AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2008 > December > 30 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSmith’s suspension will be good for Alabama
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It is always sad when a college football player or his family uses bad judgment and, as a result, that athlete has an embarrassing end to an otherwise brilliant career.
That appears to be the case with Andre Smith, the Alabama offensive tackle and the Outland Trophy winner. Smith, a junior, was expected to declare early for the NFL Draft. And he probably should. He’s that good and is certainly ready to play at the next level. But according to many published reports Smith, or a family member representing Smith, decided not to wait until after Friday night’s Sugar Bowl to start the contacts with agents.
Alabama got wind of it, did enough investigating to confirm that some contact had taken place and then suspended Smith for the Sugar Bowl. You have to assume that Smith’s college career is over.
I’m sure it doesn’t feel that way today for Crimson Tide fans but trust me when I tell you that, in the long run, this decision will be good for Alabama.
Now Andre Smith is going to be fine. He will get enough guaranteed money in his first contract to take care of himself and his family for life. He won’t think about this now because he’s young. But there will come a day when he’ll remember the faces of his teammates when they heard the news. Smith, or somebody representing Smith, let them down. He’ll have to live with that.
Smith is one of the better offensive linemen who ever played for Alabama, where great players become immortals. But he won’t be remembered for that. He’ll be remembered as the guy who got suspended before the Sugar Bowl. He will be respected for his talent but he will probably never be embraced. He’ll have to live with that.
When all of the great Alabama players come back to campus and get standing ovations when introduced to the crowd at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Smith’s applause will be a bit muted. Or he may not get invited back at all. If you leave early after a 13-1 season everyone understands and wishes you well. This, no one understands. He’ll have to live with that.
So why is this good for Alabama? It’s good because when the school was faced with an issue it took quick and decisive action. Coach Nick Saban suspended his best player and in the process sent out the word: No one player is bigger than the team and what we are trying to build here.
The NCAA comes knocking on your door when they believe you don’t have control of your program and turn a blind eye when problems are right in your face. Remember that Alabama’s first-ever NCAA probation was a result of Antonio Langham signing with an agent and, in the opinion of the investigators, failing to report that and act upon it. Alabama had to forfeit most of the 1993 season because of it.
The point is that after two sets of major NCAA sanctions, Alabama has no margin for error in these kinds of issues. Nobody in Alabama’s position gets the benefit of the doubt. Is that fair? It doesn’t matter. Only actions matter and Alabama, to its credit, took action.
This is a free country. As a college athlete you have every right to talk to an agent and attempt to do what is best for your future. But you don’t have a right to keep playing college football. Choices have consequences. Bad choices have very bad consequences. That is the message that Saban sent.
And here’s another thing that helps Alabama. If fans were concerned about their team being focused for undefeated Utah on Friday, that concern can be put to rest. Saban will use this as a rallying point. Alabama will beat Utah and become only second team in school history to win 13 games.
Alabama’s players will celebrate on the floor of the Superdome and hold up the Sugar Bowl trophy. They will complete an incredible season where the only loss was to Florida, a team that I believe will win the national championship. People will look back on this season as the time when Alabama took a major step towards being a national power again.
Andre Smith will not be a part of that celebration. And he will have to live with that.
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Comments
By uga_b
December 30, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
Tony makes a great point: you can’t be suspended for the Sugar Bowl and be an Alabama legend unless……you are Joe Willy Namath.
Thank You; Thank You; Please tip the wait staff!
By Bring Me the Head of Ara Parseghian
December 30, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
Good column, Tony. Coach Bryant had to make the tough decision to suspend Joe Namath before a Sugar Bowl many years ago. Bryant did the right thing for the team then, and Saban did the right thing for the team now. The Alabama program once again is in good hands, and the Tide shall roll.
By IM4BAMA
December 30, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
We will miss his presence on the field. He only allowed one sack all year. The fool couldn’t wait one more week to speak to an agent? Man. Oh well, he was leaving early anyway and we are only playing Utah, so it doesn’t really matter.
It’s no surprise that Saban is doing the right thing and that’s great. I am so impressed with the him and I couldn’t be any happier with him as our coach.
By JB
December 30, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
Yes, I do think Saban is being watched closer than some schools right now, and he knows it. Good for Bama.
