AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2006 > September > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USShula sets poor example
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In my work I have been pretty positive about Mike Shula since he became the head coach at the University of Alabama.
When the fans and media took their shots at Shula’s nervous performance in his first press conference, I said that you have to let a new coach grow into the job.
When Alabama lost at home to Northern Illinois in 2003 I reminded people that the MAC gives scholarships, too. I have repeatedly said that if school officials weren’t willing to give Shula five years to rebuild the program, given the mess that it was in, then he shouldn’t have been hired in the first place.
Every time I am asked about Mike Shula I have described him as a young, talented coach who has learned how to surround himself with very good people. After going 10-2 last season, I have predicted that Alabama would go through a transition year in 2006 and have a very good chance to win the SEC championship in 2007.
In short, I have been overwhelmingly positive about Mike Shula and his handling of the Alabama football program since he took over in 2003.
But not today.
Today we part company. Today I am sad for Mike Shula and I am sad for the great football program at the University of Alabama.
Earlier this year linebacker Juwan Simpson was arrested for marijuana possession and for having a stolen handgun.
Faced with alcohol-related transgressions from some players, Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville handed down game suspensions, the only penalty that really matters, back in July.
Tarell Brown, a three-year starting cornerback at Texas, committed the exact same infraction - a gun and some pot in his car - on Monday. Coach Mack Brown didn’t hesitate after getting all the facts and by Tuesday had suspended the player for Saturday’s big game with No. 1 Ohio State. Given the fact that Ohio State’s best player is a wide receiver, that decision could cost Texas the game and a shot at the national championship.
Juwan Simpson, who reached a plea agreement on his charges, played for Alabama last Saturday against the University of Hawaii.
Let’s make this clear. Mike Shula is the head coach at Alabama and had every right to handle the situation the way he did. I personally believe that when college athletes break the law, as opposed to team rules, the athletics director and president should make the final call on punishment. I assume they were in the loop here.
But I can tell you that from a national perspective, Alabama’s program has taken a hit on this one. Alabama didn’t need Juwan Simpson to beat Hawaii and the greater good - and image - of the program would have been better served by sitting him down. In today’s culture, “in-house” discipline or running the stadium steps at dawn is no longer sufficient. It simply sends the wrong message and too many coaches (like Tennesee’s Phillip Fulmer) have had to learn that lesson the hard way.
I’m an outsider, I know. I can only tell you that from the outside this looks like a bad decision that may help Alabama football in the short term but hurt its public image in the long haul. And given what the school has gone through the past 4-5 years, the last thing Alabama needs is a public relations hit.
And it just wasn’t necessary. That is what’s so sad.
Comments
By L.B.
September 6, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this
I personally know of Juwan’s punishment and believe that it was fitting for what he did. Juwan was required to be at the complex every morning at 5 a.m. for running as well as to server over one months’ volunteer work at the tuscaloosa police department doing whatever odd ended work that they wanted. He is really a good kid and I know him personally. He made a mistake that I know he will not make again. Lesson learned!!!! Get off of him and coach Shula who is doing a great job with what is has to work with.
By Why?
September 6, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this
Why do the schools let players that break the law still be in the program? I am baffled by the number of suspensions every year for “breaking unspecified team rules”. Tony, isn’t playing college football a privilege? Why would schools let players that carry handguns and marijuana still be on the team? That’s unreal. I think every time a player breaks a “team rule” they should have to make it public what they did. I wonder how many times a player get two or three game suspensions at UGA, Auburn, FSU, etc for breaking the law and they cover it up by saying they broke unspecified team rules. Let’s level the playing field and make it all public.
By D-Man
September 6, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this
EXCUSE ME??? Why did Juwan get off from local authorities with his breaking of the law? Why? Because he is a star on Alabama’s team. ANYONE else..you, me..we would have been put UNDER the jail. That’s just the way it works. I hate the fact that he gets to play football..the thing he loves most when charges were dropped and he was given a lite punishment. The only punishement that Juwan really would have understood is to sit the bench for several games and understand that his not playing was a consequence of his actions off the field. If Alabama happens to lose any of those games because Juwan wasnt playing…well, that too teaches him a life lesson that his actions affects others. As it is, he hasnt learned anything..except that charges were dropped and he had to run the bleachers at 5am and run errands for the local cops. Sounds like he made out like a bandit to me!!
By AFnPC
September 6, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this
An illegal drug should be punishable by the NCAA! It’s okay though, Shula will have to deal with what Lou Holtz did at Carolina…a downward spiral of the program based upon the inability of the staff to enforce team rules…Next thing you know they’ll be stealing laptops from the stadium after another pounding by AUBURN!!! Fear the thumb baby…5 in a row! Only 11 weeks away~! WAR EAGLE!!
By D-Man
September 6, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this
Another thing here…Mike Shula showed his true colors here…he knew that his defense needed Juwan playing badly…so rather than do whats right and punish the kid with at least multiple game suspensions, he instead covered it up and is allowing the kid to play. I guess it’s true what they say..”WIN AT ALL COSTS!”
By The Man
September 6, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this
L.B. - you’re a moron. I bet you’re also a racist, who blames whitey for everything. Go stick it. The thug deserved to be thrown off the team.
By Ogden
September 6, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this
Tony, you have given Coach Shula credit in the past for the situation he was in and how well he has done. You are wrong on this though. Simpson was punished and Shula said that he had done everything he was asked to do over the summer. He has never failed a drug test and has already graduated. DJ Hall a much needed receiver was suspended for the game. 3 players have been kicked completely off the team in recent months for not doing the things they were asked to. Including 2 very much needed defenders Keys and Dawson. I think you will see that discipline will not be a problem on this team.
By Barry
September 6, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this
I agree, Shula made a mistake. I can understand WHY he made such a namby-pamby decision; he’s still just one bad season away from termination. Too many Alabama fans (and clearly, coaches too) still will not accept that there are some things more impotant than football. Character and grades should count for something and I hope that Bama will see this before it’s too late.
And just for the record, running steps and picking up garbage for the Tuscaloosa police dept. does NOT constitute an adequate response to Simpson’s actions.
By Jerry Royster
September 6, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this
Interesting, you failed to mention that Juwan past a drug test before and after the incident and that he had gun checked by T-town police after receiving from a family member. Those charges were dropped. Again, that wasn’t mentioned in your article.
I guess those facts didn’t fit your article so you didn’t use them. Fair enough.
I know why you picked Tuberville as your example of shining goodness but you could mentioned that Kevin Sears was suspended for both the UGa game and bowl game last year but miraculously “un-suspended” for the Bama game. You did know that right…Mr College Football.
