New Crimson Tide Uniforms

The Piedmont Gazette recently published another report that has Alabama fans worried. Many might remember the report they did on every fan receiving a breathalyzer prior to entering the stadium (New Game Day changes). The article causing such a commotion this time is about the Tide getting new uniforms (New Uniform Article) .


First of all, this is a fake article. Second, I understand that this would be a big deal, but it is nothing to worry about. The concern people are expressing about an article of clothing is a perfect example of one of the major problems with Alabama Football.

I love and respect the Alabama Football Tradition more than most, but we are also slaves to this tradition. We have a great new coach, a great incoming freshman class and a newly expanded stadium, what would be so bad about having modernized and new uniforms. We could even incorporate our tradition into these uniforms like we did with the houndstooth collars on the 25th anniversary of Paul Bear Bryant earning his 315th win.

I'm not talking about something as dramatic as changing our uniforms to look like Oregon's with Crimson & White coloring. I think people would be surprised at the amount of popularity the Tide will gain outside of the SEC in making a move like new uniforms.

It could also help to ensure that all of our recruiting classes are like this incoming class. Think about it, most of the teams consistently ranked in the top 10 each year have different variations of their uniforms and tend to throw something new on every now and then. It is time we understand that things change. I am happy that things change because if they didn't and I had to settle for the past few seasons we have had, I would not be very happy.

Also another thought, the Georgia black-out was pretty cool to watch last year. That was the first time they ever wore those uniforms. There is no telling what the recruits at that game thought.

Say It Ain't So Jimmy

With many of the facts yet to be released, I am hesitant to cover the arrest of Jimmy Johns, but have chosen to do so anyway. Lets think about some facts that I feel are important:
1) Jimmy Johns was arrested on Tuesday, June 24th at 8 am on 5 counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance
and 1 count of possession of cocaine.
2) Jimmy Johns has been kicked off of the UA football team.
3) Jimmy Johns is facing a minimum of 3 years for each charge unless a plea bargain is reached.
4) Jimmy Johns lived alone in an off campus apartment.
5) Jimmy Johns is the only Alabama player sought after in the investigation.


It is a given that Jimmy Johns' football career at UA is over. As far as the amount of jail time he could be facing, Johns could get 18 years minimum, unless he makes a plea deal. I believe a plea deal will be reached because it doesn't take a genius to know that John's is not the top man in this operation. If you are not the top man in an operation like this, there is always a way to save your own skin. I have a strong feeling Johns will not want to spend 18 years or more in jail, so he will turn his suppliers in for a lesser sentence.

Many Alabama players share apartments on or office campus together, but Johns chose to live alone. This is a good thing because if anyone else happened to live with Johns, they would have been found guilty by the social media until proven innocent, therefore brightening the negative light on the Alabama football program. Johns has also stated to the police that he tried to keep it a secret from his teammates leading me to believe that no other players are involved.

I am not going to call Jimmy Johns an idiot for his actions. I do not know him at all. I do not know his family's financial situation. I do not know the culture he was raised in. I am just going to hope that he receives the proper punishment for his crimes, a punishment that causes him to see the errors of his ways.

Many have said that the coaching staff knew about Jimmy Johns' activities, but did not kick him off the team. Supposedly they tried to drug test him, but he passed every test. Here is my question, if the coaching staff can not prove that Johns was dealing drugs, can they kick him off the team because of some rumors they have heard?

The Offensive Line: To Stand Tall or Set To Fall?

Rivals released their pre-season position rankings for the SEC offensive line. It is no surprise that the Crimson Tide is ranked #2 in the SEC West, but it also does not mean anything.

We are talking about an offensive line, with 87 starts between 4 returning starters, that should have dominated last year. Being ranked very high this time last year, the Tides offensive Line disappointed many. Injuries and suspensions did plague the experienced line, but this is the year they have to step up. Behind Andre Smith, Mike Johnson and Evan Caldwell, the Tide should be able to run to the left side all day long.

2007 low point: With just 20 total rushing yards and seven sacks allowed, the line had no answers for LSU's front seven.

The big question is who is going to step up and take the right tackle position? It could be Drew Davis, who proved his potential over this past spring or could it be the freshman, Tyler Love, pushing his way into the starting line-up?

We do know one thing, these players have been through a lot of adversity together, but can they learn to overcome these challenges that at times stand in their path. Maybe they could avoid these adversities all together when speaking of suspensions.

What do you think is going to happen to the Tide's OL this fall?

Does Anyone Remember Tiki Barber???

The 2008 Super Bowl Champions probably remember him. I definitely remember him as being that guy that retired premature to become a NFL commentator. I also remember him for criticizing Eli Manning for poor leadership skills and Tom Coughlin's poor coaching strategies.

I assume Tiki felt such a need to be accepted as an "intelligent" and "all-knowing" commentator that he told about locker-room information from his playing days for the Giants. He broke a major unwritten rule by going public with locker room information.

Well, Tiki must feel like an ass now. Eli and Coughlin's right hands are a little bit tougher to lift with that big rock that reads Super Bowl Champions.