Fanblogs.com - Latest Comments in Alabama Sanctions Finally In

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

Zac — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:00:50 -0000

That says it all, doesn't it.

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

jake — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:29:31 -0000

Baba Babe,

TE makes a good point although I believe he put a bit too much of SEC emotion in his response to your original post.

After my read of your post, I perceived you defending others' likely argument that Bama should have received harsher punishments. Your reasoning rests almost solely on highlighting the same infractions at many other schools that have not been discovered. First, no one is saying that this type of conduct is not happening at other schools, but many can argue that it's not happening at their school. Second, arguing "People make dumb decision, especially if friends have some influence on them" really serves no purpose as a defense or justification. We all know people make dumb decisions and that's why regulations and laws are setup. If every school was doing this or just Bama, every student should be punished.

I applaud Bama's coming forward and reporting its violations. Let's be honest, though. Given Bama's past, that is the only reason the punishments were not harsher.

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

Bama_Babe — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 02:46:23 -0000

Wow. You sure you got it all out?

Ok, first of all, I was not saying that it happens everywhere. I said if you think it doesn't happen at institutions other than Alabama, you are stupid. Secondly, I certainly wasn't saying that because of it happening elsewhere, that it was okay. I did not, in any way, use the "Everyone's jumping off the bridge, so why can't I" argument. I never justified the wrongdoings of any athlete at the University of Alabama, and I clearly stated - several times - that the athletes were wrong and should have been punished accordingly.

I definitely mention Alabama in the same breath as the other top programs in the SEC. No textbook scandal or probation would change that. I was not talking about Florida or LSU when I said things like this happen elsewhere. So do not put words into my mouth, please.

Ok, TE. I have not lived a single day when Alabama has not been on probation. Is that what you want me to say? Is that really something I should be so ashamed of that I don't want to be an Alabama fan? Sure, it sucks. But do I get to attend every Alabama football game each fall? Do I get to wear my school colors proudly and talk football with everyone - you guys included - like it is my life?

I think so. Just like all of you who are fans of schools who haven't been on much probation, if any at all. So I don't see why you are bringing it up and something that should cripple me or turn me away from my school. It definitely sucks, and it's something that should be avoided. However, I can do nothing about it. As long as my football team can play on the field and win, I will continue breathing in the excitement that comes with being an Alabama fan. NOTHING will change that.

You need to simply own up to it. When have I denied it??

If nothing else, then to simply move past it.. Why do you think my attitude appears as if it is "no big deal"?? Because there is nothing anyone can do about it now. What happened, happened. I'm moving on.

And yes, you are right. I did laugh a few times while I read your post. But do not worry, you don't come off as mean-spirited...just someone who is full of hatred. But hatred exists all around college football, and as Bruce Pearl says (yes, I went that low) if you are popular, then you are not winning.

You are certainly wrong about your last point, TE. The years of probation do not hold a dark cloud over the years of dominance. The tradition at the University of Alabama isn't known as "cheating" and probation. Know why?

Because the tradition that is at the University of Alabama started WAAAAY before these 21 straight years of probation. The dominance came before then. YOUR university started being relevant in the college football world in the last 21 years, so you think those years matter more than the previous. I'm not one to "live in the past" so I will not go further. Sure Alabama might have been on probation for 21 straight years. But if you think the University of Alabama and its football program is going anywhere, you are mistaken. History repeats itself, right? If so, the only destination for Alabama is up.

I'm finished with the textbook issue. It's over and done with. Nothing can or will justify what happened, and nothing can be done about it now. So, unlike us Alabama fans are known to do, I'm focusing on the future. The past is the past, so bring on the 2009 season. Soon, please!

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

Bama_Babe — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 02:07:22 -0000

I wasn't comparing Alabama and Florida.

You said Georgia had the most criminals, and I was just stating that Florida, while having less overall criminals, had more felons.

That's all.

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

1Tomcat — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:43:01 -0000

Well written TE
Do you believe that certain programs that have a history of infractions are probably more under the microscope-so to speak than others.
Down here in the late seventies, it was like who wasn't dirty, and I'm not talking about text-books or tennis shoes-The competition between members of the old SWC schools to win at all cost, resulted in many publicly known infractions- It was kind of like general knowledge that certain Alums and contributers enticed recruits with generous gifts and that some programs were cleaner than others, but everybody was considered dirty to a certain extent. Now here we are thirty years later and you can't break wind without somekind of scandal.
In this day and age of self-reporting I'm sure nothing is swept under the rug-right. The textbook thing aint nothing compared to other violations, not that it was excetable, but geeze- Bush free rent comes to mind

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

Tyler_Tech — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:58:05 -0000

TEXAS TECH 2005 COTTON BOWL CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

fosterkeats — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:22:26 -0000

I was looking for it, I think it was the Ft Myers paper that ran a story about the Florida arrests that pissed off Foley, but I can't find it...

You're right, not the Orlando paper...

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

gatorhippy — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 06:22:21 -0000

I think you might be getting Foley confused with the TK media control of the Noles Cheatergate...

