((HT: AL.com/WBRC-TV))
The suspect in the murder of Auburn football player Jakell Mitchell may have his probation revoked over a previous charge.
Markale Hart Hart was arrested on first-degree burglary and first-degree theft charges in September of 2010. He pled guilty to the lesser charge of second-degree burglary on May 3, 2012.
As part of the plea deal, Hart's six-year jail sentence was split, and he was allowed to only serve 6 months in jail followed by 3 years of probation.
With his arrest in the Mitchell case, a motion was filed the county of that crime to revoke his probation.
Hart is in jail waiting on a $500,000 bail and is waiting for a date on the hearing itself.
Here was the arrest of Hill over the weekend
Hart's family is asking for a lower bail figure because of financial hardship. The judge that read the charges declared him indigent during his appearance. Hart's family did not appear at the same hearing because they claim to have received death threats.
Showing posts with label Auburn Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Auburn Football. Show all posts
Monday, December 15, 2014
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Arrest Made in Shooting Death of Auburn Football Player
The Auburn University football team is still mourning the early Saturday morning shooting death of redshirt freshman tight end Jakell Mitchell.
But they can take solace in the fact police have made an arrest in the wake of Mitchell's death.
Auburn police arrested 22-year old Markele Hart of Camp Hill, Alabama Sunday afternoon just 25 minutes away from Campus in Dadeville.
After spending the morning hours gathering evidence at The Tiger Lodge Apartments, it didn't take long for detectives to track Hart, the only person arrested in the shooting incident. Hart is being held in the Lee County jail under a $150,000 bond.
We wrote about the death of Mitchell earlier on Sunday, but to summarize: The 19-year old Freshman Tight End prospect was sitting out the 2014 season. He was a highly recruited local kid who played high school football in nearby Opelika.
The shooting incident happened around 12:25 a.m Sunday morning at the Tiger Lodge, location of a shooting in the summer of 2012 that claimed the life of 2 former Auburn players.
WSFA-TV in Montgomery, Alabama has more:
But they can take solace in the fact police have made an arrest in the wake of Mitchell's death.
Auburn police arrested 22-year old Markele Hart of Camp Hill, Alabama Sunday afternoon just 25 minutes away from Campus in Dadeville.
After spending the morning hours gathering evidence at The Tiger Lodge Apartments, it didn't take long for detectives to track Hart, the only person arrested in the shooting incident. Hart is being held in the Lee County jail under a $150,000 bond.
We wrote about the death of Mitchell earlier on Sunday, but to summarize: The 19-year old Freshman Tight End prospect was sitting out the 2014 season. He was a highly recruited local kid who played high school football in nearby Opelika.
The shooting incident happened around 12:25 a.m Sunday morning at the Tiger Lodge, location of a shooting in the summer of 2012 that claimed the life of 2 former Auburn players.
WSFA-TV in Montgomery, Alabama has more:
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Lutzie Remembered At Lassiter High
((HT: Auburn Athletics/Lassiter High School))
The Auburn and Lassiter families came out in force to remember former Trojans and Tigers tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen at his first alma mater last night just north of Atlanta.
The head coaches of Lutzie in Atlanta and Auburn, Chip Lindsey and Gus Malzahn, along with Auburn Athletics Director Jay Jacobs, and former teammates and alums joined the Lutzenkirchen family to celebrate the life of someone who wanted to be remembered more for his activities off the field than on them.
Here's Malzahn speaking at the ceremony
((HT: al.com))
And some of Jacobs speech
((HT: Scott Forester))
And the video put together by the University that showed at the ceremony
Echoing the sentiments of Lutzie's father at the ceremony, the HQ would like to remind everyone to wear your seatbelts.
The Auburn and Lassiter families came out in force to remember former Trojans and Tigers tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen at his first alma mater last night just north of Atlanta.
The head coaches of Lutzie in Atlanta and Auburn, Chip Lindsey and Gus Malzahn, along with Auburn Athletics Director Jay Jacobs, and former teammates and alums joined the Lutzenkirchen family to celebrate the life of someone who wanted to be remembered more for his activities off the field than on them.
Here's Malzahn speaking at the ceremony
((HT: al.com))
And some of Jacobs speech
((HT: Scott Forester))
And the video put together by the University that showed at the ceremony
Echoing the sentiments of Lutzie's father at the ceremony, the HQ would like to remind everyone to wear your seatbelts.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Lutzenkirchen Monday Update: Alcohol Suspected
((HT: OANow.com/Byington))
Sadly, this is not a surprise...
In the Byington article, Georgia state troopers are suspecting that alcohol is involved in the auto accident that killed former Auburn tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen and Georgia baseball player Ian Davis.
Blood samples were taken from those two and Troup County (GA) coroner Jeff Davis says that results could take a few weeks to be finalized. The other two passengers are suspected to have alcohol in their system at the time of the crash, but blood has not been drawn.
Our friends at WSFA-TV in Montgomery were at Toomer's Corner to see how the Auburn family was mourning
WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.
Visitation for Lutzenkirchen, his family, and friends will start at 10:30AM Thursday at the Transfiguration Catholic Church in Marietta, Ga. A funeral Mass will follow at 1PM.
According to the Auburn Football Twitter account, a memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 8PM at Lassiter High School's football stadium in Marietta. Supporters are being asked by the Lutzenkirchen family to wear orange and blue.
Sadly, this is not a surprise...
In the Byington article, Georgia state troopers are suspecting that alcohol is involved in the auto accident that killed former Auburn tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen and Georgia baseball player Ian Davis.
Blood samples were taken from those two and Troup County (GA) coroner Jeff Davis says that results could take a few weeks to be finalized. The other two passengers are suspected to have alcohol in their system at the time of the crash, but blood has not been drawn.
Our friends at WSFA-TV in Montgomery were at Toomer's Corner to see how the Auburn family was mourning
WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.
Visitation for Lutzenkirchen, his family, and friends will start at 10:30AM Thursday at the Transfiguration Catholic Church in Marietta, Ga. A funeral Mass will follow at 1PM.
According to the Auburn Football Twitter account, a memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 8PM at Lassiter High School's football stadium in Marietta. Supporters are being asked by the Lutzenkirchen family to wear orange and blue.
Monday AM Update: Lutzenkirchen Reaction From The Plains
((HT: WSFA-TV))
It's still very raw for the Plains reacting to the loss to star tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen.
The University is trying to figure out how to properly respect his legacy and make sure #43 won't be forgotten.
It was an act as simple as rolling the trees at Toomer's Corner out of respect in a somber tribute.
It was remembering him through social media, which lit up with praise for a better man than football player.
All this for someone who was 23
WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.
More as we know more...
It's still very raw for the Plains reacting to the loss to star tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen.
The University is trying to figure out how to properly respect his legacy and make sure #43 won't be forgotten.
It was an act as simple as rolling the trees at Toomer's Corner out of respect in a somber tribute.
