What You Need to Understand

[Townhallsavoy]

It's concerning me to see some people want to limit the punishment of the Toomer's poisoning to just Harvey Updyke. 

This situation, as noted by numerous sports writers on al.com and elsewhere, is much bigger than the ecoterrorism inflicted upon Toomer's Corner by a deranged and pathetic Dothan citizen. 

Football to most people is a form of entertainment.  It's a break from work.  From family issues.  From addictions.  From insecurity.  From all of the issues with which we daily struggle. 

Football (and sports in general) is a chance for us to lose ourselves in a team that we are emotionally attached to.  As Auburn fans, we expect to drive a few hours to a place known as the loveliest village on the plains and partake in the festivities that encompass Auburn football.  We are passionate about winning.  We are a major partcipant in fueling heated rivalries with other teams.  We are very good about enjoying our football and completely losing ourselves on Fall Saturdays. 

But we know where to stop.  We know that Alabama, Georgia, and LSU will beat us.  We know that we won't win the championship every year.  We know that if and when we do lose to these teams, we will be the recipients of hurling insults and ridicule.  We understand that if you are going to participate in a rivalry, you're going to experience both the highs and the lows.  We understand that even with the best coaches guiding us, we are going to experience the pains of defeat.

But also at Auburn, we know that throughout the wins and losses is a consistent and persistent stability based on a meaning much deeper that football itself.  This topic has been delved into in many other posts and articles, so I'll let you search for those on your own.

But what you, any of you not taking this latest act as seriously as possible, need to understand is that there is a contingency of Alabama fans who want to see Auburn gone.

They don't want to just win on the field.  They want to see Auburn football destroyed.  They want to see Auburn's spirit filled traditions annihilated.  They want to see the NCAA hand Auburn the death penalty. They want to make sure every United States citizen knows that Auburn has a track record of being the dirtiest program in America.  They want to see SACS ruin Auburn's credibility as a university.  They want to see Auburn as a sad, decrepit community that has no hope.  No where to go.  No one to turn to. 

This group is the ones that need to be spotlighted and obliterated.  Alabama fans want to claim that Harvey Updyke isn't one of them?  Then they need to separate themselves from all of the Harvey Updykes.  Even the ones less egregious.

Like Lisa Singleton-Rickman.  She is a Harvey Updyke.  She is one that probably chuckled when she first heard of Toomer's being poisoned.  She probably sounded victory bell when she learned the trees would die.  But she wants to retract what she says.  She wants Auburn fans to look ridiculous and cold hearted for wanting to see justice.  It's just a Facebook post, right?  I'm sure she'll apologize.  I'm sure it will look over the top for her to be fired or publicly admonished by her media employer. 

But this is what Auburn has to deal with in this state.  Because Lisa Singleton-Rickman (and the others) aren't content when Alabama beats Auburn.  And they certainly aren't going to accept losing to Auburn.  And they won't stop at trying to belittle and destroy what Auburn is about.

Harvey Updyke is one who physically destroyed a piece of Auburn.  But how many others out there have tried to destroy Auburn with news articles, false allegations, and snide quips on the radio? 

It's time the Updykes are exposed and punished.  I'm not saying we should strap bombs on our chest and blow up Bryant-Denny.  I understand there are plenty of Alabama fans out there who are decent people with a great education.  I'm not after them.

I'm after the Updykes in the media.  The Updykes on the radio.  The Updyke-managed stores. 

The Updykes are the ones who aren't okay with partaking in football as a side form of entertainment. They're the ones who want to see Auburn's team decimated.  The university worthless.  And they want to see an entire group of people left with nothing to hold onto. 

That's what you need to understand. 

[JR4AU]

It's concerning me to see some people want to limit the punishment of the Toomer's poisoning to just Harvey Updyke. 

This situation, as noted by numerous sports writers on al.com and elsewhere, is much bigger than the ecoterrorism inflicted upon Toomer's Corner by a deranged and pathetic Dothan citizen. 

Football to most people is a form of entertainment.  It's a break from work.  From family issues.  From addictions.  From insecurity.  From all of the issues with which we daily struggle. 

Football (and sports in general) is a chance for us to lose ourselves in a team that we are emotionally attached to.  As Auburn fans, we expect to drive a few hours to a place known as the loveliest village on the plains and partake in the festivities that encompass Auburn football.  We are passionate about winning.  We are a major partcipant in fueling heated rivalries with other teams.  We are very good about enjoying our football and completely losing ourselves on Fall Saturdays. 