By Jimbo
September 6, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
Yada Yada Yada. Is that the best you can do Tony. Seems as though L.B. knows more about the situation than you. Coach Shula has ALL the facts and you don’t. If you truly know that you are and OUTSIDER, then how can you make these critical statements. Your comments are just another attempt by a sports writer trying to negatively stir the pot of public opinion. Remember, you are an OUTSIDER and because you are not privey to INSIDE information your judgements are weak and wreckless. Stick to prognosticating…you are much more entertaining doing that.
By Sad
September 6, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
Fans like L.B. who claim inside information continue to point to the community service that Maryjuana Simpson did.
This was part of the plea bargain with the court. This was not punishment handed down by Mike Shula.
This has been a PR nightmare for Mike Shula and he has handled it very poorly. If this situation will be handled “in house” or “stay in the family” both Shula and Simpson should not have commented on the situation whatsoever. But both of them, while being vague, have continued to fan the fire by making inconsistent comments.
I agree with those who believe that the punishment should be public, but if they want it to be private, both Shula and Simpson should have been on the same page with their comments (or lack thereof). The “i think I should get an ice cream cone” comment by Simpson was assinined.
By rick
September 6, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this
Shula may have made a mistake by playing Juwan. But, what are the facts? 1. Juwan had a gun that was sanctioned by the local police department. 2. Drugs were found in his car and the passenger in the car stated that Juwan had no knowledge of it being in the car. 3. He did not test positive for any drug. Shula’s history of dealing with difficult student-athletes is clear by his past actions. Juwan’s situation didn’t merit any suspension based on the facts. The only reason it’s in the headlines is because of the long-established tradition of Bama football. Tony, you should know better.
By E. B.
September 6, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this
When Coach Shula starts letting public perception determine his actions then I will disagree with him. He has more integrity than you, Mr. Barnhart. There have been two players kicked off of the team already this year, but I don’t hear anyone talking about that. There was a player suspended for the first game last year, but did the press talk about that? No. The only reason people have a bad perception of Alabama or Coach Shula is because of the biased reporting that comes from you pitiful journalists that think you can dictate what a coach should or should not do. If it was your son playing, would you want it aired in the public or handled discreetly as has been the case. What good comes from more public embarassment of a good kid, just to make people like you happy?
By Clay
September 6, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this
I don’t have a dog in this fight because I have no interest in UA, AU, or “Up Yours” but I do believe that Coach Shula is a quick learner. Obviously, he has long been an admirer of Coach Booby Bowden at FSU. Now that good ol’ boy set the standard for how to discipline football players.
By David Burdick
September 6, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this
You don’t know the circumstances surrounding Juwan Simpson’s arrest. If you did, you would not have misrepresented the situation like you did. You do not know what disciplinary action was taken against Simpson by Coach Shula. I am proud to have Mike Shula coaching the Crimson Tide and I trust his judgment. The University of Alabama football program is headed in the right direction and that seems to get under the skin of some of you media divas. Since you don’t have a real controversy to discuss regarding the Crimson Tide football program, you try to create controversy. Your effort is futile.
By Marc
September 6, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this
I think all the facts have not been given to us or U….Reason NONE OF OUR BUISNESS…. Your words were a little harsh for a matter u know nothing about and I think U should be fired….
By shivas
September 6, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this
WHy is anyone surprised? Shula was told to play him and he did. Good boy.
By Chris
September 6, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this
I think the only way to really have an effect on a player is to suspend them for games. Running stadiums won’t send the message, but taking away playing time (and stats for being drafted-which equal $$$$) WILL. I’m an FSU alum, and for far too long we have been the poster-child (and well deserved) of “handling things in-house” vs. suspending players for games. The worst of course is Bowden “praying for a misdemeanor” when Peter Warrick got arrested. Only recently has FSU started suspending players and kicking them off the team. We have deserved our bad reputation in the past, and unless Bama (or any other school for that matter) wants to end up like us “criminoles”, coaches need to take away what is most valuable to players—playing time. Making a player run for punishment is like making a cross-country athlete run 5 miles.
By Jeff
September 6, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this
Tony,
You are a columnist, not a journalist. You get paid to entertain, not report the news. That much is obvious in your column because you have not taken the time to research the issue. You formed, and published, an opinion without researching the facts. If you did research the facts, besides just reading the Alabama dailies, your column would clearly reflect it. Don’t punish Shula for not placating to the media. He has shunned political correctness and done things his way — the right way. Bravo for him. Shame on people like you for passing judgement on things for which you have no educated insight.
By RammerJammer
September 6, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this
This drivel is causing lots of joy for the illiterate fans of a certain south Alabama Cow College. I guess you have to enjoy badmouthing your competition when you have no reason to brag about your own program. You’ll find out where to put that thumb come November. Alabama fans would never brag about a four game winning streak against AUbarn. It’s not even half of our record win streak against them. Barners should concern themselves with Dumbo flying off to Miami when they get rid of Mr. Coker.
By mark
September 6, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this
excellent post and regardless of bias, right on…….a persons character is of most importance and to slander two in one article w/out having done the research other than just knowing he didnt play is wreckless and frankly litigatable
By Mike
September 6, 2006 05:56 PM | Link to this
What a teacher does with a student as far as discipline is concerned should be between them. I was there during the days of the Bear and during the time when a lot of tokin was goin on. (misspelled intentionally) Players were doing what the students were doing and drinking as good as anybody. But back then it never got in the paper. It was just understood that the worse punishment that a player could get was for his misbehavior to be reported to the Bear. Coach Bryant took care of it in house. Most disciplinary cases we have heard about came out because the players later let it out. Even the more famous ones only came out because the Coach thought that was the best way to get their attention. He applied different techniques to different situations. Give Shula the same right. You have no idea what has really happened and neither do I and neither one of us has the need to know.
By Wayne
September 6, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this
I disagree that the ultimate in punishment is to “not play.” There are many ways to administer punishment. A player held out of the game hurts the whole team and the fans. Tarell Brown, a three-year starting cornerback at Texas, not playing this weekend could possibly knock Texas out of the National Championship picture. You can’t belive that’s fair to the team. I believe in punishing the guilty, but spare the not guilty.
By Yabba
September 6, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this
What’s most puzzling to me is Shula’s policy of never commenting on disciplinary matters. Here we have a well-publicized arrest of a prominent player. His punishment in the courts (such as it was) is a matter of public record. Why not go public with Simpson’s football-related punishment and demonstrate that this type of conduct will not be tolerated in the program? Could it be that there was no punishment at all? If so, what kind of message does that send to the supporters of your team and potential recruits?