It was remembering him through social media, which lit up with praise for a better man than football player.
All this for someone who was 23
WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.
More as we know more...
Sunday, June 29, 2014
BREAKING: Auburn's Lutzenkirchen, UGA Baseball's Davis Die In Car Accident (CONFIRMED w/Updates)
((HT: Auburn Undercover))
This is straight from them and there aren't may details at the moment"
Philip Lutzenkirchen, a member of the 2010 Auburn national championship team and one of the most popular players in recent Tigers history, died in an automobile accident early Sunday morning, AUC has learned.
He was 23.
At this time, no other details are known.
Lutzenkirchen was a graduate of Lassiter high School in suburban Atlanta and had Hutson Mason as his quarterback with the Trojans. He went to Auburn where he ws one of the most accomplished tight ends in recent decades.
His first flash with fame came in high school with this amazing play
And he was one of the most relied-upon receivers for Cam Newton in his time on the Plains
((HT: SEC on CBS))
More when we know more, but the HQ's thoughts and prayers to the families at Lassiter and Auburn...
UPDATE: The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer's Ryan Black can confirm the passing- having spoken with a state trooper who worked the scene.
The accident happened shortly after 3AM and Black caught up with Master Trooper B.N. Talley...
From Black's piece:
"It happened at the intersection of Upper Big Springs Road and Lower Big Springs Road," Talley said. "The vehicle was a 2006 Chevy Tahoe and the driver missed a stop sign at the intersection of those two roads, which is more or less a 'T-intersection.' They traveled through the intersection off into a churchyard. They were out out of control for about 450 feet."
At that point, Talley said, the vehicle overturned, ejecting all four passengers.
"Philip was one of them," Talley said," and he was killed at the scene."
Bulldawg Illustrated is also reporting that UGA baseball player, Ian Davis, has also passed away in the accident.
Black is also reporting in an update that Lutzenkirchen was not wearing a seat belt.
This is straight from them and there aren't may details at the moment"
Philip Lutzenkirchen, a member of the 2010 Auburn national championship team and one of the most popular players in recent Tigers history, died in an automobile accident early Sunday morning, AUC has learned.
He was 23.
At this time, no other details are known.
Lutzenkirchen was a graduate of Lassiter high School in suburban Atlanta and had Hutson Mason as his quarterback with the Trojans. He went to Auburn where he ws one of the most accomplished tight ends in recent decades.
His first flash with fame came in high school with this amazing play
And he was one of the most relied-upon receivers for Cam Newton in his time on the Plains
((HT: SEC on CBS))
More when we know more, but the HQ's thoughts and prayers to the families at Lassiter and Auburn...
UPDATE: The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer's Ryan Black can confirm the passing- having spoken with a state trooper who worked the scene.
The accident happened shortly after 3AM and Black caught up with Master Trooper B.N. Talley...
From Black's piece:
"It happened at the intersection of Upper Big Springs Road and Lower Big Springs Road," Talley said. "The vehicle was a 2006 Chevy Tahoe and the driver missed a stop sign at the intersection of those two roads, which is more or less a 'T-intersection.' They traveled through the intersection off into a churchyard. They were out out of control for about 450 feet."
At that point, Talley said, the vehicle overturned, ejecting all four passengers.
"Philip was one of them," Talley said," and he was killed at the scene."
Bulldawg Illustrated is also reporting that UGA baseball player, Ian Davis, has also passed away in the accident.
Black is also reporting in an update that Lutzenkirchen was not wearing a seat belt.
Saturday, April 26, 2014
David Langner Passes From Cancer
((HT: AL.com/Marcello))
Okay, the HQ will yield that you probably don't know Langner by name if you're outside the Ess-E-Cee...
But, if you mention "Punt, Bama, Punt"- you'll probably know what that is all about...
((HT: Auburn University Athletics))
In 1972, Auburn was down 16-3. But Langner was credited with returning two blocked punts for scores at Auburn won 17-16 in one of the most storied games in the Iron Bowl Series...
"David Langner was one of Auburn's greats who will be remembered by generations to come," Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs said in a statement. "He was a fierce competitor who fought cancer as hard as he fought any opponent he faced. I know the entire Auburn family joins me in offering our sympathy and prayers to his family."
Bill Newton blocked both punts with less than six minutes left in regulation and this capped off a year where the group known as the "Amazins" went 10-1...
"I'm saddened by the passing of David Langner, who was not only an Auburn legend but a great man," Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said in another statement released by the university. "On behalf of the entire Auburn football program, our thoughts and prayers are with David's family and friends."
As is the HQ's...
Okay, the HQ will yield that you probably don't know Langner by name if you're outside the Ess-E-Cee...
But, if you mention "Punt, Bama, Punt"- you'll probably know what that is all about...
((HT: Auburn University Athletics))
In 1972, Auburn was down 16-3. But Langner was credited with returning two blocked punts for scores at Auburn won 17-16 in one of the most storied games in the Iron Bowl Series...
"David Langner was one of Auburn's greats who will be remembered by generations to come," Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs said in a statement. "He was a fierce competitor who fought cancer as hard as he fought any opponent he faced. I know the entire Auburn family joins me in offering our sympathy and prayers to his family."
Bill Newton blocked both punts with less than six minutes left in regulation and this capped off a year where the group known as the "Amazins" went 10-1...
"I'm saddened by the passing of David Langner, who was not only an Auburn legend but a great man," Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said in another statement released by the university. "On behalf of the entire Auburn football program, our thoughts and prayers are with David's family and friends."
As is the HQ's...
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Bee-Cee-Ess Preview: Auburn, Destiny, And Taking From Your Neighbor's Plate
There are two stats that don't mean anything (or, actually, "less and less" is more accurate) in today's football- regardless of level...
Time of possession and yards allowed...
Hear me out...
In the days of power football, you wanted to keep the other guy off the field since he ran (literally) the same offense you did. If you kept the other guy's running game off the field, and you capitalized on your drives with points, the other guy simply didn't have the opportunity to score.
Today, I dare you to tell me how the streetball/basketball on grass/spread offenses really give a tinker's damn about time of possession. In the college game, we've seen Baylor, UCF, Clemson, Ohio State, Missouri, Oklahoma State, Northern Illinois, and any other pass happy-five wide outfit not care and cover the field from one end to the other in a few minutes.
Auburn's offense is the same way...
And it took the shortening of the playbook and familiarizing yourself with an athlete's talents that has put Auburn one game away from an improbable title- probably, the most shocking one of them all in the BCS era...
“It wasn’t something I was used to,” he told Ryan Black of the Macon Telegraph. “… In high school we ran the spread. But as I got here, they sat me down and taught me how the offense worked and (I) studied on film and watched what we do. It went from there and I got better as the weeks went.”
In that state title game for Wilcox County's Patriots, you could see Marshall had the arm to ad lib when he needed to and had the speed to make something out of less than nothing...
