The University of Alabama and Auburn University have one of the most historic rivalries in all of sports dating back to 1893 when they faced each other in football for the first time. The rivalry is so fierce it was rated by Sports Illustrated as the 2nd biggest rivalry in the world of sports (Yankees and Red Sox being number 1). The Iron Bowl, the annual football match up between the two schools, often decides who will represent the SEC Western Division in the SEC Championship game and the last two years the winner has won the BCS National Championship.
As you can imagine the fans of these teams cheer them on with a fervor that is almost unmatched. However, one fan upset because Auburn won the Iron Bowl decided to take it upon himself to poison historic trees at Toomer’s Corner, the spot where victories are celebrated. The oak trees are over 100 years old and are decorated with toilet paper during celebrations (hey traditions are weird, I don’t get it either). A man called into a radio show a few weeks ago and bragged about spraying a very potent herbicide at the base of the trees (signing off his call with “Roll Damn Tide”). Auburn officials took it seriously and had the trees checked. Sure enough, it was true and they aren’t sure if they will be able to save the trees. What’s worse, the chemical can remain in the soil for 3-5 years and could harm other greenery in the area.
Now I’m for good-natured taunting and defending your team (HAIL TO THE REDSKINS by the way) but at what point is it okay to start causing harm, whether it be to trees, animals, or worse, people? I hope that the authorities find Al from Dadeville and prosecute him to the highest extent of the law. Being a fan does not allow you to defile, deface, injure, or vandalize things in the name of your team. If anything, doing that makes you the type of fan the team doesn’t want. I’m sure Alabama and their sane fans will denounce this act, as they should. Hopefully, the law gets to Al from Dadeville five minutes after someone sprays him with a pesticide so he can see how it feels.
UPDATE:
Authorities have captured this man, 62 year old Harvey Almorn Updyke, in association with the crime. I hope there’s no Auburn fans in his cell.
thesportygirlz 
Damali
February 17, 2011 at 6:26 pm
Thank you for writing on this hainous act. We are taking things too far as a society. it’s time to remember what is important. Like, TREES, animals, people.
Perhaps more anger management is needed in communitied across the nation.
-DHill
skrapdiggy
February 22, 2011 at 2:52 am
I, for one, hope that he has two cell mates…both of which have the Auburn Tigers logo tattooed on their arms and a healthy hatred of all things Alabama and they make him sing the fight song while they make him their girlfriend. Okay, hyperbole…but I do hope he gets his tail kicked by a number of Auburn fans.
Tamblyn
February 25, 2011 at 2:18 pm
SIGH, this is what happens when you are an Alabama redneck. I’m so tired of the news talking about him and the cafeteria brawl at my beloved alma mater Alabama State U. I’m glad dude was captured but this is not the worse thing a Bama/Auburn fan has done to disrespect each other’s school. FYI: He is a retired Alabama State Trooper so he will get delt with IF he goes to prison and it will not be because of those trees. He better hope he gets federal time.