By Ann
September 6, 2006 06:13 PM | Link to this
I love the way the bammers are trying to justify Shelia’s actions. They so want to believe he is going to rescue the program. Deep down they know they are facing yet another embarrasing search for a new head coach. Little Mikey needs to call daddy and figure out how to get out of this mess. One other thing, when maryjuana Simpsons comes up here to Tennessee, tell him to leave the gun and weed at home. Our cops want turn their heads like we know happens down there in Tuscalooser.
By Bob
September 6, 2006 06:18 PM | Link to this
I’ve read several comments about Mr. Barnhart not having the facts. Here are the facts. (1) Simpsons was in Birmingham, early morning with a gun and drugs. (2) He pleaded guilty to the charges. (3) There is a claim he passed drug tests but no proof. (4) There is a claim he ran and did community service but no proof. So, spin it any way you want, but something is wrong at Alabama. I’m sure The Bear is proud!
By jay moore
September 6, 2006 08:02 PM | Link to this
Let’s see, Mr. Simpson,a criminal justice major, was stopped by police operating a vehicle that may or may not have been his with a stolen gun under his seat and a stash of marijuana atop the seat.Must have been a class project.
By Shula The Retard
September 6, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this
Rammer Jammer must be delusional.Remember a few months ago when Auburn was questioned about the Sociology dept.?Bama fans could not quit talking about it.Why?Because the tide has turned in a huge way.Auburn is the dominant program in the state and will be for years. That topic was the only”good” thing Bammers had to talk about. As long as Shula is at Bama,AU will have his number.Every press conference he attends,it is in the back of his mind and everyone else’s mind that Bama (Shula)can’t beat Auburn.He is desperate and it shows in this J. Simpson case.Shula is alienating the media and it will haunt him.Fear The thumb Bama fans,and Fear the other hand too.This is Auburn’s time and we are taking you to the woodshed.
By john
September 6, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this
Don’t slight Alabama because they lost to Northern Illinois two years back. Northern Illinois is tough. They also beat Maryland and Iowa State that year. And the Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets are in no hurry to put Northern Illinois on there schedule.
By GC
September 6, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this
To all ALABAMA homers-your favorite fan Paul Finebaum wrote a more damning article of Coach Shula yesterday. Immediately go to the Mobile Press Register website and begin defending the “ice cream man”. And Jerry, ALABAMA would have lost the Auburn game last year if you were the MLB-don’t worry about Kevin Sears he hasn’t started in two years.
By DJ
September 6, 2006 09:10 PM | Link to this
I am really amused by the comments posted concerning your article. I would like to say that you are entitled to your opinion and have every right to express it, it was a well written article based on your opinion. I understand the growing concern people have with the perception that athletes get special treatment. But these kids are kids like everyone else. Some kids get off others don’t, you just don’t read about it in the papers. If there were charges worth prosecuting Simpson on, then the police should had prosecuted him. So shame on the police if they fall down on the job. But as far as Shula, you might want to lighten up a little. My high school coach, Bob Finley, was very respected in the state of Alabama in the high school ranks. One of the things that endeared him to his players and others was th fact he treated each of us the same yet differently. He knew which kids had to be yelled at and which kids were hard on themselves without the coaches barking at them. Each kid is different and different levels of punishment get their attention. Shula should be given the same option. None of us know all the facts, but Shula handled it his way, according to what he thought would send a message to this kid. He has suspended others and kicked kids off the team, so I think he had good reasons not to punish Simpson more than he did. I also want to let rammerjammer know that not everything is a conspiracy by Auburn fans or Tennessee fans. You bammers are just trying to deflect the fact that there are problems in T town and there always have been, its just the Bear is no longer around to keep the media quiet. Your elaquent description of Auburn should make you proud of the degree you recieved from UA.
War Eagle!
By John
September 6, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this
This is just an obvious attempt my Mike Shula to improve his standing in the Fulmer Cup. Three words: Fear The Thumb!
By Wade
September 6, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this
* There have been two players kicked off of the team already this year, but I don’t hear anyone talking about that. *
LMAO. Keys was kicked off the team for MULTIPLE violations of substance abuse and breaking another player’s arm (or was it leg) in a fight.
By Braves Fan
September 6, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this
What do you expect from the Alabama Nation. Take a look at the last 5 years, they are a sad bunch. I like the way Richt and Tuberville handle problems.
By Scout
September 6, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this
At least 3 dozen people (including myself) wasted their time responding to this article. At least 100 thousand wasted their time reading the article.
This is such a non-issue. Alabama, Auburn, and College Football Fans everywhere should be ashamed for they way they’re bickering over this issue.
By Nickat Nite
September 6, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this
To Wozzo the Wonderdawg;
The ACC had a bad week?? How about Kentucky being run out of the stadium in Louisville?? And don’t forget Vanderbilt’s stellar performance in Ann Arbor. Or how about USC playing flag football with the Razorbacks? And that Miss State/South Carolina game wasn’t exactly a clinic now was it? I don’t think either conference had much to crow about last week?
By Ogden
September 7, 2006 12:32 AM | Link to this
Some proof for some of you barn doubters. By the way…isn’t it odd that you barners know more about the Alabama program and what goes on than your own? Tony you do a great job but some research would have been appropriate IMO.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Shula’s punishment for Simpson includes working at jail TUSCALOOSA — Alabama linebacker Juwan Simpson has been disciplined by head coach Mike Shula, though it wasn’t evident on the football field in the season opener.
Simpson, who was arrested this summer on drug and gun charges, has spent time over the past few weeks performing various forms of community service, The Birmingham News has learned.
Simpson worked at the Tuscaloosa County Jail, Chief of Operations James Taggart told The News, doing anything from washing cars to cleaning equipment.
Additionally, Simpson has spent many hours at The Rise School of Tuscaloosa, a school serving children with disabilities, as part of his punishment. Simpson, who played at Austin High School in Decatur, started and played in the Crimson Tide’s season opener last week against Hawaii.
By bobby
September 7, 2006 01:56 AM | Link to this
The post comment from MariJUANa “…i have been punished enough, maybe Coach should buy me an ice cream cone” proves to anybody without “crimson” colored glasses what the real truth is …with or without confirmed facts. It’s called perception. No punishment was going to phase Simpson. The only thing this proves is that if CMS is given a statue on the “walk of champions” they might want to stick his head in the ground in order to depict him better. He should be “ostrich”ized.