((HT: GPB/GHSA))
Auburn Undercover's Philip Marshall caught up with FOSG Wilcox County Head Coach Mark Ledford to talk about Nick's development and success...
But look deeper... and the invasion by Rodney Garner in taking Georgia talent away from his old boss has shone out...
The defensive front is young with Gabe Wright (Carver-Columbus), Carl Lawson (Milton), and Montravious Adams (Dooly County)...
CJ Uzomah (North Gwinnett) has finally found a home as a tall wide out that gives match-up problems on the outside...
And the upcoming recruiting classes include QB Tyler Queen (North Cobb) in 2015, and Kal Bessent a DB from Camden County, Myron Burton an ATH from Peachtree Ridge, Dontavious Russell a DT from Carrollton, and Stanton Truitt a QB from Monroe Area High who will be ATH'd in college...
And one of the largest flaws in Georgia's approach to winning in the Ess-E-Cee has given their neighbors their best shot of one of the best turnarounds in Division I history...
And that should be a big red flag to the folks in Athens...
Time of possession and yards allowed...
Hear me out...
In the days of power football, you wanted to keep the other guy off the field since he ran (literally) the same offense you did. If you kept the other guy's running game off the field, and you capitalized on your drives with points, the other guy simply didn't have the opportunity to score.
Today, I dare you to tell me how the streetball/basketball on grass/spread offenses really give a tinker's damn about time of possession. In the college game, we've seen Baylor, UCF, Clemson, Ohio State, Missouri, Oklahoma State, Northern Illinois, and any other pass happy-five wide outfit not care and cover the field from one end to the other in a few minutes.
Auburn's offense is the same way...
And it took the shortening of the playbook and familiarizing yourself with an athlete's talents that has put Auburn one game away from an improbable title- probably, the most shocking one of them all in the BCS era...
“It wasn’t something I was used to,” he told Ryan Black of the Macon Telegraph. “… In high school we ran the spread. But as I got here, they sat me down and taught me how the offense worked and (I) studied on film and watched what we do. It went from there and I got better as the weeks went.”
In that state title game for Wilcox County's Patriots, you could see Marshall had the arm to ad lib when he needed to and had the speed to make something out of less than nothing...
((HT: GPB/GHSA))
Auburn Undercover's Philip Marshall caught up with FOSG Wilcox County Head Coach Mark Ledford to talk about Nick's development and success...
But look deeper... and the invasion by Rodney Garner in taking Georgia talent away from his old boss has shone out...
The defensive front is young with Gabe Wright (Carver-Columbus), Carl Lawson (Milton), and Montravious Adams (Dooly County)...
CJ Uzomah (North Gwinnett) has finally found a home as a tall wide out that gives match-up problems on the outside...
And the upcoming recruiting classes include QB Tyler Queen (North Cobb) in 2015, and Kal Bessent a DB from Camden County, Myron Burton an ATH from Peachtree Ridge, Dontavious Russell a DT from Carrollton, and Stanton Truitt a QB from Monroe Area High who will be ATH'd in college...
And one of the largest flaws in Georgia's approach to winning in the Ess-E-Cee has given their neighbors their best shot of one of the best turnarounds in Division I history...
And that should be a big red flag to the folks in Athens...
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
SEC Christmas Dream: Auburn Kid Gets BCS Tickets for Christmas
((ht: lostlettermen.com))
If there is anyone out there who doesn't think SEC football fandom isn't a cult thing, then ponder this…
Check out this video posted by Matthew Kitchin of his son's reaction to this years Christmas gift.
And we might point out here, it appears the Kitchin's are big Auburn fans.
Especially young Collin…
Merry Christmas young War Eagle fan, merry christmas….
If there is anyone out there who doesn't think SEC football fandom isn't a cult thing, then ponder this…
Check out this video posted by Matthew Kitchin of his son's reaction to this years Christmas gift.
And we might point out here, it appears the Kitchin's are big Auburn fans.
Especially young Collin…
Merry Christmas young War Eagle fan, merry christmas….
Sunday, December 8, 2013
ICYMI: Auburn Outscores Missouri, The BCS Magic Carpet Ride Continues….
Talk about your dream season. Yeah, we're talking about you Auburn…
After snatching victory from the jaws of defeat twice in the final 3 weeks of the regular season, Auburn University is BCS title game bound.
The Tigers, behind 46 carries and 304 yards rushing from running back Tre Mason, beat Missouri in an SEC track meet masquerading as a football game, 59-42.
The game didn't exactly feature a lot of defense, but Auburn's did enough to stop Mizzou when it needed to.
And that was all Tiger coach Gus Malzahn's high powered offense needed. 545 yards rushing was more than enough to overcome 2 Nick Marshall fumbles and 10-penalties.
CBS Sports gives us our highlights:
So…the Auburn win, combined with the Ohio State gag job makes everyone south of Kentucky (SEC world) happy and continues the run of SEC teams in the title game.
It sets up an Auburn/FSU game which should be just as high scoring as this one. Though we might add the Seminole defense is considerably better than Missouri's.
We won't make our pick for that game here, but we will add that it will be hard to pick against Auburn, who will not be favored. The Tigers have escaped twice and if you ask even the most die-hard of Tiger fan in August if they thought this game would happen, they'd be lying to you through their teeth.
Auburn Athletics shows the scene at the famed Toomer's Corner, a scene that got even crazier once fans realized Ohio State was losing and their beloved Tigers were Pasadena bound…
After snatching victory from the jaws of defeat twice in the final 3 weeks of the regular season, Auburn University is BCS title game bound.
The Tigers, behind 46 carries and 304 yards rushing from running back Tre Mason, beat Missouri in an SEC track meet masquerading as a football game, 59-42.
The game didn't exactly feature a lot of defense, but Auburn's did enough to stop Mizzou when it needed to.
And that was all Tiger coach Gus Malzahn's high powered offense needed. 545 yards rushing was more than enough to overcome 2 Nick Marshall fumbles and 10-penalties.
CBS Sports gives us our highlights:
So…the Auburn win, combined with the Ohio State gag job makes everyone south of Kentucky (SEC world) happy and continues the run of SEC teams in the title game.
It sets up an Auburn/FSU game which should be just as high scoring as this one. Though we might add the Seminole defense is considerably better than Missouri's.
We won't make our pick for that game here, but we will add that it will be hard to pick against Auburn, who will not be favored. The Tigers have escaped twice and if you ask even the most die-hard of Tiger fan in August if they thought this game would happen, they'd be lying to you through their teeth.
Auburn Athletics shows the scene at the famed Toomer's Corner, a scene that got even crazier once fans realized Ohio State was losing and their beloved Tigers were Pasadena bound…
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Best Rob Bramblett Lip Sync To Date...
((HT: Kaitlyn Reed)
We all know how the game ended...Kaitlyn has her perspective...
Told you...
25-year-old North Carolinian Kaitlyn Reed needed 10 takes to get it right, according to the War Eagle Reader's Jeremy Henderson.
