Scarbo chimes in...

[Buzz Killington]

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/02/scarbinsky_poison_filled_the_a.html

Scarbinsky: Poison filled the air in this state before it hit the ground at Toomer's Corner
Published: Friday, February 18, 2011, 5:05 AM
Kevin Scarbinsky, Birmingham News By Kevin Scarbinsky, Birmingham News

Why did it take a real person spreading real poison at Toomer's Corner to make people realize that Alabama vs. Auburn is in danger of becoming a toxic waste dump?

Did a deranged Alabama fan have to try to destroy a cherished Auburn landmark to wake people to the reality that clean, old-fashioned hate in this state has started to give way to a more dangerous level of contempt?

If the accused, 62-year-old Harvey Updyke of Dadeville, committed the crime and acted alone, he also represented a vocal and angry minority.

If putting herbicide in the soil, and potentially endangering people in the area as well as the trees themselves, was an unthinkable act, it also was the logical extension of an increasingly unhealthy passion.

It's not enough for some people to beat their rival. They're not happy unless they can destroy him.

Let the rival win, and let the rage begin.

If the police have their man, Updyke wasn't content just to commit his crime. According to the police report, he called the Paul Finebaum Radio Network on Jan. 27 to brag about it and an Auburn professor on Feb. 7 to talk about it some more.

On his radio call - the day after the 28th anniversary of Bear Bryant's death - Updyke said he was angry because he believed that, the day Bryant died, Auburn fans rolled Toomer's Corner.

There isn't a single news account or photo to prove that allegation, but one thing has been true as long as those trees have been alive. If you tell a lie loud enough and long enough, some people will believe it.

Updyke also described his crime in detail and concluded his descent into radio infamy with this phrase: "Roll Damn Tide."

As Auburn President Jay Gogue hinted in his Wednesday statement when he said "individuals act alone," Updyke doesn't represent Alabama. An Alabama official said Thursday that the alleged perp never attended school there or owned season tickets.

That's some consolation, but Updyke did link himself to the Crimson Tide, not only by his words on the radio and photos on a Facebook page but also by his timing. He didn't poison the trees after Auburn won the SEC or the BCS championship. He said he poisoned them the weekend after Auburn 28, Alabama 27.

So the greatest comeback/collapse in Iron Bowl history directly preceded the greatest crime the rivalry has known. Coincidence?

The level of Iron Bowl bile has risen as drastically as the Auburn program from the ashes of its 36-0 burial in the 2008 meeting. Just when many Alabama fans and neutral observers alike came to believe that Nick Saban was entrenched on top and the next decade would witness a crimson dominance unseen since the 1970s, Gene Chizik came to resemble Pat Dye, not Doug Barfield.

The 2009 Iron Bowl and 2010 signing classes were far more competitive than anticipated. The angry tone on websites like al.com and radio shows like Finebaum's increased, as if Auburn challenging Alabama wasn't just uncomfortable for some fans but intolerable.

It's noble to take the high ground and point out that neither side of this divide has a monopoly on bad behavior. That is one true fact. Look at the bozos who planted rye grass outside Bryant-Denny Stadium to sprout "28-27."

But there's a difference between mindless prank and criminal mischief, the first of what may be multiple charges against Updyke. He crossed a line by committing what could be considered a hate crime.

Should we really be surprised? Before there was poison in the ground at Toomer's Corner, there was poison in the air across this state.

Where do we go from here? You don't de-contaminate the atmosphere by stopping the series. Do that, and the lunatic fringe wins.

Instead, we need more leaders to take the lead. Imagine Saban and Chizik together at a podium, selling something besides Ford trucks, telling their unhinged pickup alumni, "We don't need or want fans like you."

Sadly, those trees may be beyond saving. Let's hope the rivalry itself isn't too far gone.

 

Got something to say? Drop a civil comment below, or write Kevin at kscarbinsky@bhamnews.com.

[Kaos]

It's not enough for some people to beat their rival. They're not happy unless they can destroy him.

I'm going to start calling myself Paul Revere.  I've been ringing this same bell for years now. 

Wake up!  The fucking redcoats have been coming for a long time. 

[JR4AU]

"but one thing has been true as long as those trees have been alive. If you tell a lie loud enough and long enough, some people will believe it."

Whether it's claiming NCs, rationalizing their own bullshit, or accusing rivals of misdeeds, this is bammer's M.O.

[GH2001]

"but one thing has been true as long as those trees have been alive. If you tell a lie loud enough and long enough, some people will believe it."

Whether it's claiming NCs, rationalizing their own bullshit, or accusing your rivals of misdeeds, this is bammer's M.O.

And since they own or control most media outlets and courtrooms..........

They got a bunch of boats. 12 'Jennys'.

Fucking gumps.

[Tiger Wench]

Instead, we need more leaders to take the lead. Imagine Saban and Chizik together at a podium, selling something besides Ford trucks, telling their unhinged pickup alumni, "We don't need or want fans like you."

Saban should do this alone.  It's not the majority of our fanbase that needs to hear this.

But I am also not going to hold my breath that Lord Sabinz will even make a public statement of any kind whatsoever...

[Kaos]

Saban should do this alone.  It's not the majority of our fanbase that needs to hear this.

But I am also not going to hold my breath that Lord Sabinz will even make a public statement of any kind whatsoever...

Didn't you hear, T?  Somebody taped a Cam jersey on the Bryant statue.  It's the same goddam thing.  You fuck with us, we fuck with you.  Don't like it?   Tough shit. 

[Buzz Killington]

Didn't you hear, T?  Somebody taped a Cam jersey on the Bryant statue.  It's the same goddam thing.  You fuck with us, we fuck with you.  Don't like it?   Tough shit.

Sorry, but I gotta overrule you here.  According to the crack staff at Fox6 here in Birmingham, it all dates back to the day the Auburn students greased up the train tracks to prank the Ga Tech players.  This was nothing but a simple college prank.

[Godfather]

Sorry, but I gotta overrule you here.  According to the crack staff at Fox6 here in Birmingham, it all dates back to the day the Auburn students greased up the train tracks to prank the Ga Tech players.  This was nothing but a simple college prank.

Those damn Alpha Betas!   Panty raid?

[Snaggletiger]

Those damn Alpha Betas!   Panty raid?

We've got bush

[Snaggletiger]

Bitch please

[AWK]

Bitch please

Double post ftw.