By Coach Paul Johnson
December 30, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Tony, does this kid have one more year left? Do you have his number? Just curious.
By Steve N.
December 30, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
Excuse while I throw up!!
That may be the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever written Tony B. What’s with this :
“Saban will use this as a rallying point. Alabama will beat Utah and become only second team in school history to win 13 games.
Alabama’s players will celebrate on the floor of the Superdome and hold up the Sugar Bowl trophy. They will complete an incredible season where the only loss was to Florida, a team that I believe will win the national championship. People will look back on this season as the time when Alabama took a major step towards being a national power again.”
Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez! How much is lil nicki paying you to toot his horn here?
I’m gonna laugh til it hurts when Utah hands bammer another L for the season and then the trailer nation can all go back under their front porches and sulk for another year.
By Lobotomy
December 30, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
“Tony makes a great point: you can’t be suspended for the Sugar Bowl and be an Alabama legend unless……you are Joe Willy Namath.”
uga_b, ignorance is your middle name.
Namath didn’t get suspended his senior year from the Sugar Bowl. He came back the next year and led the team to the Orange Bowl. Smith’s reason for suspension doesn’t allow him to atone for his mistake.
By Bamafan
December 30, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
I was mad all day yesterday, Andre Smith or family idiot made a hugh mistake by talking to a agent this early before the Sugar Bowl. Alabama cannot let itself get in trouble with the NCAA with this stupid mistake. I want to think Andre for coming to Alabama and playing lights out for the crimson tide, but this a bad decision whoever did it!! Maybe Saban can rally the troops and kick the crap out of Utah and make my life better. My wife has family members who live in Utah and who will make my life hell if they beat the crimson tide. I just watch Andre or family member had a little common sense about this stupid meeting with a agent before the Sugar Bowl. ROLL TIDE FOLKS!!
By Frustrated, Inc.
December 30, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
When was the contact with the agent made? In New Orleans?
These agents seem to slither out of the grass at these bowl sites. Unless it is USC where they are given full access to the players year round.
By Frustrated, Inc.
December 30, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
Maybe Saban can rally the troops and kick the crap out of Utah and make my life better.
This is so pathetic, I am not sure where to begin. Just…awful…
By Huh?
December 30, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
I think that’s a little harsh Tony. We don’t have all of the information. If it was a family member and Smith had no knowledge of it, he does not deserve this kind of treatment. I understand that he has to be suspended, but his reputation does not have to be tarnished forever as you suggest. That’s not fair if he really didn’t have much to do with it. If he personally was involved with it, well, that’s another matter…
By Never Surprised Any More
December 30, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
Steve N, you’ve got your head so far up your arse, you look like a balled-up armadillo. Smells like Auburn bitterness to me.
By gator mike
December 30, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Tony, this is a super article which is right on target. I am not a Saban fan, but I have always respected Bama except when Crooked Dubose was there. Saban made the right decision, and Smnith and his stupid family are total idiots. It is amazing how soem of these young men who excel in playing a sport have so little between the ears. Bama is better off without this dummy, and I suspect that Smith will never be endeared by the BAMA Nation. I am a Gator and I will be pulling for Bama to beat the Utes. Smith was probably not a very good student anyway, and he is definately not a team player. Good luck TIDE. GO GATORS beat the Sooners!
By RAMBLE ON!!!
December 30, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Thanks Tony for another worthless article about a bozo from a team playing in the 4th best conference in the Nation.
I’m impressed that you could commit the whole article to this though.
What, walk-on water boy from Tenn. to write about?
Arkansas looking strong for SEC title run in 2011?
Will Teabow elect to turn pro, visit a prison, go on a mission trip to Moultrie, GA…
Hey LSU is in town, how about an article about Les Miles diet program and maximizing the teams bile movements?
By bamabryan
December 30, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Steve N…you awbarn piece of crap! If bama goes back to our traliers, then you go back to what…sleeping on the ground with a rock for a pillow? You and your awbarn nation are still a 3rd, maybe a 4th thought in anyones head when it comes to football in the Great State of Alabama. Go back to your sister/sheep and cuddle up for some gold ole awbarn love!