And, now, she's converted...
We all know how the game ended...Kaitlyn has her perspective...
Told you...
25-year-old North Carolinian Kaitlyn Reed needed 10 takes to get it right, according to the War Eagle Reader's Jeremy Henderson.
And, now, she's converted...
Monday, September 2, 2013
So Much For Living In The Present
Okay...
Full disclosure...
TBH told us about this one...
You're all aware that Auburn survived their shootout with Washington State at home, but this was the boxscore they used in the Dothan Eagle newspaper...
First, to show you we're not messing with you and that it isn't a work on our part...
Here's the date...
And here's the box score...
Notice everything goes wrong starting with the opponent...
The HQ has heard about living in the past, but this is a bit much...
And rubbing it in to the Aggies one more time...???
C'mon, man...
Full disclosure...
TBH told us about this one...
You're all aware that Auburn survived their shootout with Washington State at home, but this was the boxscore they used in the Dothan Eagle newspaper...
First, to show you we're not messing with you and that it isn't a work on our part...
Here's the date...
And here's the box score...
Notice everything goes wrong starting with the opponent...
The HQ has heard about living in the past, but this is a bit much...
And rubbing it in to the Aggies one more time...???
C'mon, man...
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
The Beginning Of The End: Toomer's Oaks Coming Down
((HT: Alabamas13.com/WVTM))
And the Loveliest Village will continue to remember Harvey Updyke for what is going on this morning...
Crews are beginning the removal of the Oaks at Toomer's Corner...
Evidence Below...
WVTM-TV: News, Weather, and Sports for Birmingham, AL
Security was hanging out around the trees all night so there would be no last-minute rolling to hamper the removal that started this morning...
The limb removal is today while the trunks will remain until the end of football season when the university and city of Auburn will start the renovation project at the Corner. The crew is trying to make as few cuts on the trees as possible since the limbs are being turned into mementos of some sort...
The Auburn community is seeing this as a sad day and nothing more... short of disgusting fanaticism that caused an act that never should have gone down in the first place...
More when we know more...
And the Loveliest Village will continue to remember Harvey Updyke for what is going on this morning...
Crews are beginning the removal of the Oaks at Toomer's Corner...
Evidence Below...
WVTM-TV: News, Weather, and Sports for Birmingham, AL
Security was hanging out around the trees all night so there would be no last-minute rolling to hamper the removal that started this morning...
The limb removal is today while the trunks will remain until the end of football season when the university and city of Auburn will start the renovation project at the Corner. The crew is trying to make as few cuts on the trees as possible since the limbs are being turned into mementos of some sort...
The Auburn community is seeing this as a sad day and nothing more... short of disgusting fanaticism that caused an act that never should have gone down in the first place...
More when we know more...
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Auburn and Tennessee Spring Games: Why the SEC is Bigger Than You
If any of you ever wondered why the SEC is the biggest College Football conference of them all, well, here is an answer to your question.Auburn and Tennessee both held their spring games on Saturday....and well, they were pretty well attended.
To be specific, Auburn, had over 83,000 in the house (check out the photo). Yes, that's correct, the 3-9 Tigers with a persecution complex drew 83+ thousand to their game.
It should be noted that the game, in which the Orange beat the Blue 35-14 featured the ejection of CB Jonathon Mincy for laying out WR Dimitri Reese with a hit towards the head. All in all, we're guessing the Tiger faithful are happy to have new/old coach Gus Malzahn and his crazy offense in the house.
As for Tennessee, well, they only drew 60,000 plus to their game, featuring new head coach Butch Jones. (Though hard to tell in the below video)
The Volunteers are also looking for a bit of redemption after several years of mediocrity and coaching changes.
Guess the fans are buying in...at least for the moment.
Here's your Tennessee video:
And the other reason that Auburn had close to 90,000 people in the Loveliest Village was the opportunity to say good-bye to the Oaks at Toomer's Corner. They're going to be removed this week since their death is imminent- thanks to Harvey Updyke. The school introduced a plan yesterday as to how the celebrations will continue at the Corner complete with more trees leading into campus off the diagonal and more seating room for those who want to drop by.
And, as the HQ predicted, it was like the Whos on Christmas Morning...
Here's a look back...
((HT: Auburn Athletics))
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Toomer's Oaks: A Week Before The End
Admittedly, I have had inside information on this the whole time... but, at the same time, I understand what all this means...
It starts with a phone call...
((HT: Paul Finebaum Radio Network))
And ends with either an Irish wake or a funeral- depending on your perspective... and there are those on the Plains that probably feel both and will feel both after the Auburn spring football game next Saturday...
It is being presented (saying "promoted" doesn't feel entirely appropriate) as "One Last Roll" where you can buy officially wrapped toilet paper and other memorabilia. The proceeds are going to a fund that support the Auburn University Alumni Scholarship fund and the Auburn Downtown
Merchants for various activities.
It's reverence and understanding that a rivalry has its fringe elements that will always hate (and I
use that word in its most literal form)- for whatever illogical reason. And, in talking with TBH, she was at a profound loss trying to come up with the proper words to describe the act that Harvey Updyke perpetrated on 150-year old oaks that are just as much a part of the fabric of her university as Nova, Momma Goldberg's, Guthrie's, Beard-Eaves, Sportsman's Park, Shug Jordan, Pat Dye, the three Heisman winners, and "Punt, Bama, Punt."
She tried to use unconscionable, unfathomable, evil, and sociopathic. But most sociopaths feel theirs is a level of superior intelligence over the people they have exerted some kind of control.
And, in some other peoples view, it takes a real man to take out his unfounded frustrations in a rivalry on trees. The reason that Updyke pleaded out was that the trial would still be going on at the date of the spring game- and it would be even more of a firestorm if every act was going on simultaneously than instead of getting out of the way as Updyke's attorney did.
The Never To Yield Foundation has been getting inundated with angry Auburn fans once they found out that the four-letter is coming to cover the last roll. They're not there for the spring game... just the rolling of the oaks. All of the supporters would like to treat the lucky crew they send with the same amount of respect they feel they got in the latest Selena Roberts/Shaun Assael stories.
So, what are the folks at NYT saying in return: take the high road...
Rolling the trees for the final time on April 20 is about Auburn and Auburn alone. It’s not about Harvey Updyke and his insufficient justice. It’s not about the latest shot fired in a rivalry. It’s not about sycophantic radio callers or braying hosts who encourage them. It’s not about Selena Roberts or ESPN or any of the other media minions.
((HT: ESPN))
But for what Updyke did, in not only crossing the line of being an Alabama fanatic but pole vaulting way-the-hell over it, he soured part of the history of the Ess-E-Cee.
Each school has it's own traditions...
If Georgia had found UGA murdered by a Florida fan, if someone had chased after Smokey in Knoxville and ended his life, poisoned Mike The Tiger's food at LSU... that's about as close as the Auburn community feels what went down. And it something that can't be erased, taken back, or made good in any way... ever...
