight). I think he is still coming also."

Davis talked about how this decision has affected his life in Louisiana.

"Right now things are really hard for me," he said. "It is something I never would have imagined. I just don't think it is fair. Here I am just 18 years old trying to make a decision that will affect the rest of my life. I don't think anyone can judge me but God."

"I don’t think it is right for people to feel the way they do towards me for switching my commitment. The hurtful things people have been saying on the internet. People calling leaving threatening messages on my phone. I don’t think it is right, but it is preparing me to take on anything in the world."

"Out of 22 coaches at my high school only two support my decision. I love the two guys that are behind me. They have been there for me since I was about eight years old. I have basically known them my whole life."

"After I committed to LSU, after the All-American game, and came back to school I was big-man-on-campus. Everything was going my way versus now when I got back from visiting Alabama. Everybody hated me."

"It just shows what kind of people they are and how much I really meant to them. It is a hard way to find out how people can really be. There have even been former LSU players that play in the NFL right now that played for both Saban and Miles tell me I made the right choice. If they were in that situation they would have picked wherever coach Saban was too."

"I am just staying focused through prayer. Having God with you everyday even when things are bad. It is hard though. I walk through the halls and people call me a traitor, but I just use prayer and feel better."

"My mom has been there for me through all of this, and whether she knows it or not she raised a pretty good young man," the emotionally charged Davis said.

"Coach Lance Thompson calls me to see how I am doing and keeping my spirits up because he knows how hard it is. Coach Saban sends me text messages every day also to keep my spirits up. They have really been there for me."

Davis finished the season at West Monroe with 66 tackles, eight sacks, one interception and three blocked field goal attempts.

Davis sent a text message the other day with the letters S.W.A.T. Naturally he was questioned of the significance.

"That is my nickname. When I was a sophomore we played one of the best passing teams in the state in the finals. I had six pass deflections as a defensive end. So, everyone started calling me S.W.A.T.," Davis laughed.

Is that a nick-name he wants to follow him to the Capstone?

"Oh yes sir. I like that name a lot. I would feel honored if the people at Alabama call me that," Davis said.

A recent article from a newspaper in Louisiana has Luther Davis not yet qualified for the next level.

"I am not really surprised he said that," Davis said. "Like I said, I am not getting much support from people. I am certain I will qualify. What coach Shows doesn't know is my core grades from this past semester was increased to a 3.4. If I can get at the lowest a 3.0 this semester it will bring my G.P.A. to a 2.8. All I would need was a 19 on the ACT. I have a 17 right now. It will not be a problem at all. I am taking an ACT prep class everyday to get me prepared."

Davis visited Louisiana Tech this weekend and comments on his trip.

"Coach (Lance) Thompson (Alabama) said it would be a great idea for us to get out of town and clear our heads. It was nothing. Louisiana Tech knew everything and so did Alabama. It is not an issue. I am 100-percent committed to Alabama, and my coaches gave me their blessing for going to Tech for a visit."

"I feel that if there is a time to be at Alabama it is now. I just want Alabama fans to know that I love to win. I just want to thank them for supporting me in my decision to go to Alabama. I hope they continue to be behind me throughout this whole thing," Davis concluded.

Put a crimson sock in it!

The hiring of Nick Saban has really brought a lot of attention to the UA. With that being said a few ex-supporters have gone mad and lashed out. Bitter Bill Curry and Donny Dolphin Shula being the main two. I guess they figure it's best to run off at the mouth now because later it won't be much to talk about but wins. Put a crimson sock in it Donny and Billy or get a crimson boot up your asses.

Change gone come!

I glad the University of Alabama Athletic Department seen the light and made a power move. For years the UA has tried to keep it in the family. The way I see it, a big time university should always have a big time coach. Good luck to Nick Saban and staff. I will end it with the world famous, ROLL TIDE.

Bryant-Denny Stadium

It all started on the Quad. From 1893-1914 games were played on the Quad and later University Field, which was renamed Denny Stadium after former president George Hutcheson Denny. His tenure as president of the university began in 1912 and spanned almost a quarter of a decade.
Denny stadium opened on Sept. 28, 1929, with a seating capacityof 12,000. In 1946, the seating capacity rose to 31,000 following the addition of bleachers in both end zones. By 1988, the seating capacity was 70,123 following the addition of 12,000 seats, the pressbox and an elevator in 1961 and a 1966 addition of at least 17,000 seats. The stadium also took on another name.
In 1975, the state legislature voted to rename the stadium "Bryant-Denny" in salute to Tide coach Paul William "Bear'' Bryant. 1988 saw the addition of the west upper deck, and a decade later, Bryant-Denny was mirrored with an east upper deck, along with two levels of skyboxes. Bryant-Denny now holds 83,818, making it the fourth largest stadium in the SEC. Tenneessee ranks first with 102,854 followed by Georgia (86,117) and Auburn (85,214).

In 1999, four additional skyboxes were built to bring total skybox capacity to 85. A scoreboard with video display capabilities was erected in the south endzone, as well as new light towers for the east side of the stadium. A new new east side entrance tower a brick facade and reception areas for the Scholarship and A-Club level patrons was also added during the 1998 expansion.
Bryant-Denny has long been a stadium feared by opponents. The Crimson Tide owns an impressive 185-32-3 all-time record at the stadium, and has boasted sellouts at 56 consecutive Tuscaloosa games since 1988.
In March 2002, the UA Athletic Director Mal Moore announced plans for a $100 million renovation of all athletic facilities through the Crimson Tradition Fund. Part of the project includes expanding the north end zone of Bryant-Denny Stadium and building a plaza area leading into the north gates. The plans indicate sky boxes, a club level area and traditional upper deck seating, creating a complete bowl. The expansion should add approximately 10,000 seats.

Bryant-Denny map
How do I get there? From Birmingham/North Alabama: 1. Take I-20/59 west to exit 732. Turn right onto McFarland Blvd./US 823. Go 2 to 3 miles and exit right on University Blvd.4. Follow University Blvd. until you reach stadium on the left.From Montgomery/South Alabama:1. Take I-65 North to Hoover/Birmingham exit on I-459 South2. Go 13 miles on I-459 exit on I-20/59 west towards Tuscaloosa to exit 733. Turn right onto Mcfarland Blvd./US 824. Go 2 to 3 miles and exit right on University Blvd.5. Follow University Blvd. for 1/2 mile. Stadium is located on the left