By Shane from Centerpoint
The ugly incident involving former Alabama football player Jimmy Johns – his thug lifestyle and recent arrest for peddling cocaine – provides an excellent snapshot of the very image and perception issues that head coach Nick Saban is attempting to eliminate from his program.
Johns not only hurt himself – he also damaged the entire football teams’ chances of having success during the upcoming season. I thought senior leadership consisted of being an example of dedication, focus, and maturity. Instead, Jimmy chose to show all the underclassmen, as well as the incoming class, (with one swift move) how to destroy the hard-earned national respect the Crimson Tide is attempting to regain.
His selfish, childish actions clearly illustrate his total lack of consideration for team rules, the justice system of this country, and the health of those with whom he dealt. Johns committed the single most embarrassing and perceptually-damaging act in the history of the University of Alabama by a football player.
The sad part is that Johns’ bad habits taint the image of every player and give the impression that problems of this nature are entrenched deep within the Alabama football program. Too many dark clouds have already passed over this once-storied university. Enough is enough!
This team needs somebody to walk and talk like a man – a real leader. Someone needs to step up to the plate and take control. I’m more upset that none of the players on this team was man enough to stop Jimmy in his tracks. With all the negative press in the past year or so, I would’ve hoped that the player’s council might’ve shut him down.
Is the team unity so split that a senior player can live a separate existence as an alleged drug kingpin who lives the thug life? It is even more disturbing to think that other Tide players could have participated in these classless and destructive activities along with this clown. Makes me wonder if there is any peer pressure at all on this squad to do the right thing?
It pains me as a college football fan to see a small group of immature frauds – like some of the jokers who’ve put on the Crimson Jersey lately – give the sport a bad name.
Some who read this might say it is too harsh and stringent. In reality, I’m just telling the truth. After all is said and done, I believe most fans would concur with my previous statements.
Alabama fans spend massive amounts of time and money supporting the Crimson Tide football program. They are truly dedicated to the cause. Nick Saban and his tireless staff are committed to making Bama a winner again, but they must first turn this large group of boys into men. The sheer number of players arrested lately points to the fact that the conversion hasn’t happened yet. When this group finally grows up, the winning will take care of itself.
Sadly, it appears that the only participants in Saban’s vision called “the process†that aren’t holding up their end of the bargain are certain members of the team. Maybe some of the upperclassmen will “get it†and establish some leadership by requiring the higher level of dedication and sacrifice it takes to become a champion. One thing is certain, after this latest catastrophe, this team needs some good things to occur and it’s up to the players themselves to make that happen.
If Alabama has kept Auburn down over the history of college football why do they only hold a 5 game advantage when they played 30 straight years at their home field (Legion Field)? You Bama fans are so good at selective memory when it comes to history but the numbers do not really support any of your boasts. Just remember ol Mickey Mantle next year, that is right he wore #7!
The BAMMER from S..t Clair:
You are right!
“YOU KNOW THAT YOUR WIN STREAK IS IN JEOPARDY!”
A brilliant statement especially since you are talking about 18 to 20 year olds playing a game. Sure Bama could beat Auburn this year, UPSETS are becoming more and more common in the NCAA. See Appalachian State, UL Monroe (and according to Shane and the rest of his cronies, about 5 other losses bama had) and USF just last year. Upsets happen and should Bama beat Auburn for the 1st time ever @ UAT it will be an upset.
“YOU KNOW THAT NICK SABAN IS A HIRED GUN!”
Right again, an overpaid hired gun that doesn’t seem to be able to pull his gun out of the holster and can only shoot himself in the foot. His “Barnie Fife Process” is a joke. He may need to use that gun to straighten out his own players. You were right on in that statement!
“YOU KNOW WHAT A TEAM UNDER HIS GUIDANCE CAN BE CAPABLE OF ACCOMPLISHING!” We sure do, just look at that record in Miami. Take LSU out of the equation and just look at what he’s been able to accomplish in college football…MEDIOCRATY at best!
Thank you for pointing out these inadequacies to us “Barners” and the Bammer Nation.
It’s Great To Be An Auburn Tiger!
Parole Tide Parole!