And while the Oaks were rolled for 76 years, generations of fans in the conference will have no idea about the history of the trees- except for the ending... a brutal, disgusting, classless act that has a bit of irony now...
Because of all the horticultural steroids and treatment the Oaks have been given, they still bloom even as they are dying.
So, there are those who look at the trees and feel that moment of "Hey, wait... look at that... maybe..."
And, then, the wake-up call that it's time for them to go.
All the history of celebrating countless important victories for the school- regardless of sport- will have to be partied about in an entirely different manner to be determined, agreed to, endorsed, and participated in with all the zeal of the past with a gaping hole to fill both on a four-way stop in the heart of downtown and in the hearts of thousands of alums and fans across the southeast.
TBH admits that the next time she goes to the corner it will be weird since the Oaks will be removed and something else will be in their place- probably, a plaque, a monument, or another inanimate object that's non-Spike80DF-able...
And I get it... completely... she and her family (blood or otherwise) have regaled me of countless stories about rolling trees and I have seen, in my time, the watering of the TP so the trees can be trees again.
Will fandom and fanaticism turn a corner because of the removal...???
Doubt it...
But you'd like to think someone might think a few times before doing something as astronomically stupid as dropping a pesticide deep enough into the ground to have people concerned about the water table...
Here's to Auburn celebrating like the Whos on Christmas morning on the 20th... and everyone else being respectful... even if it is just for one day...
It starts with a phone call...
((HT: Paul Finebaum Radio Network))
And ends with either an Irish wake or a funeral- depending on your perspective... and there are those on the Plains that probably feel both and will feel both after the Auburn spring football game next Saturday...
It is being presented (saying "promoted" doesn't feel entirely appropriate) as "One Last Roll" where you can buy officially wrapped toilet paper and other memorabilia. The proceeds are going to a fund that support the Auburn University Alumni Scholarship fund and the Auburn Downtown
It's reverence and understanding that a rivalry has its fringe elements that will always hate (and I
 |
| Toomer's Corner From The Drugstore |
She tried to use unconscionable, unfathomable, evil, and sociopathic. But most sociopaths feel theirs is a level of superior intelligence over the people they have exerted some kind of control.
And, in some other peoples view, it takes a real man to take out his unfounded frustrations in a rivalry on trees. The reason that Updyke pleaded out was that the trial would still be going on at the date of the spring game- and it would be even more of a firestorm if every act was going on simultaneously than instead of getting out of the way as Updyke's attorney did.
The Never To Yield Foundation has been getting inundated with angry Auburn fans once they found out that the four-letter is coming to cover the last roll. They're not there for the spring game... just the rolling of the oaks. All of the supporters would like to treat the lucky crew they send with the same amount of respect they feel they got in the latest Selena Roberts/Shaun Assael stories.
So, what are the folks at NYT saying in return: take the high road...
Rolling the trees for the final time on April 20 is about Auburn and Auburn alone. It’s not about Harvey Updyke and his insufficient justice. It’s not about the latest shot fired in a rivalry. It’s not about sycophantic radio callers or braying hosts who encourage them. It’s not about Selena Roberts or ESPN or any of the other media minions.
That Saturday is about the Auburn Family and honoring our cherished traditions. It’s a chance for us to say farewell to the trees which meant so much to generations of Auburn fans and to celebrate our future together. Ever to conquer. Never to yield.
It’s about us. Don’t let anyone or anything detract from that.
Be gracious to ESPN reporters. Show them what Auburn hospitality is all about, even though we all may feel slighted by the attacks we’ve suffered.
So, we'll see if that ends up the case... I still think that some drunken clown will treat the reporter (my guess, Tom Rinaldi, so he can incorporate children, puppies, and crying- sometimes all at once in his post-rolling opus) much like some Rutgers kid did John Barr and his videographer...
But for what Updyke did, in not only crossing the line of being an Alabama fanatic but pole vaulting way-the-hell over it, he soured part of the history of the Ess-E-Cee.
Each school has it's own traditions...
If Georgia had found UGA murdered by a Florida fan, if someone had chased after Smokey in Knoxville and ended his life, poisoned Mike The Tiger's food at LSU... that's about as close as the Auburn community feels what went down. And it something that can't be erased, taken back, or made good in any way... ever...
And while the Oaks were rolled for 76 years, generations of fans in the conference will have no idea about the history of the trees- except for the ending... a brutal, disgusting, classless act that has a bit of irony now...
 |
| The irony of Toomer's Oaks- still blooming |
Because of all the horticultural steroids and treatment the Oaks have been given, they still bloom even as they are dying.
So, there are those who look at the trees and feel that moment of "Hey, wait... look at that... maybe..."
And, then, the wake-up call that it's time for them to go.
All the history of celebrating countless important victories for the school- regardless of sport- will have to be partied about in an entirely different manner to be determined, agreed to, endorsed, and participated in with all the zeal of the past with a gaping hole to fill both on a four-way stop in the heart of downtown and in the hearts of thousands of alums and fans across the southeast.
TBH admits that the next time she goes to the corner it will be weird since the Oaks will be removed and something else will be in their place- probably, a plaque, a monument, or another inanimate object that's non-Spike80DF-able...
And I get it... completely... she and her family (blood or otherwise) have regaled me of countless stories about rolling trees and I have seen, in my time, the watering of the TP so the trees can be trees again.
Will fandom and fanaticism turn a corner because of the removal...???
Doubt it...
But you'd like to think someone might think a few times before doing something as astronomically stupid as dropping a pesticide deep enough into the ground to have people concerned about the water table...
Here's to Auburn celebrating like the Whos on Christmas morning on the 20th... and everyone else being respectful... even if it is just for one day...
Monday, April 8, 2013
DEVELOPING: Former Auburn DB McNeil Gets 3 Years In Jail
Former Auburn defensive back Mike McNeil has received a split sentence for first-degree robbery.
Lee County (AL) Circuit Judge Christopher Hughes accepted McNeil's plea deal just as he was set to go to trial. McNeil is now required to serve at least three years in the Lee County Jail plus serve an additional three years of probation upon his release. He has also been ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution.
McNeil and three teammates from the Tigers' 2010 national championship team- Antonio Goodwin, Dakota Mosley, and Shaun Kitchens- were charged with armed robbery and dismissed from the team in March 2011. Goodwin is serving a 15-year sentence while Dakota Mosley and Shaun Kitchens are awaiting trial.
McNeil was originally indicted on five counts of first-degree robbery, one count of first-degree burglary and one count of third-degree theft of property from the break-in.
“The totality of the circumstances make this the best deal,” McNeil's attorney, Ben Hand said.
More when we know more...
Lee County (AL) Circuit Judge Christopher Hughes accepted McNeil's plea deal just as he was set to go to trial. McNeil is now required to serve at least three years in the Lee County Jail plus serve an additional three years of probation upon his release. He has also been ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution.