But we know where to stop.  We know that Alabama, Georgia, and LSU will beat us.  We know that we won't win the championship every year.  We know that if and when we do lose to these teams, we will be the recipients of hurling insults and ridicule.  We understand that if you are going to participate in a rivalry, you're going to experience both the highs and the lows.  We understand that even with the best coaches guiding us, we are going to experience the pains of defeat.

But also at Auburn, we know that throughout the wins and losses is a consistent and persistent stability based on a meaning much deeper that football itself.  This topic has been delved into in many other posts and articles, so I'll let you search for those on your own.

But what you, any of you not taking this latest act as seriously as possible, need to understand is that there is a contingency of Alabama fans who want to see Auburn gone.

They don't want to just win on the field.  They want to see Auburn football destroyed.  They want to see Auburn's spirit filled traditions annihilated.  They want to see the NCAA hand Auburn the death penalty. They want to make sure every United States citizen knows that Auburn has a track record of being the dirtiest program in America.  They want to see SACS ruin Auburn's credible as a university.  They want to see Auburn as a sad, decrepit community that has no hope.  No where to go.  No one to turn to. 

This group is the ones that need to be spotlighted and obliterated.  Alabama fans want to claim that Harvey Updyke isn't one of them?  Then they need to separate themselves from all of the Harvey Updykes.  Even the ones less egregious.

Like Lisa Singleton-Rickman.  She is a Harvey Updyke.  She is one that probably chuckled when she first heard of Toomer's being poisoned.  She probably sounded victory bell when she learned the trees would die.  But she wants to retract what she says.  She wants Auburn fans to look ridiculous and cold hearted for wanting to see justice.  It's just a Facebook post, right?  I'm sure she'll apologize.  I'm sure it will look over the top for her to be fired or publicly admonished by her media employer. 

But this is what Auburn has to deal with in this state.  Because Lisa Singleton-Rickman (and the others) aren't content when Alabama beats Auburn.  And they certainly aren't going to accept losing to Auburn.  And they won't stop at trying to belittle and destroy what Auburn is about.

Harvey Updyke is one who physically destroyed a piece of Auburn.  But how many others out there have tried to destroy Auburn with news articles, false allegations, and snide quips on the radio? 

It's time the Updykes are exposed and punished.  I'm not saying we should strap bombs on our chest and blow up Bryant-Denny.  I understand there are plenty of Alabama fans out there who are decent people with a great education.  I'm not after them.

I'm after the Updykes in the media.  The Updykes on the radio.  The Updyke-managed stores. 

The Updykes are the ones who aren't okay with partaking in football a side form of entertainment. They're the ones who want to see Auburn's team decimated.  The university worthless.  And they want to see an entire group of people left with nothing to hold onto. 

That's what you need to understand.

Yes but let it only be Updyke that pays, and let the words of others who support his actions, like Lisa Rickman go, she needs her job, and the state needs to read what she h as s to say.

[eagleair89]

But what you, any of you not taking this latest act as seriously as possible, need to understand is that there is a contingency of Alabama fans who want to see Auburn gone.

They don't want to just win on the field.  They want to see Auburn football destroyed.  They want to see Auburn's spirit filled traditions annihilated.  They want to see the NCAA hand Auburn the death penalty. They want to make sure every United States citizen knows that Auburn has a track record of being the dirtiest program in America.  They want to see SACS ruin Auburn's credible as a university.  They want to see Auburn as a sad, decrepit community that has no hope.  No where to go.  No one to turn to.

Townhall, you just described perfectly the members that make up the REC and the majority of folks that sit in those boxes and fancy seats at BDS.

Those who want to write this off as a lone act by one deranged individual, simply do not understand.

Updyke was the tool.  The agenda, the mind-set filters from the very top down.  One should never doubt that.

WDE
 

[Kaos]

TowhHal is in.  Eagleair is in. 

The Musketeers grow. 

[AUChizad]

It's concerning me to see some people want to limit the punishment of the Toomer's poisoning to just Harvey Updyke. 

This situation, as noted by numerous sports writers on al.com and elsewhere, is much bigger than the ecoterrorism inflicted upon Toomer's Corner by a deranged and pathetic Dothan citizen. 

