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Archive | February, 2009
Second Chances: Tuberville or Franchione?
Sporting News columnists Matt Hayes and Dave Curtis explored the idea that certain coaches deserve second chances. Hayes argued former Alabama Crimson Tide football coach Dennis Franchione was worthy of a second chance. Curtis argued former Auburn Tiger coach Tommy Tuberville was worth another shot. Hayes covers Franchione’s mistakes at A&M with the VIP newsletter, [...]
Finebaum draws outrage from UAB fans
UAB fans have become the face of class in the state. How did Blazer fans welcome media member Paul Finebaum to the UAB Arena last night? With booing, f-you profanity and rude gestures. What a great way to make a positive impression for your school. UAB fans and students have taken on the attitude of [...]
Another newspaper dies
AP: The Rocky Mountain News will publish its last edition Friday. Owner E.W. Scripps Co. announced on the newspaper’s Web site Thursday that its search for a buyer for the paper was unsuccessful. “Today the Rocky Mountain News, long the leading voice in Denver, becomes a victim of changing times in our industry and huge [...]
Most irritating coaches
Who are the most irritating coaches in the SEC? Mark Bradley of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution shares his thoughts today at AJC.com. Gene Chizik comes in low on the irritation scale at #10. However, Nick Saban and Lane Kiffin top the list. According to Bradley, Saban is irritating because he makes all that money and wins. [...]
Even Taiwan knows about Nick Saban
Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban is famous. He is known to be short with the media. He is known to be intense on the sidelines and to make grown men cry at practice. But The China Post, Taiwan’s leading English language newspaper, published a story via the Washington Post on former Alabama signee Destin [...]
Tide sports update: basketball and baseball
AP: Alabama knocks off Arkansas 88-67. Alonzo Gee scored 23 points to lead Alabama to an 88-67 victory over Arkansas on Wednesday night.Gee was 5 of 6 on 3-pointers to help the Crimson Tide (15-12, 5-8 Southeastern Conference) go 9 of 14 from behind the arc (64.3 percent). All five of his 3-pointers were in [...]
Nico Johnson is impressive
Even on the basketball court Alabama Crimson Tide signee Nico Johnson looks like a football player. He looks stout at his listed 6’3â€, and his arms show he has spent time lifting weights. When Johnson fills the lane, you can envision him playing linebacker on the football field. He is constantly talking to his teammates, [...]
Nothing compares to the Final Four (Final 48)
BIRMINGHAM–The Final Four (Final 48) is the best sporting event in Alabama (excluding college football). It is better than the Super Six for a host of reasons. More teams, more energy, it is loud, climate controlled and tons of non-stop action spanning five days. Did I mention loud? The energy in the building game after [...]
Crimson Tide player hits for cycle
Baseball fans got a midweek treat as Alabama Crimson Tide right fielder hits for the cycle. Here is the information from UA’s Media Relations: TUSCALOOSA — Senior right fielder Kent Matthes hit for the cycle and knocked in a career-high tying five runs as No. 23 ranked Alabama beat Nicholls State 11-4 Tuesday night at [...]
Look for a QB race this spring
Eight In The Box provides a summary of what Antoine Caldwell had to say about the Alabama Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback situation. He said it would be a tossup entering spring. “He gave Greg McElroy the edge in having a better grasp of the offense because he has been around longer, but he said that [...]
On the Brink: Another newspaper near death
Hearst Corporation said it would sell or close the San Francisco Chronicle if it can’t cut expenses. According to the AP, the Chronicle lost $50 million last year. (You can read the entire AP report embedded in the post below.) I shake my head at a business allowing itself to lose $50 million before deciding [...]
Escalation in the Battle of Memphis
The cold war in Memphis has escalated with news the Crimson Caravan will make a stop in the city. The Rap Sheet, has the list of stops: Stop 1 — Huntsville, AL on April 23rd and held at the Von Braun Center Stop 2 — Memphis, TN on April 28th and held at the Peabody [...]
Will recession claim more sports?
While the University of Alabama works on a $80 million expansion to Bryant-Denny Stadium, some schools have a different reality thanks to a deepening recession. According to the NCAA, “The announcement this week of the elimination of teams at Vermont and Northern Iowa continues a trend of NCAA member institutions deciding to drop sports because [...]
Sports talk show host sent to prison
Scott McKinney was sentenced to five years in prison Tuesday for fraud. McKinney pled guilty to 11 counts of fraud and grand theft. Investors in a business run by McKinney charged the talk show host sold more than 100% of the business, and then used money intended for the business to pay personal expenses. According [...]
US favored in Birmingham’s Davis Cup round
Reuters: The absence of Roger Federer makes the U.S. favourites to advance in next month’s Davis Cup tie against Switzerland, American captain Patrick McEnroe said on Tuesday. McEnroe will send out his usual squad of Andy Roddick, James Blake and doubles team Bob and Mike Bryan against Switzerland in the Birmingham, Alabama first-round match which [...]
