TUSCALOOSA, AL- Recently, there has been some controversy as the NCAA has been on the hunt for teams with players taking incentives and bribes from NFL scouts around the country.
The most recent victims that the NCAA has investigated for these types of violations were the University of Alabama and the University of Florida.
As of today, news from Tuscaloosa reports that head coach Nick Saban and athletic director Mal Moore have agreed to ban NFL scouts from attending games at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
The ban comes after the University of Alabama was investigated by the NCAA for allegations that football player Marcell Dareus attended a private party for an NFL scout. It was also said that the scout bought Dareus' plane ticket, a clear violation of NCAA regulations, which state that players may not accept gifts or incentives.
After a swift investigation, the report was that Dareus bought his own ticket, and he did not even know the scout was present at the club he was attending. All charges were dropped, and the investigation closed.
The University of Florida was also investigated for the same type of allegations. There was not as much coverage of that case as their was with the Crimson Tide, but the NCAA did not find any basis to charge the Gators organization with any violations.
In turn, the university is said to have also banned NFL scouts from its football games at Gainsville's Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com
Related posts
A game that is no doubt on every SEC fan's mind, is when the Alabama Crimson Tide has to face Arkansas on the Razorbacks' own turf. The word on the street is that the kids from Fayetteville are bringing some serious game with them this season, and they aren't here to play around. Alabama's coming off a tremendous 2009-2010 season, with its 13th National Championship title and a whole lot of reputation just waiting to be broken.
Leading the powerful offense of Arkansas is Ryan Mallett, who contended in the Heisman Trophy race last year. He shows up this year looking to do even better than last season, which included over 3,000 passing yards. He is no doubt the man that the Crimson Tide defense will be focusing on the entire time on September 25th.
This will be the second game that Alabama will have to pay very close attention to if they want to preserve their perfect season coming off of last year's success story. One of the biggest worries the fans have is the new defensive line up, which was assembled after the Tide lost more than four key players to the NFL Draft, including linebacker Rolando McClain and defensive tackle Terrance Cody. Putting pressure on the seasoned Mallett will be one of the keys to winning this SEC showdown.
If Alabama loses to Arkansas, it will be an up-hill battle to fight to the SEC Championship game against the winner of the SEC East. The Razorbacks were decent last season, going 8-5, but their talent has only grown since then. Head coach Bobby Petrino is also looking to utilize all of his assets on the offensive side in the hopes of improving Arkansas' running abilities coming into 2010.
Arkansas' day of testing the SEC waters is against the Georgia Bulldogs on September 18th. If they cruise through that game, they might be feeling even more confident against the recent king of the conference, Alabama. They also have 22 offensive players and 18 defensive players returning for the 2010 season, which should help having a seasoned and more mature team coming back for another year.
Alabama faces a lot pressure this year with Nick Saban looking to make it all the way to the BCS National Championship once again. This is Alabama's most important game in making sure their in-conference record stays undefeated. If Alabama can keep its running game on track with Heisman Trophy winning back Mark Ingram, it should be fine if the Arkansas defensive line does not beat him down. Wide receiver Julio Jones has also improved significantly since last year, looking to turn some heads with a break-out year. His counterpart, Marquis Maze, will also be a huge asset when Jones is in double coverage against the Arkansas defensive back field.
The Crimson Tide are favored for the game, coming off of their National Championship win last year against the Texas Longhorns. It is very possible that they could contend in the SEC Championship this year. Some people say there is no doubt that they will. If they want to win this game they are going to have to focus all their efforts on Mallett. There is no question this will be an interesting game for both teams, which could possibly make or break one team's chances for a shot at the SEC Championship.
Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com
Related posts
The Alabama Crimson Tide, the champions of the BCS in their 2009-2010 season will face the Penn State Nittany Lions in their second game of this coming season. It has been recognized by the fans and coaches for possibly being one of Alabama's toughest games this year. Nick Saban's talented team taking on Joe Paterno's northern boys should be one of the greatest coaching battles of the 2010 season.
One of the biggest problems that many fans see with Alabama's 2010 roster is that the defense lost many seasoned players to the 2010 NFL Draft, which over 14 players overall were signed with professional teams. Many defensive backs went into the draft, leaving the secondary to move up or placing incoming freshmen in to fill the spots.