Football to most people is a form of entertainment.  It's a break from work.  From family issues.  From addictions.  From insecurity.  From all of the issues with which we daily struggle. 

Football (and sports in general) is a chance for us to lose ourselves in a team that we are emotionally attached to.  As Auburn fans, we expect to drive a few hours to a place known as the loveliest village on the plains and partake in the festivities that encompass Auburn football.  We are passionate about winning.  We are a major partcipant in fueling heated rivalries with other teams.  We are very good about enjoying our football and completely losing ourselves on Fall Saturdays. 

But we know where to stop.  We know that Alabama, Georgia, and LSU will beat us.  We know that we won't win the championship every year.  We know that if and when we do lose to these teams, we will be the recipients of hurling insults and ridicule.  We understand that if you are going to participate in a rivalry, you're going to experience both the highs and the lows.  We understand that even with the best coaches guiding us, we are going to experience the pains of defeat.

But also at Auburn, we know that throughout the wins and losses is a consistent and persistent stability based on a meaning much deeper that football itself.  This topic has been delved into in many other posts and articles, so I'll let you search for those on your own.

But what you, any of you not taking this latest act as seriously as possible, need to understand is that there is a contingency of Alabama fans who want to see Auburn gone.

They don't want to just win on the field.  They want to see Auburn football destroyed.  They want to see Auburn's spirit filled traditions annihilated.  They want to see the NCAA hand Auburn the death penalty. They want to make sure every United States citizen knows that Auburn has a track record of being the dirtiest program in America.  They want to see SACS ruin Auburn's credibility as a university.  They want to see Auburn as a sad, decrepit community that has no hope.  No where to go.  No one to turn to. 

This group is the ones that need to be spotlighted and obliterated.  Alabama fans want to claim that Harvey Updyke isn't one of them?  Then they need to separate themselves from all of the Harvey Updykes.  Even the ones less egregious.

Like Lisa Singleton-Rickman.  She is a Harvey Updyke.  She is one that probably chuckled when she first heard of Toomer's being poisoned.  She probably sounded victory bell when she learned the trees would die.  But she wants to retract what she says.  She wants Auburn fans to look ridiculous and cold hearted for wanting to see justice.  It's just a Facebook post, right?  I'm sure she'll apologize.  I'm sure it will look over the top for her to be fired or publicly admonished by her media employer. 

But this is what Auburn has to deal with in this state.  Because Lisa Singleton-Rickman (and the others) aren't content when Alabama beats Auburn.  And they certainly aren't going to accept losing to Auburn.  And they won't stop at trying to belittle and destroy what Auburn is about.

Harvey Updyke is one who physically destroyed a piece of Auburn.  But how many others out there have tried to destroy Auburn with news articles, false allegations, and snide quips on the radio? 

It's time the Updykes are exposed and punished.  I'm not saying we should strap bombs on our chest and blow up Bryant-Denny.  I understand there are plenty of Alabama fans out there who are decent people with a great education.  I'm not after them.

I'm after the Updykes in the media.  The Updykes on the radio.  The Updyke-managed stores. 

The Updykes are the ones who aren't okay with partaking in football as a side form of entertainment. They're the ones who want to see Auburn's team decimated.  The university worthless.  And they want to see an entire group of people left with nothing to hold onto. 

That's what you need to understand.

[Snaggletiger]

Hey, I'm the only deranged and pathetic Dothan citizen on this board.  Updyke does not get credit for that.

[AU_Tiger_2000]

That's what you need to understand.

I understand.  I have understood since I became an Auburn fan in '84 despite the fact that my family all pulled for Bama.  I understood that my team was treated as little brother in the state by my teachers, people I went to school with, local and national media.  I understand that Auburn was and is different.  I understood that the Auburn fans I met invariable lived in nicer houses, wore class rings with AU on them, and as a whole dressed, talk, and looked better.  I understood that Bama fans were crass, bullying, and could not really explain why they actually preferred Alabama to Auburn other than they had won a bunch of games before they were born. 