By Carlos
December 30, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
Money hungry agents should be hanged. Andre Smith is a great player and a great person. This will definitely hurt the Bama line, probably the best in college football. Bitter Auburn fans get lost, but remember 36-0.
By Eric1
December 30, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Oh please. Who gives a flying fluk! Trailer Trash nation has a lucky year and the sports writers spend the bowl season vying to see who can get their nose closest to Saban’s small intestines. Give me a break.
By Old GT Nut
December 30, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
45-42
We stepped on your face with a hobnail boot and broke your nose. We C-R-U-S-H-E-D your face.
LOL !!!!!!!!!!
By Mark Richt
December 30, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
To the Frustrated, Inc. You sound like the biggest idiot and craziest fan on this blog Roswell Ed!! Wait a minute that is a insult to Roswell Ed!!
By saint nick
December 30, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Bama will be fine, Tyler love will probably get the start at RT and they will move Davis to LT, or maybe Cody will play LT for one game. They will not need him on D-line, Gentry will be more than enough of a presence at NT to handle the UTES. As for Smith, he should have made it clear to ANY family member to stay out of the Agent business until he officially declares for the draft. He is the best college Tackle since Orlando Pace and he will be remembered for a lapse in judgement, and not being able to play in the first Sugar bowl Alabama has attended in 16 years. Everyone hates Saban(for what I haven’t figured that out) except for Bama fans, BUT you have to respect him for basically kicking one of the best players in college football off the team. The guy had almost 4 months to talk to agents and he couldn’t wait until Saturday. I Speak for all Bama fans when I say GOODBYE AND DON’T LET THE DOOR KICK YOU IN THE A$$ ON YOUR WAY OUT THE DORM!!!!ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!! BAMA STILL WINS BIG 38-10!!!!
By Heavy Dawg
December 30, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
I’m just glad we Dawgs have honest players who don’t do this kind of stuff like cheating. That’s why we have the classiest coach in America. He won’t put of with these kind of shinaneggins.
By Carlos
December 30, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Eric1 - “Trailer Trash Nation” had a lucky year???? I thought Auburn finished 5-7, but I guess that will be their best record for a while. 36-0.
By Bama36-0
December 30, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
ERIC1, Glad to hear from you!! Have you enjoyed the bowl season so far!! Hope you enjoy Bama’s victory in the Sugar Bowl and hope your trailer park home does fall a part next year!! 36-0 36-0 36-0 36-0 FREAKING MORON!!
By RAMBLE ON!!!
December 30, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Big news folks, I kissed a girl. It took me 36 years to accomplish, but I finally got to kiss a girl other than my mom!
Why don’t you write an article about that Tony, you SEC loser!
By LOL
December 30, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Damn, why even play the game Utah?? And Nicky does the right thing, did he have a choice?? Programs been on probation more than it has not over last couple of decades. Yeah, might wan’t to report this one and set Smith down. LOL!!!
I started the year proud for my Bama friends and coworkers. But after letting it slip to a few that they had no chance and were over rated before Florida game. Damn, you would have thought I was talking trash about our lord and savior. Just do not know how to handle success, fleeting as it will be.
Utah is going to give Joe-Bubba-Parker-Leroy Wilson fits while Andre is sipping on his gin-n-juice dreaming of his big payday and new escalade’s for everyone.
By Jerry Watts
December 30, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Tony—Hard to believe but are you trying to get a job at the Birminghm News? You are beginning to sound like you were issued Saban knee pads along with the rest of the Alabama media. What else could Nick do once he found out this kid had contact with an agent. Was he going to risk NCAA sanctions for a win over Utah?? You are pathetic!
By Dyon
December 30, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Andre will have to live with it?!? Yeah, he will be all tore up on missing the Sugar Bowl, while sipping on his gin-n-juice dreaming of his big payday and Escalade’s for everyone.
Not sure what is more stupid, giving ‘Bama the victory over Utah because Satan all of a sudden is the only coach who can motivate his players(uh, hello, Utah is undefeated, sounds sort of motivated to me).
Or the notion that some kid is going to be upset on missing out being in the Sugar Bowl and on campus, when his intent was clearly not to come back and instead turn pro.