McNeil and three teammates from the Tigers' 2010 national championship team- Antonio Goodwin, Dakota Mosley, and Shaun Kitchens- were charged with armed robbery and dismissed from the team in March 2011. Goodwin is serving a 15-year sentence while Dakota Mosley and Shaun Kitchens are awaiting trial.
McNeil was originally indicted on five counts of first-degree robbery, one count of first-degree burglary and one count of third-degree theft of property from the break-in.
“The totality of the circumstances make this the best deal,” McNeil's attorney, Ben Hand said.
More when we know more...
Thursday, April 4, 2013
(Opinion)--When Players Say They Didn't Say It: The Auburn Version (UPDATED With More Opinion)
((Updated 11:15 a.m 4-4-13))
Before you get into the original, full-length version of this--a couple of notes that were brought to light after it was published.
1--Selena Roberts is an Auburn grad. I was not aware of this until just a few minutes ago (11 a.m on 4-4-13). She has in the past been proven "Not Correct" on stories such as the "Duke Lacrosse" story.
2--There have been implications that she is admitting to not recording the interviews with the named players in the "Auburn" story. I don't totally believe the players when they say they didn't make the quotes attributed to them...but I could be wrong. The door has been opened a bit.
3--Later in the opinion piece, I talk about most reporters not having the agendas many people think they do. That would be reporters that work for high profile organizations. There have been implied remarks Roberts threw her alma mater under the bus to get her website traffic up.
4--While Brother Jon makes many valid points/questions in HIS follow up, my question is this: If this is so wrong and/or slanderous, will anyone pursue legal options on it? Or will they just say it's wrong and leave it at that. He mentions an AL.com story that says Roberts never spoke to the Police dept. , however AL.com published an interview with Roberts saying she in fact DID speak to the police "Director of Media". You can read that RIGHT HERE
5--And lastly...I totally stand by the inference that Auburn, most every SEC school and most every Big Time NCAA Program engages in a double standard. No, they don't pay student athletes who make millions for them (they should), but they also allow those "student-athletes" to live life in a bubble, by and large away from and in better conditions than any other "student" on their campus.
Here's the original early morning story:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
((Written 8:15 a.m on 4-4-13))
Oy!
How many stories that portray someone or something in a negative light are going to be denied by the participants in the story these days?
Inevitably, if the story doesn't come out making them sound good, or if it makes them sound bitter, angry or a bit wacky, the player(s) in question just say "I never said that", "The Media/Reporter took it out of context", "They made it up, I never spoke to them".
This syndrome is rearing its head now, at least in the southeast, after a story heavily criticizing and essentially accusing Auburn's football team cheating and bending laws to their advantage appeared on the website Roopstigo.
The story, written by the sites creator, Selena Roberts, a former award winning journalist, tells the story of former Safety Mike McNeil and makes allegations that include: grade fixing, payments to players, stifling of positive drug tests and racism.
The story quotes several Auburn players and teammates of McNeil who seem to back up the topic of discussion. (Note-McNeil is up on charges for attempted armed robbery which is the crux of the story. Those charges he vehemently denies and according to the story, the evidence is shaky at best)
Read the entire story on Roopstigo.com RIGHT HERE
Now...as to our point here.
Everyone associated with Auburn in this story now denies they said any of the things they are quoted as saying. Several saying they were "Taken out of context". And the denial of all is being pushed hard by the Alabama media, while everyone outside of the state is just shaking their heads.
Read this story by AL.com RIGHT HERE
We aren't casting judgement here, but we find it incredibly hard to believe that at least 8 different people were "Misquoted" or "Never Spoke" to Roberts. And we find it even less likely that Auburn is "Being Attacked".
Don't interpret this as an attack on Auburn either, it isn't. It's an attack on the system. We covered SEC Football for 10-plus years and are well aware that football players are not treated anything like the student population.
Alumni and fans of a school are always convinced that police and others have it out for them. If trouble surfaces, they circle the wagons. Very few, if any of the allegations in the Roopstigo story surprise us. And we would be much more surprised if the player quotes were fabricated.
Why would a reporter (in this case Selena Roberts) feel the need to do that? Yes, as a journalist, you get a bit protective, but you also have a better perspective than the reportees.
Look at it this way; if 1,000 people read a story that is somewhat controversial or is making accusations, at least 60% of those people (600 of them) will interpret it differently. These days everyone sees things the way they want to, not necessarily the way things are. It's a fact in our now "Highly Polarized" lives.
You may not see it, but it's there. Politics is the same way.
There is no discussion, there is no, "Prove I'm Wrong", you are either with us or against us. In the reporting game, the goal is to tell a story with the facts or information that you are given. And we can tell you for a FACT that 95 to 98 percent of the people who report are very thorough and don't have the agenda you think they do.
Reporters tell you what people are telling them. Columnists tell you what THEY think. Reporters don't walk in each day and say "Hmmm...how can I do this story and make ______ group of people look bad".
But it's hard to make people understand that, they can't tell the difference. They see it as an attack against them or what they believe. And there are many out there who have learned to take that and turn it against reporters. (see Politicians) And there are outlets out in the journalistic wasteland that will twist a story to fit their agenda (see Fox News and MSNBC).
But this isn't about that. It's about a culture, a lifestyle (SEC Football). Many fans in the south see it as their validation, their life.
They shouldn't.
Like we said earlier, we aren't going to cast aspersions against Auburn here. The original report may be right, may be partially right or may be all wrong. But it is NOT the first time these we've heard these types of accusations.
No, they don't get reported on often, it's very hard to get anyone to go on the record about things like this. But they do exist. They do happen. Spend time around a "Big Time" SEC program and you'll see things that would never have happened to normal students. College Football has become the primary source of incomes for many of these schools and many of these towns and both will and have done whatever is necessary to keep that cash coming in.
((NOTE---Yes, we speak vaguely about some things in our story here. That's because while we are aware some questionable things happen in College Football, we don't have documented proof--yet. And no, that isn't making accusations randomly, we won't be specific about an allegation unless we can confirm it.))
((UPDATED With More Opinion From Jon hyah...))
It's naive to say that golden handshakes never happen...
They do... everywhere... and that's part of the deal... accepted, illegal, rarely proven and the Ess-E-Cee seems to be the uniting force in all of this discussion...
But what does Selena Roberts achieve by doing this...???
One- She gets her start-up, mobile news, website some early stroke- which is what it needs to gain relevance
Two- She gets buzz
Three- She gets clicks which gets her numbers, which gets her bloated ad revenue numbers, which keeps it solvent...
Four- She gets the discussion to ramp up all over again on a topic that really is no surprise in the southeastern united states, but seemingly a shock to the white-snow covered landscape north of the Mason-Dixon Line...
Do not misunderstand, the HQ does it here when we have material to break, but we'd like to think we take a little more care than other places...