By Bear Cub
September 7, 2006 08:40 AM | Link to this
Step back and look at this for a second… a legal adult is caught with an ‘unregistered’ gun (not stolen) and a meager amount of controlled substance. City police slap him on wrist as they do thousands of upstanding Americans each week (shame on us all for using up court and police time on this issue). This adult has worked THOUSANDS of hours to be allowed to play a game representing his college, so denying him this privelege for such a minor infraction first seems a bit harsh. Still, it is the reputation of the institution that suffered when he was brought into the limelight… and let there be no doubt the Univ of Ala is a fine and proud institution, deserving of honors beyond accolades garnered by the sports dept. FOR THIS REASON, public acknowledgement of regret for his trespasses would have been more appropriate than the SILLY comments made, and public statements about punishment would have been more appropriate than backdoor leaking of a few hours spent in retribution at the jail and Stallings Center. Both Barnhart and Finebaum are correct… publicity of punishment shows care for the institution as well as the team. Covering up payment for sins seems like some Southern tradition of attempting to keep an honorable face while ‘dishing out a whupin in the back yard’. The family honor is already besmirched… do the right thing and openly discuss punishment, then suffer only when it does not match the crime Coach Shula.
By Bart Starr
September 7, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this
Please remind me when Tony Barnhart has EVER said anything “positive” about the Alabama football program.
By Elroy
September 7, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this
Good ol’ bammy.
Where nobody is ever wrong and the football team is above the law.
Some things never change. From the drunk who cheated his way to national prominence, to the shellshocked young’un there now who hangs on the end of many strings.
Georgia fans are bad, but mostly out of ignorance. Nobody though comes close to the absolute corruption and cover-up that alabama has made it’s strongest tradition.
Great article Tony!
By bamabeth
September 7, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this
Does anyone out there actually know what punishment was handed down? A lot of people are assuming it wasn’t a harsh or difficult punishment because it didn’t meet their standards of what they think college football discipline should be. The truth is, no one outside of that program knows what was done, so all of these opinions are merely speculation. The bottom line is this - if you’re not on the payroll of the football program at UA, it’s none of your business how Coach Mike Shula handles discipline on that team. You don’t sign his paychecks, and the the only man he has to answer to is the one who does. I am certain he has explained to that man what measures were taken in this situation, and apparently, the man was satisfied. The media scum are just mad because Shula doesn’t play the movie star bit like some of these other coaches and put on a dramatic press conference or issue some kiss-up public statement. Has anyone stopped to think that maybe his attempt to keep it all private was done in the best interest of the young man and his family? Of course, the media scum won’t let that happen. They’ve tried and convicted him in their commentary many times over. I’m just waiting for them to call for the lynching. Since none of us really knows all the facts in this case, it’s unfair to say that the Texas case is exactly the same. Can the media scum not find anything more interesting to talk about than this? West Virginia lost a Heisman candidate last week. #1 and #2 play this week. Auburn had to attempt 6 field goals against Washington State. Obviously, either Cal was overrated or Tennessee was underrated. Is non of that a better story than this? The media has done it’s level best to make sure that no one gives Bama any credit, to make everyone think they are a washed-up, down-and-out, has-been program; a dinosaur. They tell us that no one cares about the Tide anymore. The glory days are over. Why then give so much press to such a team? Could it be because their new media darling, Auburn, was just exposed for a terribly embarrassing grading scandal, so they feel the need to try to shame the other state team? Whatever the case, it’s time to leave the man alone, let him coach his team the way he sees fit, and enjoy the football. ROLL TIDE!!!
By Sickened
September 7, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this
I am sick to death of these criminals getting a slap on the wrist and not even that. They continue to hold these players up as examples to us, the students and our kids. It is a sad day in America. I believe these players should be PERMANENTLY expelled from college football. The NCAA should get some guts and make the rules they need to make instead of subjecting us to these criminals. Let them go to the NFL - some idiots will watch them there.
By Wozzo the Wonder Dog
September 7, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this
Dear Nickat Nite (and apologies to all others for responding to a response to a comment in another blog): Every major columnist said the ACC stunk it up in the 1st week. Vandy had no chance against Michigan but the score was around 10-7 near halftime. Not bad for the worst team in the SEC. Nice of you not to mention Tennessee clocking a top 10 team in an upset. No SEC team lost to a 1-AA team like Duke managed. Wake nearly lost to freaking Syracuse. Tech lost and Notre Dame didn’t exactly look great. The marquis matchup of FSU-Miami received universal bad marks (great defense, granted). Let’s take a look at the top ten and examine the 3 SEC teams ahead of the sole ACC team (with 2 SEC teams close by). Look at the ACC win-loss record in week one AND who the ACC lost to as well. Is the rent high in fantasyland?
To stay on topic: Bama should get Rueben Houston’s lawyer. Nine months’ probation for toting a hundred pounds of narcotics - what war on drugs?
By lawdawg
September 7, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this
Good call Tony. Auburn suspends a kid for what looks like may be 3 games (including LSU) for drinking underage. Thats something most college kids do, and isn’t even close to carrying a gun and drugs. Yet the thug getting high and carrying a gat gets to play, while the young kid drinkin beer sits the bench. Shows the difference between the discipline of the two programs. I personally think he (Blackmon) should play against LSU, but either way, Auburn and Texas have a lot more to lose by sitting good players than does Bama, and yet they take the classy route anyway.
By True Crimson
September 7, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this
Well said, bamabeth.
Unfortunately, when an institution has achieved the status that comes with the tradition of excellence established by the long and glorious history of the University of Alabama, there will be lesser men who will make it their mission in life to try to tear down said institution. We who are a part of the Alabama family should pity these individuals. They do this out of envy.
Surely they would prefer to sing the praises of their own chosen Alma Mater; however, they understand the futilility of such an undertaking. Try as they might, they know in their hearts that their best efforts will never match the magnificence of even our past endeavors.
As they witness the re-emergence of the University of Alabama football program from the dark period from which it has recently suffered, it is not unusual for them to recoil with fear and curse the vision of the Crimson Tide tradition of excellence rising like a Phoenix from the ashes of despair.
We in the Alabama Nation should follow the example of Coach Shula and refrain from engaging with these blasphemous naysayers. It is not our place to lower ourselves to their level. We have a mission to accomplish. Our path is clearly laid down before us. We must march ahead quietly and let our performance speak for itself. Our tradition has been built not on blustery self-congratulation, but on victory.
As it has been in the past, so it shall soon be once again. The Tide will turn, and there is no force on this earth that will stand in it’s way.
Roll Tide!
By Sickened
September 7, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this
Bamabeth - you poor thing. Don’t you know that everybody hates Bama football because of your fans and dirty tactics? You go from the merely obnoxious to the truly psycho. Your program needa to reign in some of these freaks if you are looking for any good will from the rest of us. Act like intelligent adults for God’s sake, you’re scaring the children!