Hypocrisy of the whole things is BS anyway. Satan makes millions. School makes millions. Fat daddy boosters spending millions. And Smith is supposed to feel guilty for trying to get his. After all, that is the education he got at Alabama, work hard at developing your football skills, to take them to the next level.
Good for Andre, GO UTES!!! BEAT THE HELL OUT OF THE TIDE!!
By angus12800
December 30, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
Ramble on you must be the biggest dumb a$$ in the nation to believe that the SEC is the 3rd or 4th best conference in the country. It is the only conf. to still play defense. (idiot)
Eric1 everyone thinks that your an Auburn fan but I don’t think so even their fans are not completely stupid. The largest student housing in Auburn is a trailer park. Get your hand off your sister and pay attention.
By Red Elephant
December 30, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
Alabama will continue to win and Andre will be filthy rich. Any questions?
PS…I don’t have a beef with GT since we haven’t been true rivals in years, but please, you guys are relevant, what, once a decade? I mean you beat UGA 1 or 2 times every 10 years or so. The ACC had a really good year this year. Kudos. But settle down, the SEC owns you. OWNS YOU. Do you really want to come back to the SEC to play the big boys year after year after year instead of UVA, UNC and Duke? And don’t give me that academic crap. I received my MBA from UNC…..just enjoy your year because it was great, but come back to reality. The SEC is king and always will be. Go shoot some hoops and get me a Frosted Orange down at the Varsity while you are at it. Capiche? RTR.
By wt
December 30, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Remember Antonio Langham? Didn’t he do the same, ‘cept they didn’t catch him and Bama forfeited the 93 games, at least officially.
I’m Auburn and Bama did good this year and great Job Saban. However, Bama take your lumps over this issue of players being selfish. What if this had been for the national championship? What if Bama had not caught this? Can you say probation, again?
By brent vann
December 30, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
WHAT THE HELL IS A UTE?
By wt
December 30, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
What will the Falcon fans do with 1 million number 7 jerseys?
Bama flirts with probation again.
My guess is that Bama will be on probation again within 3 years.
By Pitbull
December 30, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
If it had been a Tech player that had broken the rule, Larry New would have “engineered” another coverup.
By Bama36-0
December 30, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
A ute is a mix of auburn and volunteer crap, just like a Heinz 57 bulldog named UGA!!
By bank walker
December 30, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
bama will lose now since fat boy is gone, just kidding. His family is itching to get a piece of that check. I bet they come miles around circling like a bunch of buzzards. I do wish Tony would find something more interesting to write about.
By Malcolm Howsell
December 30, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Great essay, Tony. Fully agree that it will be best for Bama in the short run and the long run. This act will bring the players together more than they would have been with AS eligible.
Sad that fans of other programs have to display their lack of class on this board, indicating little minds and jealousy over the 12-1 record this year. Deep down they know Bama will be a top tier program for years to come, and that fact adds to their petty jealousy.
By saint nick
December 30, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
Wt, You are an idiot!!!! Probation for a kid talking to an agent????This situation is over and done with. Langham signed with an agent, then played another year, and Gene Stallings turned a blind eye. That’s why they got on probation, and it wasn’t 90+ games it was the 93 season. Learn to read and then do some research before you open your ####sucker!!!! Saban took care of this situation before it became a problem. Aubbies, gators, dawgs, and all the other fans, you wish that Bama would get put on probation, BUT IT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!!!!Saban does things the right way, and he is one of the best in the living room, and for years to come Bama will be one of the best on the football field and you cannot stand it!!!!ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Miles
December 30, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Rather than suspend him, Nick Saban should have revoked Smith’s scholarship and kicked him off the team! After two years in the NFL, Smith’s synapses will begin firing and then he’ll realize why he should have remained at Alabama for another year and then even commanded more money in the draft. He would have gotten an even bigger contract for what will, as history tells us, probably be two NFL years of statistical blunder. Mr. Barnhart, you’re correct in stating that, “Bad choices have very bad consequences.” Roll Tide!
By RAMBLE ON!!!
December 30, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
angus12800…defense, idiot?
Yea right you mean like Missy St. or UGAG, they really shut down that High School Offense from the ACC.
I’m sure this LSU defense the fleabags posted 52 points on is going to really tough. Idiot!!!