In the defensive backfield, Alabama lost cornerbacks Kareem Jackson and Javier Arenas. On the line, they lost defensive tackles Terrence Cody and Brandon Deaderick. Along with those, the Crimson Tide lost the most key leader on the defense-linebacker Rolando McClain. All of these losses could be detrimental to Alabama's rigorous playing style.
Penn State is coming into the September 11th game against Alabama with a seasoned coaching staff and Joe Paterno that has more years under his belt and more wins than any other college football coach in the NCAA. Alabama struggled with a very young team in previous years and tripped more than a few times in seasons past, but at that time they didn't have Nick Saban coaching. In the quarterback realm, Penn State has two quarterbacks fighting for the starting spot. These two players are Matt McCloin and Kevin Newsome.
Both quarterbacks unfortunately have some inexperience with regard to playing time, even though McGloin was second to first-string Newsome last year. Comparing both team's quarterbacks, Alabama's Greg McElroy has never lost a football game since the seventh grade (but that can always change,) and two Penn State quarterbacks that raise questions about who will be leading the offense this season. It will be interesting to see how all of these talented players finish the job on September 11.
There will also be changes to Penn State's offensive line up. Wide receiver Brett Brackett had trouble last year, catching just three passes. He will be moving to the tight end position in the hopes of being a much more effective player for the offense. Wide out Derek Moye will also have fans focused on him in the hopes of having yet another successful year. He will probably be one of the main concerns for Alabama defensive backs on September 11th.
Senior running back Evan Royster might be the deciding player on the Penn State offense to keep the ball moving this season against big-time opponents. He is the real player in question to help hold the team together to score points this season, it's just a matter of will Alabama's defensive line shut him down. It should be a good match up between Alabama's defensive play and the Nittany Lions talented offense.
Summing up the analysis, this will be an all or nothing game for Alabama to help solidify a good start to the season. If they lose it could send a domino effect through out the year, reflecting on a loss against the Nittany Lions. Penn State is a talented football team and gets a lot of credit. But coming off a perfect season, Coach Saban needs to keep his team level-headed and ready for possibly another perfect season.
Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com
Related posts
The most called for games that fans want to see sometimes never end up on the yearly schedule. Taking the teams that had the largest impacts this year and combining them into head-to-head match ups would leave the fans to make their own conclusions which some probably never even thought of before.
A lot of fans wish they could see these games happen, whether it be because of one team smack-talking the other, or just to see if their team could fare with the big boys.
Here are the top 10 games fans wish they could see!
Related posts
Recently, there has been discussion about possible minor changes that could be made to one of college football's most intense rivalry games: The Iron Bowl.
One of the problems people see with the SEC's historic Iron Bowl game between the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn University Tigers is that one team always has a "home-field advantage". Springing from another recent article I wrote, many fans on both sides of the spectrum agreed that there could be changes made so that both teams feel the game is a more neutral playing atmosphere.
A problem some fans observe when they attend an Iron Bowl game is that no matter if the game is played at Alabama's Bryant-Denny Stadium or Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium, the fanbase seems very skewed in favor of one team. Some Auburn and Alabama fans came up with the idea of splitting ticket sales fifty-fifty between both teams' fan bases.
With this idea, there would be an even number of fans supporting both teams at an Iron Bowl game. Even though one team would be playing at the other's home field, the atmosphere would be neutral, filled with both Tide and Tigers fans equally. In this way, the emotions of a rivalry game would be heightened and the competition would be even more spectacular.
Ticket sales would be split evenly between different box offices that supply seats for the game. These would be sold at a first-come, first-serve basis to both fan bases. Although the trouble with this proposed idea is that it will be even more difficult to purchase seats at each Iron Bowl game since they are in very high demand.
This idea is actually one that could be considered again in the future. As of now, the Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn will remain as it is, but it could be subject to change. There is one thing that will always remain the same, and that is the pride in the Iron Bowl.
Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com
Related posts
One of the biggest rivalries in the history of college football- the Iron Bowl between the University of Alabama and Auburn University is one that is watched by all of America. The place where this spectacular event was held for most of its years was in Birmingham's Legion Field, built with the iron and steel the great city was known for. Now the Iron Bowl is held every year at either Alabama's Bryant-Denny Stadium or Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium.
The question on many SEC fans' minds is should the Iron Bowl be moved back to Legion Field instead of switching locations between Tuscaloosa and Auburn? There are many pros and cons to this idea that was brought forth over the years of transferring the Iron Bowl site. There is no doubt that tradition lies on the field of the "Grey Old Lady." But is it worth accommodating such a huge rivalry game once again?
