Nice blog regarding all that is going on

[MDM4AU 337]

This guy worked with Finebaum years ago...

It Was Just A Tree (But It Was More Than That)

@aublakeme

For some reason contrary to definition, “Tradition” at The University of Alabama means “National Championships.” (See also: winning a bunch)

But everywhere else in the Southeastern Conference, “Tradition” has its own unique definition: The Grove at Ole Miss, “Mr. Two Bits” at Florida,” UGA (the dog) at Georgia, the Vol Navy at Tennessee, the Cockaboose at South Carolina.

Auburn University, my alma mater, my home for the best four years of my life, is steeped in “Tradition” by proper definition: “War Eagle” and the flight of Nova and Spirit, Tiger Walk, the finest lemonade man has ever known and the tree that stands across the street.

In November, some loon called Paul Finebaum proclaiming triumphant victory - poisoning the oak trees at Toomer’s Corner. Everyone shared a hearty laugh, and the program (and tabloid “sports journalism” contained on the stick) returned to trying to figure out ways that Auburn cheated. It was never to be spoken of again.

Until today, when we learn that this fellow actually did kill the trees at the corner of Magnolia and College.

I was in Glendale, Arizona. I spent every penny I had beyond my means to witness a “Once in a Lifetime” event. And I’m thrilled I did. I’m thrilled that I was at half of 2010’s games, including road trips to Starkville and, one of my all-time favorites, Lexington. And I shared all of these sentiments in a phone call about the subject to my father earlier this evening. But, as I continued, it was impossible to enjoy the way I dreamed of for 28 years prior. Tabloid radio, blogs, television and Alabama fans have made this impossible to enjoy the way it all played out, hypothetically (I never thought it would really happen), in my mind.

Thayer Evans, Sports by Brooks and others have an ax to grind - that much is clear. And there is no clear, defining reason. Maybe Auburn cheated. Maybe they didn’t. But I believe when Gus Malzahn chose the “mess” at Auburn over not one, but two, BCS coaching jobs, it was telling. Sure, alum Tracey Rocker chose the NFL today, but who can blame him? Position coaches in the NFL can elevate to head coaching jobs. Regardless of outcome, it builds the resume.

Imagine if you will, Tide fans: how do you feel when people attack the credibility of your “thirteen” national championships? 1941 is absolutely foolish. It doesn’t even make sense. Yet, you still call it a championship. Forget the credibility of the championships won before a legitimate poll existed - let’s focus on how ignorant the 1941 championship is. A brief aside, by me, not a quote:

In 1941, Alabama was awarded a championship by a geologist named Deke Houlgate. An EFFING geologist. Alabama lost that season to Mississippi State and Vanderbilt. They finished the season ranked 20th (TWENTIETH?) in the Associated Press poll. Minnesota won the AP championship, but a fellow that studied rocks said Alabama was the best. So Alabama said, “Tradition.” You can look it up, but trust me, I have. I’ve studied it beyond reasonable explanation. Every championship you won before Bryant is hollow, and several after his arrival are. I won’t expound, unless you really want a deep debate. Buy me a beer.

Let’s attack those - your “tradition.” How does it make you feel? A little defensive? Angry, even? Good.

Because the reigning national champions don’t define “tradition” by games won - despite easily ranking among the nation’s top 15 all-time. And despite your best wishes, they don’t define it by beating Alabama. Both are great. Don’t misunderstand. But this family’s tradition is defined by much more than what happens on the field.

Poisoning the oaks at Toomer’s Corner took this rivalry too far - and I fear the hatchet may be dug out of the ground. And it’s perpetuated by “tabloid journalism” - everything on the current lineup at Alabama’s “Flagship Station” WJOX, Sports by Brooks, Thayer Evans. It’s been pushed, and pushed, and pushed - and now it’s over the edge. I genuinely fear the rivalry may now be in jeopardy - and frankly, I’m not sure I care.

Through my trials of the last three years, I have learned one thing above all else: it’s just football. There are a lot of things more important. I won’t begin to properly list, but you can assume. To think that someone can make a move so asinine is beyond comprehension - to think that a radio staion I was once proud to call home can promote it and laugh is reprehensible.

I get it. And I hope you do, too. They are just trees. IF the trees actually die, they’ll be replaced. Auburn will spare no cost in having trees exactly the same put into place with “no harm done.” It’s not the trees. It’s about much more - it’s about how malicious the act was. It’s about the inevitable retalition that is forthcoming. And beyond that, what will follow. Someone from Auburn burned the score of the Iron Bowl into the grass in front of Bryant-Denny. Grass can be fixed. This can’t. And it’s only going to get nastier with every phone call taken tomorrow and thereafter.

If someone from Auburn retaliates, it’s going to be worse. Police (POLICE?) were standing guard over the statues in front of Bryant-Denny this evening (they only needed a 13-year-old boy to fully block the view of Saban). And it will only grow.

And you know what? The rivalry isn’t fun anymore. I’m speaking from the winning side. The side that just won the National Championship. And I already kinda didn’t care. Now I don’t. This is stupid. And there are far more fingers to be pointed than at “Al from Dadeville.”

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[buzzurd24 11]

[OldNewby 27]

Someone from Auburn burned the score of the Iron Bowl into the grass in front of Bryant-Denny.

Someone please tell him this is incorrect. Rye (winter) grass seeds were sprinkled in a rough 28-27 shape on the dormant grass.... no burning, no harm, no poison.

I agree with the sentiment expressed in the piece.... very, very much.