But I'm fairly certain that, whether Roberts admits it or not, the idea that Bobby Lowder (in his days of influence on campus) was never too keen on the student newspaper writing a bunch of bad stuff (of which Roberts was a part of that writing force) and eliminated the Journalism program (and rolled it into the Communications Department) is a part of her psyche and has formulated her opinions and openings for grinding an axe.
Hey, when you have therapy, you think for others as well...
A few things:
The whole dreadlocks issue- Remember Trooper Taylor had a suit against Auburn City Schools for allegedly not allowing his son to have them. If Trooper had an issue off campus, why would he have an issue on-campus...???
And, I know, it's a minor issue- but it's a refutation of an element of McNeil's whole pyramid of accusations...
Two (with subsections):
Apparently, Roberts never had a conversation with anyone in the Auburn Police Department about the issues that she brought...
Joel Erickson, however, did... he actually caught up with Auburn Police Chief Tommy Dawson...
Roberts misidentified police officers and their employers, didn't disclose the notion that any student who commits a Class A felony isn't allowed on campus, and failed to relay that it was Coach Gene Chizik that employed a private security force to monitor his players. It wasn't the local police who may have been keeping an eye on Auburn athletes. Yet we'll give a wink and a nod to the quote where Dawson says he doesn't treat football players any differently than regular students. Ask that same question in Starkville, Tuscaloosa, or Athens...
Charles Goldberg wrote about it in November of 2012 for al.com:
Coach Gene Chizik says Auburn has used a security and events management company since August to help enforce a curfew for players who live off campus.
The 11 p.m. curfew was set following a series of off-the-field problems involving players.
"We always do what's in the best interest of our team," Chizik said Wednesday night. "We have a curfew and we have to employ people to help us with some of the kids off campus."
Roberts is making the rounds, and getting somewhat excoriated, like this exchange on 790 The Zone in Atlanta this morning...
We know we're not done and we're know we're just getting started in this...
More when we know more...
Before you get into the original, full-length version of this--a couple of notes that were brought to light after it was published.
1--Selena Roberts is an Auburn grad. I was not aware of this until just a few minutes ago (11 a.m on 4-4-13). She has in the past been proven "Not Correct" on stories such as the "Duke Lacrosse" story.
2--There have been implications that she is admitting to not recording the interviews with the named players in the "Auburn" story. I don't totally believe the players when they say they didn't make the quotes attributed to them...but I could be wrong. The door has been opened a bit.
3--Later in the opinion piece, I talk about most reporters not having the agendas many people think they do. That would be reporters that work for high profile organizations. There have been implied remarks Roberts threw her alma mater under the bus to get her website traffic up.
4--While Brother Jon makes many valid points/questions in HIS follow up, my question is this: If this is so wrong and/or slanderous, will anyone pursue legal options on it? Or will they just say it's wrong and leave it at that. He mentions an AL.com story that says Roberts never spoke to the Police dept. , however AL.com published an interview with Roberts saying she in fact DID speak to the police "Director of Media". You can read that RIGHT HERE
5--And lastly...I totally stand by the inference that Auburn, most every SEC school and most every Big Time NCAA Program engages in a double standard. No, they don't pay student athletes who make millions for them (they should), but they also allow those "student-athletes" to live life in a bubble, by and large away from and in better conditions than any other "student" on their campus.
Here's the original early morning story:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
((Written 8:15 a.m on 4-4-13))
Oy!
How many stories that portray someone or something in a negative light are going to be denied by the participants in the story these days?
Inevitably, if the story doesn't come out making them sound good, or if it makes them sound bitter, angry or a bit wacky, the player(s) in question just say "I never said that", "The Media/Reporter took it out of context", "They made it up, I never spoke to them".
This syndrome is rearing its head now, at least in the southeast, after a story heavily criticizing and essentially accusing Auburn's football team cheating and bending laws to their advantage appeared on the website Roopstigo.
The story, written by the sites creator, Selena Roberts, a former award winning journalist, tells the story of former Safety Mike McNeil and makes allegations that include: grade fixing, payments to players, stifling of positive drug tests and racism.
The story quotes several Auburn players and teammates of McNeil who seem to back up the topic of discussion. (Note-McNeil is up on charges for attempted armed robbery which is the crux of the story. Those charges he vehemently denies and according to the story, the evidence is shaky at best)
Read the entire story on Roopstigo.com RIGHT HERE
Now...as to our point here.
Everyone associated with Auburn in this story now denies they said any of the things they are quoted as saying. Several saying they were "Taken out of context". And the denial of all is being pushed hard by the Alabama media, while everyone outside of the state is just shaking their heads.
Read this story by AL.com RIGHT HERE
We aren't casting judgement here, but we find it incredibly hard to believe that at least 8 different people were "Misquoted" or "Never Spoke" to Roberts. And we find it even less likely that Auburn is "Being Attacked".
Don't interpret this as an attack on Auburn either, it isn't. It's an attack on the system. We covered SEC Football for 10-plus years and are well aware that football players are not treated anything like the student population.
Alumni and fans of a school are always convinced that police and others have it out for them. If trouble surfaces, they circle the wagons. Very few, if any of the allegations in the Roopstigo story surprise us. And we would be much more surprised if the player quotes were fabricated.
Why would a reporter (in this case Selena Roberts) feel the need to do that? Yes, as a journalist, you get a bit protective, but you also have a better perspective than the reportees.
Look at it this way; if 1,000 people read a story that is somewhat controversial or is making accusations, at least 60% of those people (600 of them) will interpret it differently. These days everyone sees things the way they want to, not necessarily the way things are. It's a fact in our now "Highly Polarized" lives.
You may not see it, but it's there. Politics is the same way.
There is no discussion, there is no, "Prove I'm Wrong", you are either with us or against us. In the reporting game, the goal is to tell a story with the facts or information that you are given. And we can tell you for a FACT that 95 to 98 percent of the people who report are very thorough and don't have the agenda you think they do.
Reporters tell you what people are telling them. Columnists tell you what THEY think. Reporters don't walk in each day and say "Hmmm...how can I do this story and make ______ group of people look bad".
But it's hard to make people understand that, they can't tell the difference. They see it as an attack against them or what they believe. And there are many out there who have learned to take that and turn it against reporters. (see Politicians) And there are outlets out in the journalistic wasteland that will twist a story to fit their agenda (see Fox News and MSNBC).
But this isn't about that. It's about a culture, a lifestyle (SEC Football). Many fans in the south see it as their validation, their life.
They shouldn't.
Like we said earlier, we aren't going to cast aspersions against Auburn here. The original report may be right, may be partially right or may be all wrong. But it is NOT the first time these we've heard these types of accusations.
No, they don't get reported on often, it's very hard to get anyone to go on the record about things like this. But they do exist. They do happen. Spend time around a "Big Time" SEC program and you'll see things that would never have happened to normal students. College Football has become the primary source of incomes for many of these schools and many of these towns and both will and have done whatever is necessary to keep that cash coming in.