I also understand that I want Auburn to be in no way like Alabama.  I understand that while Alabama fans blow things all out of proportion Auburn fans keep an even keel.  I understand that ultimately one person was responsible for poisoning the trees at Toomer's and that person is Harvey Updyke no matter how much he might have been influenced by media, talk radio, etc.  I understand that everyone has the right to their opinion and while they must be held responsible for things they say retribution also needs to be in line with the offense.  I understand that while most Alabama fans probably go home and tell jokes about Toomer's corner their alumni, for the most part, are embarrassed by these actions (for recruiting purposes if nothing else) and will denounce them.

I understand plenty about what it is to be an Auburn fan and alumni and what Toomer's corner means.  I also understand what it means to be different from red faced screaming Bammers and wish to maintain that separation as much as possible.

[AUChizad]

Harvey Updyke is one who physically destroyed a piece of Auburn.  But how many others out there have tried to destroy Auburn with news articles, false allegations, and snide quips on the radio? 

This line is where the emphasis lies.

This is what apparently some don't get.

This is what Kaos and others mean by "taking a stand" and "making a meaningful change". Not by stooping to Updyke's level and destroying public property. By standing up against these affronts that aggressively attempted to ruin the greatest season in Auburn football history with false allegations.

If the media is filled with Lisa Singleton-Rickmans who express publically the sentiments that she did, why are we surprised when these slanderous hit-pieces quoting non-existent "sources" come to light? When the media is filled with verbal Updykes (or Shanes, if you will), then you're living in the small town in a suspense/thriller flick where everyone's in on it from the mayor to the police department.

[JR4AU]

This line is where the emphasis lies.

This is what apparently some don't get.

This is what Kaos and others mean by "taking a stand" and "making a meaningful change". Not by stooping to Updyke's level and destroying public property. By standing up against these affronts that aggressively attempted to ruin the greatest season in Auburn football history with false allegations.

If the media is filled with Lisa Singleton-Rickmans who express publically the sentiments that she did, why are we surprised when these slanderous hit-pieces quoting non-existent "sources" come to light? When the media is filled with verbal Updykes (or Shanes, if you will), then you're living in the small town in a suspense/thriller flick where everyone's in on it from the mayor to the police department.

But, take her job?  Oh my, not that!  It was just an opinion!

[Saniflush]

Well hells bells.
Bull Conner just had opinions.  Doesn't mean that he shouldn't have been called on them.
 

[Kaos]

This is what Kaos and others mean by "taking a stand" and "making a meaningful change". Not by stooping to Updyke's level and destroying public property. By standing up against these affronts that aggressively attempted to ruin the greatest season in Auburn football history with false allegations.

If the media is filled with Lisa Singleton-Rickmans who express publically the sentiments that she did, why are we surprised when these slanderous hit-pieces quoting non-existent "sources" come to light? When the media is filled with verbal Updykes (or Shanes, if you will), then you're living in the small town in a suspense/thriller flick where everyone's in on it from the mayor to the police department.

Thank you.  It is exactly what I mean. 

Not sure why it's so hard for some to understand. 

We need to be united, not standing around watching some ride by on high horses sniping at it. 

Nobody -- not even Prowler -- has advocated doing anything malicious.  All we're looking for is for us to stand together and use our collective power to advocate change. 

It's like with children.  If they do something wrong you can't pat them on the head and let them get away with it.  You have to call out their improper actions.  We've let it slide and let it slide for years. 

We don't need to be a  bunch of Tammy from Finebaum yokels ranting and raving.  I'm trying and trying to communicate this.  We need to be professional and organized.   We need to collectively condemn people like Lisa and then maybe we can change the whole situation to be better for all. 

A single person filing a complaint can be dismissed.  A collective is harder to ignore. 

One vs. many.  We need to be many.   

[eagleair89]

I understand.  I have understood since I became an Auburn fan in '84 despite the fact that my family all pulled for Bama.  I understood that my team was treated as little brother in the state by my teachers, people I went to school with, local and national media.  I understand that Auburn was and is different.  I understood that the Auburn fans I met invariable lived in nicer houses, wore class rings with AU on them, and as a whole dressed, talk, and looked better.  I understood that Bama fans were crass, bullying, and could not really explain why they actually preferred Alabama to Auburn other than they had won a bunch of games before they were born. 