Out-of-state talent headlines Junior Day
Andrew Bone provides a summary of Alabama’s Junior Day in the Tuscaloosa News. Two Scout.com Top 100 receivers were at the camp as the Tide looks for more depth and “playmakers.” The article provides info on other top players in Tuscaloosa including offensive and defensive linemen. If you don’t have a subscription to a recruiting [...]
2010 Recruiting: QB search is national
Alabama has offered scholarships to at least six quarterbacks—none of them coming from Alabama. It is safe to say, Alabama’s search for a 2010 quarterback is going national. The Crimson Tide has offered Nick Montana, son of the legendary Notre Dame and San Francisco 49er quarterback, Phillip Simms of Virginia, Connor Wood of Texas (committed [...]
What the NFL scouts are saying
Much of this looks like it was written before the Combine, but it is interesting to see what scouts are saying about Tide players Antoine Caldwell, Glen Coffee, Rashad Johnson, Andre Smith and John Parker Wilson. Each player represents a loss for the Crimson Tide, but I think Alabama will miss Caldwell more than anyone [...]
BREAKING: Charles Barkley headed to jail
AP: Charles Barkley will serve time in jail after pleading guilty Monday to charges of driving drunk. According to Scottsdale court records, the 45-year-old former NBA star pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges related to the same drunken driving arrest. Barkley, who works as a TV analyst, is set to begin a five-day jail sentence [...]
SEC Player of the Week: Alonzo Gee
Alonzo Gee is the SEC Player Of The Week. The info from the league’s press release: Alonzo Gee Alabama G • 6-6• 219 • Sr. • Riviera Beach, Fla. Alabama’s Alonzo Gee was named the SEC Player of the Week after averaging 22.5 points and 8.5 rebounds in games at Florida and against Mississippi State [...]
Shane: Tide’s outlook for 2009
Crimson Tide will win it all in 2009 By Shane from Centerpoint I’ve been hearing the talk since the moment Nick Saban’s feet hit the ground in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The issue is not if but when Saban will lead Alabama to its thirteenth national championship. Most of the national pundits are in agreement that the [...]
Monday Crimson Tide notes
Recruiting Just a note to say I’ll post something about the Junior Day and Alabama’s 2010 recruiting later as this post was long enough. Tennis teams continue to win The men’s tennis team won a narrow victory over Indiana this weekend in Bloomington. The 20th ranked Tide defeated the 58th ranked Hoosiers 4-3. The Crimson [...]
Alabama tops Bulldogs in double-overtime game
AP: The Crimson Tide (14-12, 4-8 Southeastern Conference) snapped a four-game losing streak with the dramatic victory. (AP story embedded below) Powered by Mochila
Andre Smith’s stock in free fall?
Andre Smith is having a rough 2009. He doesn’t get to play in the Sugar Bowl and he disappeared at the NFL Combine. And now one NFL analyst has blasted the former Alabama left tackle. According to ProFootballTalk.com NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said, “I’m dropping him down on my list,” Mayock said. “You don’t [...]
Crimson Tide weekend notes
Scott moves to defense B.J. Scott is a natural defensive player, according to his the man who coached him in high school. The Rap Sheet quotes Kerry Stevenson, “He’s home right now. I think they’ll try him at safety, but I know he can play corner, too. He’s a defensive player, by nature.” What to [...]
Not football: Friday fun links
It is Friday and why not a few links that have nothing to do with sports. •Think things are bad now? Just wait. The Times of London details a future robot rebellion kind of like Terminator. •Plato was right! Atlantis found! According to the Sun, Google Earth just might have the location of the lost [...]
Saban recruiting Vogler at TE; Tide busy in Georgia
The AJC is reporting Nick Saban wants one of the top Georgia prospects to play tight end at Alabama. Brian Vogler will visit Alabama this weekend, and the recruit is impressed with the Alabama Crimson Tide coach. According to the report, “The 6-foot-7, 240-pound junior said he had a great conversation with Alabama coach Nick [...]
NFL Combine: Right or Left for Smith?
News from the NFL Combine via the AP (full report embedded below): Right now, Smith is projected by some to be the No. 1 pick in April’s draft, but the money and higher draft picks are usually spent on the coveted left tackles, who protect a right-handed quarterback’s blindside. So if they determine Smith is [...]
Fire at Bryant-Denny Stadium
A fire at Bryant-Denny Stadium damaged the JumboTron scoreboard at the South End Zone. The massive scoreboard was being removed as part of the expansion project underway. The fire is under investgiation according to reports. Crimson Confidential has a photograph of the fire damage and more details. More details are now available from the Tuscaloosa [...]
Hoover braces for baseball tournament without Bama
As the Southeastern Conference baseball tournament begins, Hoover businesses are getting ready to feel, well, not much of anything. Since [...]