By Jack
September 7, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this
Shula’s lax discipline is no shocker. He showed us his cards during his first season at Alabama. When star running back Ray Hudson was arrested for a DUI prior to the Auburn game that year, Shula faced a choice: Do the right thing and lose his best offensive weapon against his team’s biggest rival, or play Hudson and give the middle finger to class, integrity, and discipline. Needless to say, Hudson not only played, but started. Once that precedent was set, it was not shocking at all to see Juwan Simpson start the Hawaii game. Why is anyone surprised?
By Richard
September 7, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this
Did you see the joke of an article in Bamaham News? Shula had nothing to do with that is was all court ordered. He has really made a fool of himself on this one! The media in Alabama is so scared to tell the truth on Bama and it is sad. I’m not a Bama fan ( went to GT ) but I live hear and really understand why Auburn fans hate Bama so much.
Richard
By True Crimson
September 7, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this
Rest assured Richard, that we understand your hatred as well.
By Sickened
September 7, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this
Do you see what I mean about psycho? Just read True Crimson’s post. Obviously a delusional individual not connectd to reality.
By True Crimson
September 7, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this
Dear Mr. Sickened,
I’m truly sorry if we are scaring you. We would gladly accept your “good will”, but rest assured that we do not seek it.
By MorenoIV
September 7, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this
You should get your story correct before you go bashing people. JS had the handgun checked by police officials who verified that it was HIS handgun, not a stolen one. Also, one of his friends was in possesion of the dope, not JS. He even submitted two urine samples for testing that BOTH PASSED. Good Reporting.
By Sickened
September 7, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this
Will somebody please come and get Frodo and take him back to middle earth?
By True Crimson
September 7, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this
Thank you Sickened, for the invitation to join you in your humble domain. But I have other business to attend to and I must bid you farewell for now.
Roll Tide!
By Sandman
September 7, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this
Volunteer work at the Tuscaloosa jail, sweeping out cells. Give me a break. It’s more like sitting around the jail telling Bama stories……Schula calls this punishment. What do you have to do to get a game suspension, murder someone?
And I’m sick of hearing Simpson is a good kid. We’ve dumbed down “good kid” like everything else in society today. Sorry, I don’t know any good kids with marijuana and a stolen gun in their car. Also this cliche about everybody makes a mistake is getting old………..yeah and most regular folks pay for their mistake.
Finebaum hit the nail on the head on his radio show yesterday. The young lady who was with Simpson when he was stopped by the police has a father who’s a big time Bama booster. The young lady has never been identified, Simpson had a big-time lawyer represent him, Shula does nothing……enough said.
By Bemused Tider
September 7, 2006 12:03 PM | Link to this
Ha!
Do you losers really think that we give a rat’s patootey about all of your whining? The Crimson Tide is back in the business kicking some serious football butt! You can moan and whimper all you want, but you can’t stop the Tide from rolling all over you!
BTW: All of you Auburn fans out there can take your thumb and shove it. We’re coming after you on November 18 and you’re all more than welcome to hate us even more after we humiliate you in Tuscaloosa!
Roll Tide Roll!
By Thomas
September 7, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this
Tony - why don’t you ask why D.J. Hall was suspended while Juwan Simpson was not?? The reason is because every case is different and needs to be approached that way.
Simpson has NEVER been in any reported trouble of any kind during his 4 years in Tuscaloosa. Every coach and player on that team will tell you that Juwan Simpson is a hard working and decent person and I challenge you to find anyone who knows Juwan to say otherwise.
The pot almost certainly wasn’t his - as evidenced by the drug tests he passed both before his arrest (drug screening for employment) and afterwards. Being that it was found inside his car, he has taken responsibility for it by pleading guilty to possession and entering into a court appointed drug program.
The gun he possessed had been cleared by a Northport police officer prior to purchase. He had no knowledge that it was stolen as the cop told him that the serial number was clean.
The only crime he committed was that he hadn’t registered the gun - something that I’m sure he sorely regrets now. And I’m sure you’ll agree that Juwan Simpson is not the first NCAA football player to ever carry a gun with or without a license, nor will he be the last.
You and everyone else who has publicly criticized Mike Shula for the way that he handled this situation has something in common - none of you know the facts and circumstances behind Simpson’s arrest or his punishment and none of you need to.
There are two reasons why Mike Shula does not discuss disciplinary matters in the media: 1. There is no reason to let your opponent know if any of your players will not be playing in an upcoming game. 2. It’s no one else’s business other than the player, his family, Mike Shula, and his team.
I can see why people like you would be upset that Mike Shula does not discuss these matters with the media. Your livihood depends on the comments made by these coaches on a daily basis. If every coach handled their disciplinary matters the way that Shula does, non of you guys would have anything to write about and you’d be out of a job. Now where’s the fun in that??!!
By clint
September 7, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this
Shula made a real tough decision to suspend DJ for Saturday’s game given he was injured and couldn’t play anyway!
By Ogden
September 7, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this
Ok Barners let me answer some of the crap you have stirred. First of all making fun of Coach Bryant as being a drunk and cheater is laughable when the guy you named your field after, Pat Dye is all of the above and was last seen on 60 Minutes telling a player to “keep it down home cuz”. Tubberville will reinstate Sears and Blackmon for the LSU game just watch. The article clearly states that going back to Bryant, coaches have made players who broke team rules work at the Rise Center to teach them a lesson and do some good in the community. So you think Simpson would have learned more of a lesson by missing one game or having to spend his down time in the summer working at the jail and the Rise Center to get back in good graces. Had he not he would not be on the team. Shula said that he had done everything they had asked him to do. You barners kill me being obsessed with Alabama. Simpson has already graduated and not like many of your players have by having grades given to him. He has never been in trouble before and has been a leader on the team. Maybe you guys realize that the only reason you are a better program today is that Alabama was slammed by the NCAA and we are just now getting to 85 scholarships.Think about when your program has prospered. At the end of Bryant. The transition of Perkins to Curry. And the probation and coaching changes in the last 5 years. Hmmm and your successes are always followed by probation. Guess it is in your best interest to rip Shula as much as you can. When there is stability at Alabama you guys just do not do to well. Just hope that your program does not get put through the magnifying glass that Alabama was. Think about it. Was Bowden a bad recruiter or did Tubberville, Lowder, Hall and Dye reopen the vault down there where 15-20 players per year get paid to play. And funny that there have been no academic casualties in the last 5 years…probably has nothing to do with the Sociology Dept. So enjoy your run. History is about to repeat itself.
By Bemused Tider
September 7, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this
Clint,
If you actually had any knowledge of the University of Alabama football program, you would know that DJ Hall’s suspension began last season. He sat out the Tide victory at the Cotton Bowl because of it.
You losers love to b*** about Alabama. Why don’t you get a life? Or at least a decent football team to root for …
Roll Tide!