Red Elephant, 4-6 really “owns” the ACC. Capiche!!! Those football powers like Vandy, Missy St., Ark, Kentucky…yea really intimidating. Oops forgot about Mighty Awbarn and Rocky Flop.
By Lea
December 30, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
Hey Utes, Bring your best, because you may have an undefeated season and you may think you have beaten teams better than BAMA has played but you’ll see what happens to teams that don’t deserve BCS invitations when BAMA is done with YOUR TEAM. Bring it on. Smith or not, The Crimson Tide is ready to roll all over you.
By bank walker
December 30, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
Maybe Tony is trying to say that this thing with Smith will take the heat off of others @ bamuh doing worse? HHmmmm? bama0-36, WHAAAAT?
By NRBQ
December 30, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
Much ado about nothing, Tony.
Saban didn’t “do the right thing,” nor does he deserve respect for the suspension. It wasn’t a moral choice, nor a choice at all. He had to suspend him according to NCAA rules.
Turn off the smoke machine, please.
By angus12800
December 30, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
For all the ACC fans The SEC has two teams in the top 4 and 4 teams in the top 20. Not to mention we are playing for what could be the third naional championship in 3 years. Let’s hear where the ACC stands.
By saint nick
December 30, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
Yes it was a choice, He could have tried to sweep it under the rug as Dubose or Stallings would try to do. He could have let him stay and be on the sidelines during the game in street clothes or get him a ticket in the stands so he could celebrate with the team when they beatdown the Utes. BUT he sent him HOME!!!!Not to Tuscaloosa, HOME, Birmingham!!! He basically kicked him off the team by telling him you need to go pro because you won’t have a spot on this team next year!!!! No, thats not a choice or you are not familiar with what a choice is!!!!What an idiot!!!!!ROLL TIDE!!!!
By Snoop
December 30, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
Coaches like Saban and Richt turn a blind eye on all sorts of misconduct and illegal behavior of players, but when it comes to forfeiting games or loss of scholarships, they suddenly become vigilant.
By RAMBLE ON!!!
December 30, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
angus12800 just another fleabag riding UF and Bama’s coat tails, too funny!!!
UF is a great team, Bama is a good team, just lucky to play a really weak SEC schedule.
Wow Utah, that’s more impressive than Hawaii.
I remember when the top 10 had 5 SEC teams, what happen?
oohh, that just beat up on each other…whatever.
By Elmo
December 30, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Andre took the Millions. I bet a scribe at any Newspaper would take the damn money.
By Fred
December 30, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
He without sin, cast the first stone.
By rok dawg
December 30, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Yo Barnhardt:
Stop the man-love for Saban! The guy is a top notch college coach, but a saint … he aint.
Sabasn did exactly as well as Richt did at UGA in year two (assumming he wins against Utah), and not quite as well as Meyer.
And just as with Richt and Meyer, the vast majority of the meaningful players and plays were recruited by his predesessor.
So what if Saban reported the violation …. that is what he is suppose to do.
Let’s see how life is at old roll tide next year when three of the five offensive lineman, the two top tight ends, and the only quarterback to take a snap in three years are all gone.
Sounds like a mother **ing funeral to me!
By Heavy Dawg
December 30, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
That’s bull Snoop! Coach Richt is always disciplineing his players when they get in trouble. There just kids, remeber that! Coach Richt is tough on his kids when they do something stupid. I don’t know about Saban, but I know about Richt. And your wrong about Richt!
By uga_b
December 30, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Ah the bliss of ignorance. So apparently you can be a legend and be suspended for the Sugar Bowl only if you come back the next year in the Orange Bowl.
I guess the obvious Sugar Bowl parallels are to be ignored along with the fact he is not the first legend to get suspended for a game.
By Mathew
December 30, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Hey Malcom!
Yeah you’re right….winning your in state rivalry once in 7 years really has everyone shivering in fear all the sudden!!
BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
By banjeaux
December 30, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
this text will be bolded Mr. Barnhart:
Thank you for your opinions, which illustates great insight. Forgive your critics. Most are just blinded by their hatred of my Crimson Tide.
ROLL TIDE! ROLL!
By Edmond
December 30, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Man, that was a good column.
This needs to be read to the players right before the game.