Ever notice that you don't see alot of coverage on that?

I'm in the Orlando area and read that paper daily...

Never seen what you're talking about in regards to Foley...

Link it up, please...

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

gatorhippy — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 06:06:26 -0000

And Bama has been on probation for the last 21 years for major violations...

Florida hasn't seen probation in nearly 20...

To quote you, BB dear...

Just sayin'...

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

Zac — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:22:03 -0000

GH, I could see your point regarding Coffey's rushing yards and touchdowns if we were talking recruiting violations. We're not. We're not talking cheating on exams to maintain his GPA, thus keeping him eligible. We're not even talking performance enhancing drugs. At the worst we're talking an entrepreneurial embezzlement scheme, provided he took money. If he didn't take any money, then, he was trying to help a bud, albeit in an off-handed way. I don't see that as a lock for taking victories away from the team. While that may be the rule, while that may be "the way it is," that doesn't make it right.

If your example, Mr. Coffey, was involved nothing he did in this regard impacted his play on the field; it didn't make him a better athlete. It's for this reason I maintain my opinion: The punishment don’t fit the crime.

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

fosterkeats — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:46:40 -0000

Wow, with comebacks like that, you should replace Conan...

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

-TE- — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:50:52 -0000

At least we didn't have to pay him to throw it...

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

-TE- — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:50:08 -0000

Utah just scored again, too...

Oh, by the way...What time does Alabama play in the College World Series? LOL!

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

-TE- — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:53:47 -0000

I'm glad your perspective is here, B_B...Seriously...

Wait...Should this be in the Women's Poster's Thread?

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

Bama_Babe — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:39:17 -0000

Over the last 4 years...

Of Georgia's 30, only 4 were felonies.

Of Florida's 21, 9 were felonies.

Even the FSU "Criminoles" have less felony arrests than your almighty Gators.

Just sayin'.

Oh, and I'm not one to whine and say the NCAA is picking on Alabama. If you do something wrong, you should be punished.

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

-TE- — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:32:35 -0000

First off, I really appreciate the use of the metaphor here. I'm a fan of the usage of metaphors because, quite frankly, I use a helluva lot of them, myself. At any rate, I'm digressing off into a tangent, so let me veer back onto course here...

Being young and dumb and breaking the rules does not absolve you from breaking the rules. There's no real way around that. However, I not only empathize, but sympathize-as you are correct in assuming that all of us have been there before.

Again, to reiterate: Breaking the rules is breaking the rules.

As a secondary point to respond to this, I have asked around, and LSU's program is pretty standard. The AA's & tutors handle books, and there is no opportunity for the SA's to game the system.

As Gatorhippy has stated previously, it does not happen at Florida, either.

So, the last two National Champions-and as an aside, the last two Conference Champions in the SEC-do not operate like this.

If you'd like to mention your program in the same breath as those two for on the field accomplishments, don't act as if its okay to not be on their same level in terms of what you ask for in the way of off the field decision making on the part of your student athletes, nevermind your Compliance & Monitoring.

By the way, I definitely mention Alabama in the same breath as LSU & Florida. I hold your team to the same standard I hold mine to. I'd rightfully excoriate any dumb decisions or behavior on any of my team's hijinks, as well.

So, to use the argument of "Everyone's jumping off the bridge; why can't I?" is really not going to get a whole lot of traction with any rational observer.

Secondly, I have never said that you all should receive the Death Penalty over this problem. The Gadsden City deal is what your program should receive the Death Penalty for. But, to use your term, "whatever."

I think that's a simple overstatement on your part. No offense taken-on any of this, really, as I dish out a lot, and I can definitely take my fair share (Hey, we went 8-5 and lost at home to you guys, after all).

To go one further, I find it honestly really humorous that you would take such a damning fact-that your fellow Bama fans like BC have not actually seen a sunrise in their entire time on this Earth without your football program being on probation for violations that involve your football program-and act as if I'm overstating or reaching when pointing it out.

It's a fact. Your program will have been on probation for TWENTY ONE YEARS when its all said and done. Not 21 years total in its existence. Not 21 since they started handing out probation. Not 21 since the NCAA came into existence.

They have been on probation for football related issues FOR TWENTY ONE STRAIGHT YEARS. There's no need for me to exaggerate a sad fact like that.

For you to overstate that fact as if its "no big deal" is laughable, boo.

Your program's past is dirty as hell. The current isn't exactly squeaky clean. The future-I believe-will bear more fruit from that same branch. You need to simply own up to it. If for nothing else, then to simply move past it & the most recent tales of Crimson colored woe your program's inflicted upon itself.

It's almost as if you'd want us to believe that Albert Means was the only player in the History of Alabama Football who was paid to attend. I mean, a backup DL that wasn't even close to being the most coveted player in that signing class got paid SIX FIGURES to sign?

Mid-Round MLB draftee's don't get paid that much money to sign professional baseball contracts.