By Jack
September 7, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this
Yikes — Bama fans never cease to amaze. They sound like the nutroots crowd at Kos and DU with the kooky conspiracy theories and promises of future butt-whippings (“Merry Fitzmas”, anyone?). That Krimson Kool-Aid must be spiked with the same weed Juwan “fine young man” Simpson was hauling around.
By Off
September 7, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this
Jack,
My name completes you!
By Jack
September 7, 2006 01:15 PM | Link to this
Such class — but you evidently can’t spell.
By Jerry
September 7, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this
Not suspending Simpson does not surprise me in the least. Being an Auburn fan, I’ve seen much more despicable actions come out of Tuscaloosa. Shula knew he needed Simpson because any more embarrassing losses will cost him his job. I, for one, am glad to see Simpson play and bama win. Matter of fact, I’m working on a new website named “www.pleasedontfiremikeshula.com” Mike Shula is the best thing to happen to Auburn since Bill Curry.
By Ogden
September 7, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this
Jerry,
The best thing to happen to Auburn is Alabama’s probation. Stability at Alabama = Auburn mediocrity. Look at the history of both programs. Enjoy it while it lasts. Also note your history of probation following a period of success. Again look at the history.
By Sickened
September 7, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this
Yes Ogden - let’s look at history - since history is all you’ve got.
Everybody get out their glasses and let’s dig in the dusty record books so maybe Ogden can reserve a shred of dignity.
He certainly won’t have any with this year’s team.
And by the way, don’t you love how the Tide has taken over the Tiger traditions and call them their own? If anybody is jealous, it’s them.
By Jonah
September 7, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this
Is Shula’s behavior really shocking considering that he let Ray Hudson start against Auburn in 2003 right after a DUI? I wasn’t shocked at all. Shula made it clear from the beginning that winning is more important than silly things like ethics, which is right in line with other fine Bama alumni coaches such as Danny Ford and Jackie Sherrill. Shula better start reading up on Karma — she’s a real, um, witch.
By Ogden
September 7, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this
Sickened. Keep kidding yourself. Tiger Walk was not the first team walking to the stadium “event” in the SEC…Ole Miss and UGA have been doing it forever I believe. There have always been fans waiting for the buses to pull up and greet the players at Alabama games but the buses have always pulled up right at the gate. Now we have a place to have an event like others in the SEC. History…yes I am looking at history. Where was Tubberville and your program before Alabama went on probation? Not doing very well. Crap where was Tubberville in 2003? Waiting for Lowders plane to come back from Louisville. Those that ignore history are destined to repeat it. He has done a great job of taking advantage of Alabama being down and having no stability. All I am saying is enjoy it while you can. And maybe focus on your program instead of ours.
By Jim
September 7, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this
It must really suck to be a red-headed stepchild barner. No tradition but toilet paper in a tree, and can’t enjoy what little success you have for your fascination with THE University of Alabama.
By Sickened
September 7, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this
Here’s a good article for everybody to read about the [Tiger Walk] (http://espn.go.com/page2/s/maisel/031120auburn.html)
You’re has-beens. Wake up and smell the coffee.
By Jane
September 7, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this
All the Alamaba fans insisting you don’t know the facts, well it seems they are the only ones who do know all the facts. Shula and the Alabama faithful should realize that not everyone on the face of this earth is going to bother to learn each and every fact of this kid’s transgressions. What we all know is drugs and a gun. Bottom line, Tony is right. Lead by example. Keeping him out of one game (Hawaii - come on did you really need him?)would have gone a long way in showing the majority of college football fans and players that when you get into trouble with the law, you must pay the price at Alabama. Just another example of why Shula has no business coaching at such a fine institution.
By Elroy
September 7, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this
How does an entire fanbase justify their football players possessing illegal drugs and firearms in a car?????
I have yet to hear why that is okay, just that MarJUWANA Simpson is a “good kid” who cleans jail cells (by court ordered decree, not Sheila).
There’s also talk now that he had an underage girl in the car who conveniently has remained unnamed and uncharged, and may very well be a prominent booster’s daughter.
The longer you watch bammerland, the more things never change! Muck, mud and dirt all the time!
By Ogden
September 7, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this
Great article Sickened. So “Tiger Walk” needed Alabama to come to town to be born. You are welcome. For someone who does not like to talk about history…hmmm…1989 is history is it not? Oh and I understand your walk has been altered this year due to one of your “stars” making a few of your female fans a little uncomfortable during the walk before the Alabama game last year. Good job keeping that under wraps. Those that live in glass houses should not throw stones.
By Old Dawg 55
September 7, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this
Since I have no Dawg in this fight..pun intentional..I would just remind everyone that America is a nation of laws..the court chose not to indict or punish Simpson any more than they did, so, let it go! For embarassing the team Shula did his own in-house punishment and that was just. These are young men..not hardened criminals, give them a break, guys!
By Whatever
September 7, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this
I’m from Florida, so I don’t really have a dog in this fight. But I drive through Alabama fairly often, and I have a question: Why is it that every inbred hillbilly in the state is a ‘Bama fan? I mean, you guys are the “Capstone,” right? Let me clue you in: A Milwaukee’s Best can does not have a capstone. I’ve always found Auburn folks to be pretty decent, which is I guess why the Tuscalosers can’t stand them.
The comments posted here are just further proof of what I already knew — ‘Bama fans are some of the most petty, childish, defensive simpletons on the planet. Criticize their team (there’s actually a school there?) or “tha Bar” and you instantly get a bunch of Crimson-clad three-year-olds banging their spoons on the high chair. Except that three-year-olds have teeth.
By Jonah
September 7, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this
Old Dawg-
Simpson plead guilty. In my book, that makes him guilty.
By Sickened
September 7, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
That’s right - Ogden - you and your psycho school and fans won’t ever get the upper hand again. Though we were doing the walk long before it was actually named Tiger Walk. You CONVENIENTLY forget to mention that and also that you didn’t know what you were talking about when you said Auburn was not the first school to do it. Do you usually spit out lies whenever you can’t defend your position and then expect other people to research your dribble? Of course you do, you just did. None of your comments carry any weight with me anymore.
By Paul Finebaum
September 7, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this
Tony Barnhart,
I love you! You and I should get together at Toomer’s corners and coo in each other’s ears about what great sportswriters we are. We won’t have to worry about anyone there checking our facts!
By THE JUICE IS LOOSE
September 7, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this
I would like to thank all the criminal justice majors for their opinions, and especially MR. Roll Tide himself “Tony Barnhart” I have a just thought: opinons are like sphincter’s everyone has. IF THE GLOVE DON”T FIT YOU MUST ACQUIT
By Barry Flippo
September 7, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this
Coach Croom let six players play in the opener who had all appeared before a judge and pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault of an off duty police office.