By SecIsFootball
December 30, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Heavy Dawg….Give me a break. If Richt was so tough on discipline, you would not see SO MANY players arrested every year in Athens. BAMA had an issue with that when Saban took over Shula’s players and he has cleaned it up. I think UGA has had 10 people arrested this year while BAMA has had 0. They know the discipline will be harsh, unlike UGA where it keeps happening. We are about to roll into the time of year UGA fans hate the most. The off-season where UGA fans cringe every time they open the paper. I am so sick of this Richt is a saint talk from UGA fans. Look at UGA’s arrest record since Richt got there and look at two of the schools he was associated with. Miami and FSU. Coincidence? I think not.
By Skiipperville
December 30, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Great article! However, the Bama Nation will still embrace Andre Smith when he returns to Bryant Denny Stadium. Without Andre we would not have had the season we did this year. He has been a class individual who cannot help what a greedy Uncle did trying to get some easy money from a greasy agent. All Bama fans should let Andre know we love him.
By CW
December 30, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
It is about time the the NCAA make a rule that any college football scholarship player has to finish his 4 year colege program and the Pro-Teams can not approch any of the scholarship football players until their 4 years are finish. The NCAA needs to push this with the Pro-Teams. The penalty should be the player has to pay back All his scholarship funds to the college. We need something to stop the Pro-Teams from sucking up the best college players before they finish college. Lets start a movement to keep the Pro-Teams away from the college campus. CW
By yankeeslayer
December 30, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
It’s always sad when players and their greedy families do something to muck up the football team. However, Bama will be fine - now and next season, rok dawg.
Two or three 5 star Saban-recruits (Love, Fluker and Massie [should he sign]), will battle to replace him. Thanks for your nonsensical dribble, although.
By Munson
December 30, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
SECisFootball, 0 arrests for the Tide, do you really want to stand by that statement?
I just checked and I believe that was Alabama who took home the Fulmer Cup this year. And yes, that is UGA running a distant 7th place to your 1st!
I guess it does not count as an arrest if all you did was sell cocaine or commit armed robbery!
By saint nick
December 30, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Rok Dawg,
We lose 2 lineman, we lose both tight ends, QB, and a safety. The two lineman we will miss, but nothing to difficult to overcome since we have like 9 months before next season. Smelley will pick up the slack at tight end next year. Safety won’t be a problem since we will sign Kirkpatrick. Qb will be addition by subtraction, Mcleroy will be better than JPW(watch the Auburn game). We will win the west AGAIN and play in the Georgia dome 2 times again next year, the SECCG will be BAMA and FLA rematch. ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Kenny
December 30, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Yes good for Alabama they did what they had to do in suspend Smith, but if it was usc or ohio state he could still play and the school wouldn’t have to worry.
By Heavy Dawg
December 30, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
SECisFootball, You don’t know what your talking about. Yellow Jammer Bammer had a player arrested for selling drugs! We just had some of our players arrested for being kids, that’s all. And yes, Richt is a great coach and figure. Much more than that Saban.
At least Richt has loyalty and wants to give people chances! And you boys were scared we were coming back. You won the game, but we did outscore you 30-10 in the 2nd half. If we’d played again, we have rolled the Tide!
GO DAWGES!
By bank walker
December 30, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
The Dawgs will beat LSU in the SEC championship game next year.
By angus12800
December 30, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Heavy Dog get a grip yall outscored us 30 to 10 in the 2nd half, Big sh#t we out scored yall 41 to 30 in 4 qts. which happens to be the lenght of a regulation game. If yall had of been worth a sh#t we would have got to beat you again in the championship. We did our part but the mighty dawgs couldn’t get it done. But you go right on whinning that’s what everyone expects from a Ga. fan anyway.
By angus12800
December 30, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
bank walker
did you just go out on a limb and say that hell would freeze over next year?
By SC Rules!!!
December 30, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Frustrated, Inc.;
WTF Son! Why the gripe against the Trojans??? Just because your boy screwed the pooch doesn’t give you cause to go and try and drag our name through the mud! In case y’all need reminding, it was ‘Bama NOT USC who was suspended by the NCAA and almost landed on death row for it! So go cry in your soup sandwhich but leave the Trojans out of your pitty pot!!! Fight On!!!!