I'm digressing, & while you may laugh at this, I definitely don't want to come off as mean-spirited, but perhaps being a history major, or just a few years old than you, coupled with me being a fan of another program that's a hated rival of yours (and believe me, I hated Bama long before Nick took the job; its just that you were so damn irrelevant before he got there for years before), I look at things in a more big picture perspective. I draw conclusions off of the entire picture. I don't do daisy chain logic.

But, your program's history of conjured up national titles, along with its more legitimate, if somewhat faded past of actual dominance, which was very real, is perhaps only equaled by egregious unethical behavior on the part of your program, its coaches, etc.

The tradition of cheating at Alabama is just as much of a lamentable fact as is your rich tradition of Championships & Victories. It soils & stains their legacy at every turn, in fact.

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

fosterkeats — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:12:04 -0000

UGA is as out of control as your Gators... The difference is that Jesus Boy Richt isn't making excuses and whining to the media like Oscar Meyer...

"Sniveling cowards"???

What are you talking about???

Are you referring to Jeremy Foley whining about the Orlando paper's REPORTING of the Gators who were arrested???

If Foley wants to control the media, tell him to take his program to North Korea or Venezuela where there IS no free media... Then he can have birthday cake & ice cream headlines every day...

Let's move on, shall we???

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

-TE- — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:06:58 -0000

My name is TE, & I approve of this message.

In all seriousness, Hipster, the oldest of these Bammer Fans were-perhaps-in Kindergarten the last time Alabama wasn't on probation for violations...It's a way of life for them...

They don't understand because they have some undeserved sense of Entitlement to success. Any attempts on their part to attain advantages over other schools, violate NCAA rules & regulations, etc., is viewed merely as Standard Operating Procedure.

Conversely, any attempt by anyone-Phil Fulmer, the NCAA, Federal, State & Local authorities-to reign in their illicit and/or in some cases illegal behavior is simply thought of as bitter attempts by lesser beings to tug at Superman's Cape...

Rules do not apply to Alabama, and anyone who believes differently is obviously unhinged...

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

gatorhippy — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:59:54 -0000

If the NCAA WAS issuing penalities on crimes, arrests, etc... The Gators would be at the top of the penalized list...

Actually they wouldn't...

The Dawgs would be there with a whopping 30 over the last four years...

Yeah, I read the entire report...

It's only 15 pages and about a thirty minute read...

Of course, for a Bama man I understand that it might take a day or two to get through it given it's not illustrated and contains some big words like "and" & "the"...

And yes, I remember quite vividly the entire Pell and Hall sagas...

The difference being I'm not still whining about how unfair it is and how the NCAA is picking on the Gates...

Because it wasn't unfair and they weren't picking on them...

Bama & FSU need to stop crying and simply stand up and take their punishment with dignity...

Not like a sniveling cowards...

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

fosterkeats — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:42:30 -0000

If the NCAA WAS issuing penalities on crimes, arrests, etc... The Gators would be at the top of the penalized list...

But I digress...

So you actually read the entire Alabama probation report??? If so, do you have a life???

Were you even born when Charlie Pell & Galen Hall almost got your Gators the death penalty???

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

gatorhippy — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:37:59 -0000

I understand where you're coming from, Zac...

But in team sports thats the way it is...

Use an ineligible player and you will lose a victory...

Do it knowingly and you forfeit...

You can't simply take Coffey's rushing yards and touchdowns and remove them from the game and see where the team stands then because it doesn' account for the blocking and other intangibles he did...

Vacating and forfeiture is the only option...

Crappy for those that followed the rules...

Perfectly fair though, IMHO...

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

gatorhippy — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:24:20 -0000

The NCAA would if the crime was originated or fostered by the institution or one of it's members...

Remember one of Colorado's charges including providing alcohol to recruits...

However, the NCAA isn't the legal system or the cops...

Simply the agency monitoring athletics...

One has nothing to do with the other really...

But should they get involved in that aspect of athletes, coaches and staff?

Should they provide a policy that prevents athletes and coaches from participating while a case is open to investigation or a hearing and trial pending?

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

Ramblin' Gator — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:16:36 -0000

That is a slap in Weiss' face, but I also heard Montana was selected in the MLB draft and may not play NCAA football at all.

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

aVoiceInSC — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 01:57:28 -0000

Did anyone else catch that Nick Montana (son of the greatest QB of all time) committed to Washington? Huge pickup for Sarkisian, but if that doesn't speak volumes about Charlie Weis, I don't know what does.

Re: Alabama Sanctions Finally In

Zac — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 20:16:36 -0000

Now, all of this inspires an interesting question. Why is it, it's not OK with the NCAA for an athlete to obtain free books and given them or rent them to whomever, yet, the NCAA has nothing to say about athlete DUI's, gun violence, bar fights, underage drinking or gambling, etc? I mean, if a coach gives a prospective recruit a ball cap, fountain pen, T-Shirt, or heaven forbid - cab fare, that's a violation. BUT, if the kid plays by the rules and is recruited fair & square, only to commit vehicular manslaughter on his way home from practice, or give his girlfriend a bloody nose, the NCAA has nothing to say about it. Strange...