The Pros
Legion Field has always been a very important part of Birmingham's history as a city. Built by architect D.O. Whilldrin in the 1920's, the stadium's primary use was to hold football games and over the years, Alabama and Auburn played the majority of the Iron Bowl rivalries there. The real problem that most people see is that switching between Tuscaloosa and Auburn every year creates a large fan bias in the stands.
The solution to this is playing the Iron Bowl at a neutral field- Legion Field. It was the most historic place where the game was played before and it will be the site of where the rivalry game will be played in the future. The venue has never been used to its full capacity since the UAB Blazers began using it for their Conference USA home games. One of their highest attendance records was an unfortunate 16,000 fans.
Bringing Alabama and Auburn to Birmingham would increase commerce for the city from fans that come to watch both teams play. It would also bring back the glory days of the now deteriorating Legion Field.
The Cons
Legion Field is no doubt historic, but college campuses are much nicer than the cracked parking lot of which the complex offers. Crime is also a major issue where the stadium is located. It unfortunately sits in the middle of Birmingham's lower-class neighborhoods which entales the very likelihood that unlawful acts would be committed while fans are watching the game from the bleachers.
Recession has also hit Birmingham relatively hard over the years, which leaves the city with less money to fund the upkeep of large projects like Legion Field. Within the last 15 years, the upper decks of the stadium were torn down due to instability and less attendance than UAB had expected its first years. The fact that the stadium is not kept in very good condition also steers people away from the idea of using this site as a venue for the Iron Bowl once again.
The Debate Continues
The idea of using Legion Field again as a primary spot for the Iron Bowl will remain on the table quite possibly for as long as college football continues. When the recession has eased and crime steadily falls, Legion Field may possibly be considered again as the main site for Alabama and Auburn to play, but until then it will remain a steady debate. The memories and legacy that Legion Field has produced for the Iron Bowl and college football will always be remembered through out the history of the game and will surely not be forgotten.
Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com
Related posts
Historic Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama holds some of the SEC's greatest memories. Known to college football fans as the "Old Grey Lady," the stadium was the home of both the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and is also currently housing the UAB Blazers. But what really stands out in Legion Field's history is its contribution to the one of college football's biggest rivalry games—the Iron Bowl.
In 1927, veteran architect D.O. Whilldin built Legion Field, just one of a long list of projects constructed by his construction crew in Birmingham. Its capacity was 21,000 fans, which would come to watch many different football teams play in the great iron city. In that same year, Birmingham's shining star was named "Legion Field" in honor of the American Legion, an organization of U.S. Military veterans.
As the years went by, the stadium grew and renovations came and went. But Legion Field's contribution to college football would be approaching within 20 years after the stadium's conception. In 1948, the University of Alabama was going through renovations to Denny Stadium, which left them without a place to hold the annual game between Alabama and Auburn.
Birmingham offered the university Legion Field as a venue for the historic matchup. Over the years, Alabama and Auburn held their rivalry game at the Old Grey Lady until 1988, when both schools decided to switch venues between each team's home field every year.
The Alabama-Auburn rivalry, known as the "Iron Bowl," received its name from the time the games were played for 40 years in Birmingham. The prime industry in the Birmingham is iron and steel work, thus the name "Iron Bowl" was conceived.
Legion Field's history lives forever within one of the biggest rivalry games in college football. Some people feel the stadium is just a long-forgotten giant in a bustling city, but the legacy it holds will remain forever in the hearts of Alabama and Auburn fans.
Currently, Legion Field is the site of the Papajohns.com Bowl and home to the University of Alabama (Birmingham) Blazers from Conference USA. Although the stadium is still used (but not to its full capacity), nothing will ever match up to the responsibility Legion Field had to the many fans of the SEC. It is a shame that nothing of this sort will be seen again from the Old Grey Lady.
Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com
Related posts
Southern-style cooking in the heart of the Southeastern Conference is where some of the best food is in the entire United States. Zesty and spicy flavors are some of what gives the SEC its tailgating pride in cooking some of the most delectable food masterpieces. Along with having some of the best football in the country, the SEC tailgating team leads the way with the most popular and mouthwatering munchies in all of college football. Here are the top five SEC tailgating universities. Bon appetit!Related posts
The Southeastern Conference recently has been at the forefront for dislike and disdain as the dominating conference in the country. With four consecutive National Championships from an SEC team in the past years, there is reason for people to hate what some call the "super conference."