David,
You’re right about the home field. Actually it was 41 consecutive years(1948-1988) that the Iron Bowl was played at Legion Field.
And, before the series was interrupted after the 1907 game, there were 4 straight games played in Birmingham (1904-1907). So 45 straight games played in Bama’s backyard!
Additionally, Bama leads the all time series in games played in “neutral” Birmingham 34-18-1.
I’m Back.
The TIGERS are coming.
Guys, dont give em any ammo. We will soon be ahead in the series , hands tied behind our back or not. Auburn has never been the excuse makers of the state. The Institute to the west are the champs at that stat as well.
To the guy that said AU’s coach is a whore,that’s laughable. Look at your coach, he’s really loyal to all the teams he coached. And to all the bama’s who say Auburn is scared just by all the posts shane got. There are 50 or so and about half are AU. So your logic for AU being scared is that 25 fans have posted here. Great logic.oh yea, are any of you guys gonna hold saban accountable for any of these problems.SHane I always say great article but this time you actually deserve to be told you wrote an adequate article.
You would think with Alabama’s 57 National Championships and playing Auburn at their home field for 41 straight years they would hold more than a 5 game advantage in the series. Shane how do you address that?
YO! Obviously, “SHANE’S PAIN” forgot to check out Nick Saban’s record at Michigan State. Saban took that program and turned it around. That’s what got LSU’s attention when they went shopping for a head coach in 2000. As for “bad apples” its NORMAL for head coaches within the first 2 to 3 years to have to deal with players that have a hard time conforming to the new regime. Its interesting that the Miami Dolphins’ owner Wayne Huizinga wanted Saban to STAY WITH THE DOLPHINS! He believed in Saban’s ability, even after the horrendous season they experienced in 2006. You AUBUMS have short memories, too. In 2003, after the slow start early in the season, there were PLENTY of AU fans screaming for Tuberville’s head. After “righting the ship” and beating us in ’03 when “Jet Gate” occurred, you were all united behind Tommy because he took what started to look like a disastrous season early on and did a remarkable coaching job. (I give credit when credit is due.) Go ahead and rant about “Little Nicky” all you want because you will, but Nick Saban’s reputation as a head coach will remain intact. Coaches around the country who know this guy will tell you that he is a fierce competitor and a force to be reckoned with. Everybody has to put up with a headache every now & then. The Jimmy Johns situation has been a MIGRAINE, but its over. WORRY ABOUT YOUR “LOVELY LITTLE VILLAGE!” Later.
Is it over? Yall better hope its over. Once he flips it could get ugly.
Do you Bama fans really think with all the thugs you have on your team none were Jimmy’s customers? Johns will sing like a canary and then we will hear another bunch of excuses from the fan base on why half the team was coked up. That rats nest in Tuscaloosa is getting very seedy.
S..t Clair Bammer:
You are right again! I hadn’t checked Lou Sabans cousin’s record at Michigan State so I just did. Here it is:
1995 – 6-5-1, awesome
1996 – 6-6, fantastic
1997 – 7-5, best yet
1998 – 6-6, back to just fantastic
1999 – 9-2, Note: the team went 10-2 but Saby Baby moved on to LSU and left his team to rot. What a guy!
Below is the recap of his years at Michigan State from Wikipedia:
Michigan State
When Saban arrived in East Lansing, Michigan prior to the 1995 season, MSU had not had a winning season since 1990, and the team was sanctioned by the NCAA for recruiting violations committed under his predecessor, his former mentor, George Perles.[1]
1995-1997 – Beginning in 1995, Saban moderately improved MSU’s fortunes, taking the Spartans to minor bowl games (ALL OF WHICH THEY LOST BY DOUBLE DIGITS) in each of his first three seasons. From 1995 to 1997, Michigan State finished 6-5-1, 6-6, and 7-5. In comparison, MSU had finished 5-6, 6-6 and 5-6 (prior to NCAA forfeits) in 1992-1994.
1998 – On November 7, 1998, the Spartans upset the #1 ranked Ohio State 28-24 at Ohio Stadium. However, even after the upset and an early-season rout of then-highly-ranked Notre Dame the Spartans finished 6-6, including three last-minute losses featuring turnovers, defensive lapses, and special-teams misplays, and failed to earn a bowl invitation. There was wide media speculation that failure to make a bowl in 1999 could cost Saban his job.