((NOTE---Yes, we speak vaguely about some things in our story here. That's because while we are aware some questionable things happen in College Football, we don't have documented proof--yet. And no, that isn't making accusations randomly, we won't be specific about an allegation unless we can confirm it.))
((UPDATED With More Opinion From Jon hyah...))
It's naive to say that golden handshakes never happen...
They do... everywhere... and that's part of the deal... accepted, illegal, rarely proven and the Ess-E-Cee seems to be the uniting force in all of this discussion...
But what does Selena Roberts achieve by doing this...???
One- She gets her start-up, mobile news, website some early stroke- which is what it needs to gain relevance
Two- She gets buzz
Three- She gets clicks which gets her numbers, which gets her bloated ad revenue numbers, which keeps it solvent...
Four- She gets the discussion to ramp up all over again on a topic that really is no surprise in the southeastern united states, but seemingly a shock to the white-snow covered landscape north of the Mason-Dixon Line...
Do not misunderstand, the HQ does it here when we have material to break, but we'd like to think we take a little more care than other places...
But I'm fairly certain that, whether Roberts admits it or not, the idea that Bobby Lowder (in his days of influence on campus) was never too keen on the student newspaper writing a bunch of bad stuff (of which Roberts was a part of that writing force) and eliminated the Journalism program (and rolled it into the Communications Department) is a part of her psyche and has formulated her opinions and openings for grinding an axe.
Hey, when you have therapy, you think for others as well...
A few things:
The whole dreadlocks issue- Remember Trooper Taylor had a suit against Auburn City Schools for allegedly not allowing his son to have them. If Trooper had an issue off campus, why would he have an issue on-campus...???
And, I know, it's a minor issue- but it's a refutation of an element of McNeil's whole pyramid of accusations...
Two (with subsections):
Apparently, Roberts never had a conversation with anyone in the Auburn Police Department about the issues that she brought...
Joel Erickson, however, did... he actually caught up with Auburn Police Chief Tommy Dawson...
Roberts misidentified police officers and their employers, didn't disclose the notion that any student who commits a Class A felony isn't allowed on campus, and failed to relay that it was Coach Gene Chizik that employed a private security force to monitor his players. It wasn't the local police who may have been keeping an eye on Auburn athletes. Yet we'll give a wink and a nod to the quote where Dawson says he doesn't treat football players any differently than regular students. Ask that same question in Starkville, Tuscaloosa, or Athens...
Charles Goldberg wrote about it in November of 2012 for al.com:
Coach Gene Chizik says Auburn has used a security and events management company since August to help enforce a curfew for players who live off campus.
The 11 p.m. curfew was set following a series of off-the-field problems involving players.
"We always do what's in the best interest of our team," Chizik said Wednesday night. "We have a curfew and we have to employ people to help us with some of the kids off campus."
Roberts is making the rounds, and getting somewhat excoriated, like this exchange on 790 The Zone in Atlanta this morning...
We know we're not done and we're know we're just getting started in this...
More when we know more...
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Cam Newton's Brain "Gets Stuck In Traffic..."
Cam Newton (or, "Cameron Jerrell Newton" as his mother identified him since he was stuck in traffic and late for his own fundraiser) was asked by the highly-partisan Auburn crowd whether or not he could sing the Auburn fight song for the crowd in attendance...
The running gag was that anything got (or was) "stuck in traffic" when something went wrong on the evening...
You can guess what happened...
Or, you can watch above...
After it was over, Cam admitted that his brain got stuck in traffic...
Although, for the record, the Cam Newton Foundation looks like it will be doing some good things for youth who should be staying in shape and want to make a point to, possibly, even play athletically at the same time in their high school years...
Miss Jackie, Cam's mother, should keep it on the straight and narrow...
Thursday, February 21, 2013
OSG High: Dell McGee Heading To Auburn
And, now, it's time of the year for college staffs to add to their groups...
One day after Jeff Herron is leaving Camden County (GA) High for Prince Avenue Christian (Bogart, GA), another prime Georgia high school job is now open.
Antonio (Dell) McGee is leaving Carver-Columbus to join the support staff at Auburn- his alma mater- where he was a standout during his playing days. In nine years as head coach, McGee went 88-19 with a state title in 2007 when his Columbia Blue went 15-0.
Ask anyone and McGee is widely regarded as a respected coach and man. After graduating from Kendrick-Columbus (GA) High, he went to Auburn where he was considered to be one of the team's best cover corners by the time he graduated in 1996. He bounced around the NFL, Arena Football League, and the XFL before retiring to be a coach.
Universal kudos are circulating for the Gus Malzahn hire...
Here's an interview PrimeTimeGridironTV did with McGee in the 2011 season
One day after Jeff Herron is leaving Camden County (GA) High for Prince Avenue Christian (Bogart, GA), another prime Georgia high school job is now open.
Antonio (Dell) McGee is leaving Carver-Columbus to join the support staff at Auburn- his alma mater- where he was a standout during his playing days. In nine years as head coach, McGee went 88-19 with a state title in 2007 when his Columbia Blue went 15-0.
Ask anyone and McGee is widely regarded as a respected coach and man. After graduating from Kendrick-Columbus (GA) High, he went to Auburn where he was considered to be one of the team's best cover corners by the time he graduated in 1996. He bounced around the NFL, Arena Football League, and the XFL before retiring to be a coach.
Universal kudos are circulating for the Gus Malzahn hire...
Here's an interview PrimeTimeGridironTV did with McGee in the 2011 season
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Rodney Garner To Auburn
Phillip Marshall at Auburn Undercover gets this one...
And, for new head coach Gus Malzahn, it's a good get...
Garner gets the title of Assistant Head Coach, D-Line coach, and recruiting coordinator... Actually, that's a lot of titles and the chance for Garner to "come home."
More when we know more...
We know more:
It's official, with Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn releasing the following statement last night:
"We are excited to announce Rodney Garner as our assistant head coach and defensive line coach. Rodney is one of the top defensive line coaches in college football who has had great success in the Southeastern Conference. We're excited to welcome an Auburn man back home."
Garner will work with incoming defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson on a totally revamped Auburn staff that may struggle a bit early, but suddenly looks like they have the potential to resuscitate a program that had pretty much fallen flat on its face under former coach Gene Chizik.
And, for new head coach Gus Malzahn, it's a good get...
Garner gets the title of Assistant Head Coach, D-Line coach, and recruiting coordinator... Actually, that's a lot of titles and the chance for Garner to "come home."
More when we know more...
We know more:
It's official, with Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn releasing the following statement last night:
"We are excited to announce Rodney Garner as our assistant head coach and defensive line coach. Rodney is one of the top defensive line coaches in college football who has had great success in the Southeastern Conference. We're excited to welcome an Auburn man back home."
Garner will work with incoming defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson on a totally revamped Auburn staff that may struggle a bit early, but suddenly looks like they have the potential to resuscitate a program that had pretty much fallen flat on its face under former coach Gene Chizik.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)