As a college football fan, I can clearly say that anyone who claims that the SEC is "overrated" obviously just opened up a big can of worms. Recently, I've read certain articles (I won't name any for the sake of the writers) that belittled the Southeastern Conference, and in some cases the University of Alabama, by trying to disprove the fact that they are historically elite.
I'll start off by stating the fact that in all accounts, the entire SEC has been very competitive against out of conference teams. In its extensive history, the conference has been a powerhouse and a force to be reckoned with.
The Alabama Crimson Tide have also come under fire from sports fans and writers which claim that they are not a dominant power. Since the team's conception in 1929, the Tide has been at the forefront for National Championship wins. They lead the NCAA with 13 National Championship titles and 22 SEC Championship titles.
Obviously, it's difficult to have an argument against such a decorated history. Yet some sceptics still seem to find something to whine about. Overall, the Tide is one of the most successful football programs in the history of the sport.
To reiterate my point about the SEC in its entirety, yes, the conference is dominated mostly by Alabama and Florida. Right behind them are a hoard of decent and talented teams, which keep the SEC's reputation the same as it's been for decades.
Many say that the SEC is having its "run" at National Championship titles. Since the BCS system was created, three SEC teams (Alabama, Florida, and LSU) lead the NCAA in championship appearances. Even before the Bowl Championship Series, writers rank the SEC first in an overall evaluation of conference strength.
In the midst of the large controversy in college football of who is the most powerful conference, the SEC seems to be looked down upon for being the best. The SEC has shown considerable poise against sceptics and continues to back up its claim as the top conference. I think it is only fair that with honor and glory, comes jealousy and hatred.
Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com
Related posts
I was talking to someone a few days ago about the impact Alabama head coach Nick Saban has had on the historic Crimson Tide football program. One of the common misconceptions people have about college football coaches is that all they are only concerned with their salaries.
One common misconception about Saban is that through his career as the head coach of Michigan State, LSU, Alabama and the Miami Dolphins, is that he switched programs just to make more money. When I ask people why coaches switch schools, most say it means they aren't truly dedicated to the program and are just looking for more cash.
Saban's Recent Coaching History
LSU was Saban's first shot at fame. His tenure with the Tigers began in 2000. He rebuilt the LSU program, guiding the Tigers to marks of 8-4, 10-3 and 8-5 respectively in his first three seasons
With three years under his belt in Baton Rouge, Saban led the Tigers to the BCS National Championship in 2003. His final year at LSU was 2004 when he left to coach the Miami Dolphins following a loss in the Capital One Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Saban's first year in Miami, 2005, was a struggle, as the Fins started 3-7, before winning their final six games, finishing 9-7 and barely missing the playoffs. In 2006, Miami was expected to contend for a playoff spot, but fell far short after losing several starters to injury. The 2006 Dolphins finished 6-10.
Through Saban's years with LSU and Miami, Mike Shula—son of legendary coach Don Shula—was the head man at Alabama. The years that followed were not what Alabama fans expected. The team posted half-decent records and produced poorly disciplined players. Shula tried his best, but it was not good enough for the prestigious football program. He was fired in November of 2007.
Saban took the reigns at Alabama and went to work immediately. He changed the way his players performed on the field and pushed them to the best of their abilities while using discipline and improving their collective work ethic. That is something the previous coaching staff lacked.
In 2008 the Crimson Tide made it to the SEC Championship game, only to lose to Florida. Saban pushed his team the next year to claim the BCS National Championship with a win over Texas.
What Has Been Proven
Saban's contributions to Alabama's athletic program have been enormous in the way the team functions in and out of the locker room. This has been the case everywhere he's coached.
The question I raise is that if Saban really wanted more money why did he leave the NFL?
The NFL pays far better than the NCAA. Most college football coaches are already very wealthy from the universities where they're employed.
Saban probably joined the Alabama because it resembles LSU more than any other school. It is a powerhouse. There is also a high intimidation factor for opposing teams, and the players can be managed well.
Saying Saban came to the Alabama just for the money is absolutely false. Most coaches in the NCAA don't coach for the money, they do it for the championships and to build a legacy with a team.
That is why Saban found his match with Alabama.
Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com