Where is the public outcry for Coach Croom? Perhaps Coach Croom made a decision based on additional facts that were not public info.
Without knowing all of the facts about Simpson’s situation, how can any of us draw any conclusions regarding the disciplinary actions?
Here is a cut and paste from the Clarion Ledger about the MSU players:
6 Mississippi St. players to be reinstated May 2, 2006 STARKVILLE, Miss. —Six suspended Mississippi State football players who pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor assault of an off-duty police officer will be reinstated this summer, coach Sylvester Croom said Tuesday.
Cornerback Derek Pegues, safety Keith Fitzhugh, offensive tackle Michael Gates, quarterback Tray Rutland and defensive ends Charles Burnes and Quinton Wesley — all freshmen — pleaded guilty last week to reduced charges after they were accused of assaulting the officer at a downtown nightclub.
Each was fined $500 and received a six-month suspended sentence for misdemeanor simple assault.
Croom indefinitely suspended the players shortly after the April 1 incident.
“The legal system has worked, and our players have been penalized by the court,” Croom said.
The incident took place at an off-campus party. Police said officer Demetric Armstead was off duty and attending the event with his fiancee.
Police said Armstead intervened in an argument between two women and that the six players assaulted the officer, knocking him to the floor and kicking him and punching him.
By Ogden
September 7, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this
Whatever, since the majority of the state is Alabama fans I am sure there are some rednecks involved. Show me a school in the Southeast that doesn’t have some. Sickened. If you will see my first posts I was responding to an article about MY school not Auburn. In fact, I would not have responded had it been an article on Auburn. Some of your brethren decided to post some negative things that were not true so I responded. I did not mean to take away from the “Tiger Walk” tradition just respond to you saying we “stole” one of yours. Bryant Hall was the first athletic dorm in the SEC but I do not fault others for following. Other schools have “walks” to the stadium. We have never had a facility that allowed any kind of “walk” for the players. I know when I went to UT games in the late 70’s their players would walk to the stadium. Coach Dye had a great idea to make it more formal in 1989 and I realize that was a great experience for you. Coach Moore has now given us a facility that allows the players to walk to the stadium and it was an incredible atmosphere. If you guys want to claim it fine. When I was at Alabama Bryant Denny was for homecoming and non “big” games because it frankly was not a big enough stage. It is now one of the best facilities in the country and I am proud of that. If you want to dispute the credibility of my comments because of that fine. But I don’t think you can dispute the other things I wrote.
By Bama Nation
September 7, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this
Come on people,
Fall is in the air. Let’s get over all of this silliness and enjoy some real football! I would like to invite all of you to come to Tuscaloosa this weekend and watch the Vandy game with us. I promise that you’ll be impressed with the hosipality that you’ll be shown there.
We love the game. We love our team and we admire our coach. If Mike Shula should ever fail to uphold the high standards of the University of Alabama, you can rest assured that we will get rid of him and we won’t need any help from any of you guys. I think we proved that with the two previous Mike’s.
So come on over and visit. Maybe you’ll get a chance to meet Juwan face to face. You might have a different opinion of him once you have the opportunity to discuss this issue with him mano a mano.
I look forward to seeing all of you there next Saturday!
Roll Tide!
By Jonah
September 7, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
Barry-
Croom’s another Bama alum — what did you expect?
By Jonah
September 7, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this
BamaNation-
Last time I was at a game in Tuscaloosa (as a South Carolina fan), I was cussed at and spit on. And no, I was not drunk or being obnoxious. Some hospitality.
Hmmm… so you would run off Shula if he fails to “uphold the high standards of the University of Alabama,” and you “proved that with the two previous Mike’s.” If memory serves, Mike DuBose (DOO-bose, for those of you unfamiliar with Alabama dialect) was run off after he kept losing, not when he porked his secretary. Evidently, some “high standards” are held in higher esteem than others at UA.
By Sheila not Shula
September 7, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this
Saying Mike Shula had him up at 5 am and doing other things is what normally happens in these situations. That’s what EVERY college coach makes a player do that has messed up. But they do all of that PLUS get suspended for a game or games. MaraJuwan Simpson was let off the hook because as we all saw, without him playing his pathetic team would have lost to a team that is no even from the mainland of the United States.
By Whatever
September 7, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this
You are right that most Alabamians are ‘Bama fans, but the distribution is hardly even. If you see a beat-up pick-up truck or a trailer park, you WILL see ‘Bama stickers and flags almost exclusively. My experience has been that most Auburn fans are concentrated in the middle class, and most of them that I’ve met seem to actually be alumni of the school. Most ‘Bama fans don’t give two craps about the university and couldn’t tell you anything about it.
By L.B.
September 7, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this
Coaches handle matters in different ways. With that said, Shula knows that Juwan is indeed a good kid. I personally know him and I will agree. If you guys believe that suspending him for however many games would satify you then fine. Someone said something about students and kids looking up to him; It is up to the parents of these kids to teach them right from wrong, not any football player. This guy is only a kid himself. He is going to make mistakes, but he will learn from them. Knowing this guy, he knew he had messed up as soon as it happened and knowing that trouble that he faced was enough for him to never do it again. The punishment was just extra. I tell you one thing, I wouldn’t want any of you to be anywhere near my kids. It seems as if things only matter when it is one of your kids or someone close to you out there that has made a mistake. That is how Coach Shula probaly looks at it and that is how you should too. Anyone can tell the difference between a bad kid and a kid that has made a mistake.
By TideFan
September 7, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
Jonah,
I’m truly shocked to hear that you experienced such behavior at an Alabama game. I’ve never seen such a thing happen in all the years that I’ve followed Bama football. I guess we all have our bad apples. I’d like to personally apologize to you, for what it’s worth.
As for Mike DuBose, many of us wanted to see him leave immediately when the story broke about his alleged dalliance with his secretary. There are many among us in the Bama Nation who believe that the reputation of the University is more important than any one man. I do think that this issue with Juwan Simpson has been blown out of proportion by a lot of people who have an ax to grind with the Crimson Tide.
Mike Shula has proven himself to be fair and competent with regard to disciplining his student athletes. If there is a real problem at the University, it will reveal itself and it will be taken care of.
In the meantime, I will stand by Coach Shula regardless of the rantings of Paul Finebaum, Tony Barnhart or any fans of other football programs that would like nothing better than to create controversy where none actually exists.
Best of luck with Coach Spurrier.
By Rick
September 7, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this
iF MARK AND GEORGIA WOULD THROW OFF ALL HIS FELONS THE STATE OF GEORGIA WOULD HAVE TO BUILD ANOTHER PRISON.
