I'm not familiar, but there are some folks "curious" about this post from Mr. Thrower... Any of you that are more familiar read anything to this?????
December 10, 2008 Stump Thrower on sportsBy Stump Thrower
The Auburn Villager
John "Stump" Thrower
Is history repeating itself?
In 1990, the University of Alabama hired Gene Stallings as its football head coach. By 1992, the Tide went undefeated and won the National Championship. By 1995, the NCAA imposed severe sanctions against Alabama, the most ever for a "first time" offender.
Auburn head coach Pat Dye, who had been on the job since January 1982 and reaped success, submitted his resignation November 1992. This came after allegations of recruiting violations by Auburn player Eric Ramsey in September of 1991, and two years after Stallings had been hired. Dye coached at Auburn for 12 years.
In January 2007, the University of Alabama hired Nick Saban as its football head coach. By 2008, after barely breaking even in 2007, the Tide is now 12-1 after losing last Saturday's SEC Championship game to Florida.
Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville, who had with Auburn since December of 1998 and also successful, submitted his "resignation" last week as AU's head coach.
Before the Alabama's hiring of Stallings and Saban, the Tide football situation, specifically coaching, had been in turmoil. Alabama even turned on two of its favorite heroes: Ray Perkins and Mike Shula. On both occasions Auburn had a winning streak against the Tide.
While the reason or reasons for Tuberville's resignation remain unclear, one matter is unquestionable. The pattern and practice of what occurred in the early '90s is eerily similar to what has been happening in this state since January 2007. This time, however, Auburn is in a better position to fight because it is now dealing with a habitual offender. Also, the proper agencies have a better knowledge and understanding of the situation. There will be more to come.
Basketball recruiting
wrap-up and the future
The Auburn men's basketball team recently completed a successful early signing period of signees for its Class of 2009. With the commitments of center Robert Chubb, guard Earnest Ross, guard Andre' Malone and the re-signing of forward of Kenny Gabriel, this class could rank among the top 30 in the nation.
Add to this class forward Brandon McGee (a transfer from Indiana) and guard Tony Neysmith (a transfer from Oklahoma), and head coach Jeff Lebo and his staff appear to have done an excellent job in replacing graduating seniors Tez Robertson, Rasheem Barrett and Korvotney Barber for the 2009-2010 season.