I also understand that I want Auburn to be in no way like Alabama.  I understand that while Alabama fans blow things all out of proportion Auburn fans keep an even keel.  I understand that ultimately one person was responsible for poisoning the trees at Toomer's and that person is Harvey Updyke no matter how much he might have been influenced by media, talk radio, etc.  I understand that everyone has the right to their opinion and while they must be held responsible for things they say retribution also needs to be in line with the offense.  I understand that while most Alabama fans probably go home and tell jokes about Toomer's corner their alumni, for the most part, are embarrassed by these actions (for recruiting purposes if nothing else) and will denounce them.

I understand plenty about what it is to be an Auburn fan and alumni and what Toomer's corner means.  I also understand what it means to be different from red faced screaming Bammers and wish to maintain that separation as much as possible.

not bad....................but if you believe the bolded part, then you are either naive or have been very fortunate to meet the 1% of their alumni that are embarrassed by this and are, on most days, sane reasonable people.

For the most part, their alumni are not very far removed from the Updyke's of this world........some of them, a large number in fact are not removed at all and are in truth far far worse than Harvey.

A good number of their alumni have and continue to try to inflict serious harm on Auburn University as a whole, not just athletically.

Seen it.   Been around it.

WDE
 

[djsimp]

Hey, I'm the only deranged and pathetic Dothan citizen on this board.  Updyke does not get credit for that.

Its possible that we're the only two that caught that. I thought maybe THS was implying that you were a culprit. If that is the case, I am on my way to Dothan now to take care of you mafia style.

By the way, Updike is from Dadeville.

[Saniflush]

Its possible that we're the only two that caught that. I thought maybe THS was implying that you were a culprit. If that is the case, I am on my way to Dothan now to take care of you mafia style.

By the way, Updike is from Dadeville.

Negative.  Wondered when the board vagina would say something?

[JR4AU]

not bad....................but if you believe the bolded part, then you are either naive or have been very fortunate to meet the 1% of their alumni that are embarrassed by this and are, on most days, sane reasonable people.

For the most part, their alumni are not very far removed from the Updyke's of this world........some of them, a large number in fact are not removed at all and are in truth far far worse than Harvey.

A good number of their alumni have and continue to try to inflict serious harm on Auburn University as a whole, not just athletically.

Seen it.   Been around it.

WDE
 

Yep.  Shane from Centerpoint, prime example.  Not content with talming trash on the radio, was removed from blogging on Fbombs site because he contacted the NCAA, holding himself out as a member of the media emoloyed by Fbomb, t try to cause an investigation of Auburns recriuting practuces, and Chet Williams.  No, many of their "fans" are not content to just say "wait gil next year", they want there to be no next year.  Bammers will not take defeat on the field lying down, and sek to destroy people and programs, not simply win games. 

[Kaos]

No disreSpect intended but if you became an Auburn fan in 1984 you cannot have the same perspective as those of us who lived through the 70s. 

You arrived at an Auburn zenith and a Bama decline.  You didn't walk through the desert. You don't know what that was like -- when the mere admission that you were an Auburn fan was enough to elicit a room full of laughter.

Bryant was dead before you came over.

Yeah youve suffered some slings and arrows.  But nothing like what it was then -- and what they honestly thought it would be now with lord Saban.  It's why they are so hateful and ass hurt now.  We did more than just beat them. We destroyed the illusion they've clung to since 1980: a return to domination.

Saying you get it is like somebody who doesn't have enough money for lunch today saying he gets the Depression.  Yes. I paint with hyperbole. 

[The Prowler]

Burn the Mother Fucker down!!!!

[djsimp]

Negative.  Wondered when the board vagina would say something?

He has now become mute.

[Townhallsavoy]

No disreSpect intended but if you became an Auburn fan in 1984 you cannot have the same perspective as those of us who lived through the 70s. 

You arrived at an Auburn zenith and a Bama decline.  You didn't walk through the desert. You don't know what that was like -- when the mere admission that you were an Auburn fan was enough to elicit a room full of laughter.

Bryant was dead before you came over.

Yeah youve suffered some slings and arrows.  But nothing like what it was then -- and what they honestly thought it would be now with lord Saban.  It's why they are so hateful and ass hurt now.  We did more than just beat them. We destroyed the illusion they've clung to since 1980: a return to domination.

Saying you get it is like somebody who doesn't have enough money for lunch today saying he gets the Depression.  Yes. I paint with hyperbole.

I was born in 1984 you old ass man.

[JR4AU]

 

I was born in 1984 you old ass man.

Whipper snspper