By AFinPC
September 7, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this
Shula = Bill Curry!! I hope he stays for decades and ruins Bama’s program!! Around the bowl and down the hole, Roll Tide Roll! WAR EAGLE!!
By Jabo
September 7, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this
Jonah,
Since you’re from South Carolina I guess you know a thing or two about football team discipline. I watched an interview with Steve Spurrier on TV the other day. He said he had to kick six players off of the team for discipline problems. I wonder how much you know about why Kenny Irons was run off from SC?
By RTinTA
September 7, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
AFinPC,
Tommy Tubberville = Miami Head Coach in 2007
Enjoy!
By Sickened
September 7, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
LB - you go to great pains to portray Simpson as a kid and mention “kid” 8 times in your post. A gun is very grown-up weapon that can do serious bodily harm. Most people who actually carry one don’t have any qualms about using it. Spare us the “kid” defense.
By Ogden
September 7, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this
Jonah, I too would like to apologize for your experience. Their are bad apples in every bunch. Shame on the fans around you if they did not do anything about it. I would have.I had a UT fan get in my face in 1996 in Knoxville just because I was cheering for Bama…not knocking the Vols at all. I in no way think all UT fans are like that. Whatever, I guarantee there are Auburn fans in that same trailer park. You seem to like to generalize. Some UF fans were jorts and have mullets but I do not think all UF fans are like that. We do have more “sidewalk” alums than Auburn but there are also a lot of fence jumpers who have changed allegiances with Auburn having a good run. I just hate for anyone to generalize about any group. There are bad fans and ‘necks at every school, I have had friends who have gone to games in Auburn who had bad experiences but that does not make me think a majority of Auburn fans are bad. Most of them are great fans who love their school as I love mine….I think that goes for every school.
By juwanfan
September 7, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this
Go spin on a stick. Do you actually have a journalism degree? Doubt it. YOU NEED TO GET “ALL THE FACTS” as Coach Brown did - you have no idea what you’re talking about and stay out of Juwan and Coach Shula’s business. Find a real story.
By Yo Mama
September 7, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this
Dear Sickened,
Run Away! Run Away!
The big mean black man has a Gun!
By L.B.
September 7, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this
Sickened, do you have any kids by chance? The kids that shot up that shot up Columbine high school had guns. Are they grown??????? Having a gun don’t make you grown. He is a kid. He has a lot to learn still. Understand that!!!!! Athletes are still human being. No matter how you feel about them, they still have moms and dads who love them.
By Jonah
September 7, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this
TideFan/Ogden- I understand and am glad to hear you are appalled. I know that not every UA fan is that way (not EVERY LSU fan is drunken Cajun, either, believe it or not), but we weren’t overly impressed with our treatment, even from the non-spitting fans.
Jabo- Sorry to disappoint you, but Irons left USC because he was not playing. If he had stuck around, he would be starring here now, but that’s the way it goes.
Ogden- As for your other comments, you are confusing me with another commenter.
L.B.- Since when is a 23-year-old a “kid”? When I was 23, I was married, had a kid, a mortgage, and a college degree. Simpson hasn’t been a “kid” for half a decade.
By Sickened
September 7, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this
LB - yes I have kids and they don’t carry guns and neither do I. I could say alot more but since you all are begging for mercy, I won’t. Have a good evening. (SMILE)
By SECXPERT
September 7, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this
There are a couple of million reason$ that ShOOla Wimped out. It is called his salary.
He made his choices just like the playa rollin with his gun/dope/yet to be named female.
Nice job agian by da tide.
By War Eagle Girl
September 7, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this
Thank God I am an Auburn Tiger! Fear the thumb.
By Tyler
September 7, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this
HERES A MESSAGE TO ALL THE DAM AU FANS HERE! shut the hell up and stop getting into other teams matters. Shula is very good at disipling his players. He wouldnt keep simpson in the game just to win cause we could have won without him. He went to work everyday and school with children who have disibilities and at the police office. He is the president on FCA at alabama. SO dont say he is a bad person he just had some bad friends. at least bama puts its players in classes unlike you.
shut the hell up and leave us alone
By NCWarEagle
September 7, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this
For the same legal problems, Auburn kicked Lemarcus Rowell, a highly regarded high school all american line backer from Opelika off the team….
By L.B.
September 8, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this
I am not begging for any mercy!!! I am only say that IF one of your kids got caught with gun or anything ( and you can’t say it won’t happen because you don’t know), how would you react. If you don’t think he is a kid ask his mother or just ask anyone with children. When your kids turn 23, tell me if you think they are still kids. I am over 25 and my mom just recently announced that I was grown. Parents think differently. I am not saying that all parents consider there children kids at that age but most do. You must admit that people have a totally different thought process when it comes to someone who is not one of there family members of they don’t know.
By Jack
September 8, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this
I tell you what. I heard that Mary Juwanna had a carload of nekkid 12 year old girls in the car with him poledancin. I also heard that when the cops searched him he was wearing pink bikini underwear. This guy is a nut! What’s up with that name anyway? JUWAN? He sounds like a TERRIST to me! If coach Sheila had any cojones, he wouldn’t just kick him off the team, he would have him deported. I know that’s what we do with terrists at Auburn!
War Eagle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Sickened
September 8, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this
Well, Jack - I suppose you like to pretend that what Simpson did wasn’t wrong and that he should be a hero. It’s disgusting that the institution of the University of Alabama has no character and no integrity. You ought to be ashamed but instead you try to justify it. Don’t you get it - YOU are more damaging to UA than I ever could be. All this does is pull down every other program in the SEC because they have to compete against cheaters. The NCAA needs to get involved before they let this thing go any farther.
By Lame
September 8, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this
I agree with you Sickened. The NCAA should just shut down the Bammer football program altogether. I’m sick of these cheaters just thinking they can do whatever they please. It ain’t fair! Bammer thinks they can just ignore the rules and do whatever it takes to win. That’s all they want to do is WIN WIN WIN! It just ain’t fair dang it! I think that Juwan Simpson boy would have got the death penalty if the big mean University of Alabama didn’t control all of the police and the courts and everything. I bet coach Sheila is ILLUMINATI!!!!!!!
By TubalCaine
September 8, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this
Nah,
Shula’s not Illumunati. He’s the Grand Dragon of the Priory of Scion. I know because Paul Finebaum told me!
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By artie
September 18, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this
Don’t be so quick to judge. Coaches make decisions for various reasons and unless you were privy to all the discussions between the coach and the athlete, you know nothing your perception. I support Coach Shula as he has time and again made decisions in confidentiality. You don’t need to get involved in the coach/athlete relationship. Look at other issues such as Alabama’s athletic graduation rate and the level of Academic All Americans. You won’t write about the positive will you?