1999 – Saban led the Spartans to a 9-2 season that included wins over Notre Dame, Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State. Conversely, the two losses were ROUTS at the hands of Purdue and Wisconsin, thus knocking the Spartans out of BCS contention. Following the final regular-season game against Penn State, Saban abruptly resigned to accept the head coaching position with LSU. Saban’s assistant head coach and successor, Bobby Williams, then coached MSU to a Citrus Bowl victory over Florida, giving the Spartans an overall record of 10-2 for the 1999 season. It would be the best season in terms of wins for the Spartans since 1965, and it would see the Spartans reach their highest ranking since the 1966 team.
He didn’t even average 7 wins a year, wow, what a turn around! (Avg. over 5 years was 6.8 wins and 4.8 losses) I’m sure he can accomplish the same turn around at Bama. Hell, he’s aready averaging more wins (7)! I guess he just needs to work on those losses (6)!
I didn’t realize he was born on Halloween! Should have figured it out though.
As far as Mr. Wayne Huizenga, he should stick to selling used cars. Saby Baby went 9-7 his first year at the Dolphins then once the “process” was implemented they promptly fell to 6 – 10.
Again you are correct, Saby Baby’s reputation will stay intact. Just don’t read the Wikipedia page on him, especially the “criticisms and defenses” section cause his reputation kinda sux there. But if you can convince your buddy Shane (or yourself) to start a Shanapedia site, I’m certain it will read much differently.
Did you see the “Jack and Coke” picture running around the internet? The newest edition is “Jack and Coke Zero” The difference is they added yours and Shanes pictures under the Zero!
Keep up the defenses and wishes of what Alabama COULD be even though you apparently only think they will be as good as Michigan Sate during Saby Baby’s regime there. That just makes that much more easy to say:
IT’S GREAT TO BE AN AUBURN TIGER!
Well Done SHANES PAIN.. WELL DONE!
ANYONE ELSE NEED SOMETHING REBUTTED????
Do you guys see the difference in RHETORIC AND RESEARCH? DO SOME BAMMAS DO SOME or book a room in a HOLIDAY INN or something
Once those annoying things called facts appear, well , the Bammers always disappear.
Thank you Shanehaters! Too bad it will probably do no good because you know the only real stats these Bammer Saby Baby Boomers rely on are 25 year old stats from the “glory” days of the Bear, the useless theories of self-proclaimed recruiting guru’s and the padded head counts for attendance of the spring game. Those are the only three positives these goobers have to hang on to.
By the way, great blogger name!
Have a great 4th of July! God Bless America! War Damn Eagle! Parole Tide Parole!
Just got back from Wisconsin. They are still laughing about sabin and the Coke Heads at bama. I wore my AUBURN shirt and got shouted at by Badger fans. They asked a lot of questions on why UAT hired the LIAR. I told them to visit this site and read Shane SEZ and other one sided topics.
Great article. At least someone has the kahunnas to tell it like it is. All of these pencil neck critics about the article are just smoking rolled tiger poop and are high on their on deficate.
AD, if thats all you can bring to the table, do yourself and us a favor and toss your computer in the right hand lane of U.S. 280 during rush hour.
YO! Amazing. Its simply AMAZING how much time you invest and research you perform in order to trash Nick Saban. Its like a witchhunt. I guess Tommy Shaw & Styx say it best in the song “Too Much Time On My Hands.” I guess its a psychological thing; you fixate on the obstacle in your path and try to tear it down by any means at your disposal. May I suggest psychotherapy? Just a thought. Anyway, keep ranting and raving. Its a LOT OF FUN watching you shake and shiver about the future! The TIDE shall RISE AGAIN, and beware! ITS GONNA BE A TSUNAMI! Later.
BAMMAR FROM ST CLAIR like the good book says…YOU SET EM UP WE KNOCK EM DOWN!
…..man i cant wait till 8-30-08
and to see this blog when the games begins too is going to be something else
And you guys have a safe and happy 4th also,….you 2 bammas
You need a life. We do not care what you think! RTR
Hi there! Wonderful thought, but can this truly perform?