By longtimeSEC FAN
December 30, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
bank walker: you made the same predictions last year didnt You? “Dawgs to beat LSU for SEC championship” ha ha ha ha ha ha you idiot!!!!!!!!!!!
By dawgspanky!
December 30, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
All of these barner ‘necks fail to mention that the barn is better known as “Student Trailer Park U.”. You can take the barner out of his trailer, but he will always come runnin’ back home.
By Big MIKE
December 30, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
Alabama with paid players[BETCHA HE GOT MONEY BEFORE HE CAME TO BAMA], Florida with low SAT scores,and Tech players getting rings for beating DA DAWGS.I guess it’s true what they say, The cream rises to the top anp crap [I’m being nice]falls to the bottom.Tech how pathetic are you guys as a team, when you need rings to remember beating Georgia. when we whip y’all it’s cosidered business as usual! Just shows you who is expected to win and who hopes to.
By tide rising`
December 30, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
Hey Big Mike,
While you’re talking down to Tech fans about how pathetic they are let me remind you of how pathetic your statement is “BETCHA HE GOT MONEY BEFORE HE CAME TO BAMA”. Really? Can you freaking prove that? Didn’t think so. What’s pathetic is one someone just makes up blanket, ridiculous statements that he can’t prove and has no basis for making. The blackout game was months ago. Get over the resentment and move on big boy.
By tide rising
December 30, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
Big Mike, Idiot extradordinaire! Please show us the bank receipts showing Andre got money before he came to bama. If you can’t prove it then keep your freaking mouth shut. You sir, are an idiot!
By JohnnyTide
December 30, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
Having graduated from Bama, Mr. Smith WILL be honered when he comes home. I hope he comes back next year but he is a smart lad and has already got his degree. Coach Saben did the right thing and I hope he never leaves. Can’t say the same about Mal Moore.
By War Eagle
December 30, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
Tony, you have not been around long enough to know history of Bama and its SITUATIONS with players. Andre Smith, a great lineman, is one few who was caught. in Tideland. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL
By CrimsonRedScarlett
December 30, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
As usual, an Alabama football story gets a lead pm Sportscenter and generates muxh attention. Tony is correct in stating that UA has to be very careful, A question for Nr. Barnhart: Did USC get a free pass on the Reggie Bush deaings?
By JohnnyTide
December 30, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
Hey Yankee slayer, where did you get your ingf and the Bama signes?
By SouthGARules
December 30, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Big MIKE: Before you start running your pie hole about Tech & their rings, do some research, son. When UGA won against Tech to snap an EIGHT game LOSING STREAK, they retired Theron Sapp’s jersey. The only reason the scrubs jersey got retired is because he scored the only touchdown in a 7-0 UGA win. That is much more ridiculous than rings. Oh I forgot, the rivalry doesn’t mean anything to UGA. Pot, meet kettle. Typical UGA fans.
By SC Rules!!!
December 30, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
CrimsonRedScarlett;
Need I repeat myself???? See above!
IF and that’s a HUGE one, if there was any truth to these idiotic “allegations” aaginst Reggie dont you think the PAC 10 & NCAA would have done something by now??? That dawg was buried long ago, why don’t y’all spend a little more time cleaning your own closets before worrying so much about what MIGHT be in ours??!!?? (SEC has had more teams on probation than USC has NC trophies in Heritage Hall) Fight On!!!
By CrimsonRedScarlett
December 31, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this
Note to SC Rules. The NCAA takes an inordinate amount of time on these matters, and usually issues a statement one way or the other. As for right and wrong, did those faculty members at Duke ever apologize to the lacrosse players?
By boomer
December 31, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
Hey Tony how does nick a@@ taste?
By Clamor
December 31, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
A “Ute” is what Joe Pesci called his client in “My Cousin Vinny”.
By Nachos
December 31, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
Ha ha.. Auburn hired Gene Chezdik!
By Bama63
January 1, 2009 12:45 AM | Link to this
Tony, I believe that you are mistaken about how Alabama fans will remember Big Andre. He has played his way into our hearts for 3 years, and I predict that he will remain as popular with us as he was when he first pulled that houndstooth hat from under the table in his high school gym.
Roll Tide!