Bama in the News

March 8 - 14, 2009

• Softball:
Alabama 10, Baylor 1

• Men's Basketball:
Alabama 70, Tennessee 67

• Bama in the NBA - March 7th Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• Alabama Meets Auburn in Capital City Classic • RollTide.com
For the first time since the 1996 season, Alabama and Auburn will play a non-conference game in capital city when the two long-time, in-state rivals meet in the 2009 Capital City Classic at Riverwa... 

• Crimson Tide Vault up Leader Board at UCF Challenge • RollTide.com
The No. 5 University of Alabama women's golf team shot a 1-over-par 289 on Monday during the second round of the UCF Challenge at the par-72, 6,356-yard Red Tail Country Club to climb seven spots i...

• Alabama Meets Auburn in Capital City Classic • Tuscaloosa News
For the first time since the 1996 season, Alabama and Auburn will play a non-conference game in capital city when the two long-time, in-state rivals meet in the 2009 Capital City Classic at Riverwa...

• Peach State lineman commits to Alabama • Tuscaloosa News
Austin Shepherd, offensive guard from North Gwinnett High School in Suwanee, Ga., committed to the University of Alabama this afternoon. Shepherd becomes the third high school commitment for the 2010 class.

• Recruiting 2010:
OL Austin Shephard commits 

• It was Bama all along for Georgia OL • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Once Austin Shepherd got his offer from Alabama, he knew he was headed to Tuscaloosa for his college career. Today, the 6-5, 315 offensive lineman from North Gwinnett HS in Suwanee, GA made his decision public after committing to Alabama head coach Nick Saban.

• Tide lands Peach OL • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
It didn't take long for Alabama to pick up where it left off with their run of success with offensive line recruiting for the class of 2010 as the Tide landed one of the top interior line prospects in Georgia Monday afternoon.

• GA OL picks the Tide • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
The was not expected, but after thinking things over, taking a couple of visits to Tuscaloosa, and falling in love with Alabama, one of the best in the Peach State decided he wanted to be a part of Nick Saban's program. 

• Shepherd: 'I'm 100 percent Alabama' • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Nearly 11 months from 2010's national signing day, Austin Shepherd has already seen enough.

• Andrew Bone: Peach State lineman commits to Alabama • Tuscaloosa News
Shepherd becomes the third high school commitment for the 2010 class. "I talked to Coach [Nick] Saban and Coach [Kirby] Smart today around 2:45pm ET and that is when I committed," Shepherd told Scout.com. "I committed to Coach Saban, and I told him that I am big on Alabama and that I want to be a part of the Crimson Tide." Shepherd received his first scholarship offer from Alabama and took an unofficial visit in February to attend the Tide's first Junior Day.

• Ian R. Rapoport: OL recruit Austin Shepherd on his commitment: "I'm 100 percent set on (Alabama)." • al.com
Alabama coach Nick Saban received word Monday that he has secured his third commitment for the 2010 recruiting class. And it was a big dude delivering that word. 

• Gentry Estes: Atlanta-area lineman Austin Shepherd commits to Crimson Tide • al.com
Alabama snagged the third expected addition to its 2010 signing class when Suwanee, Ga., offensive lineman Austin Shepherd committed today to Coach Nick Saban.

• No. 1 Softball Travels to Birmingham to Face UAB • RollTide.com
The No. 1 ranked Alabama softball team will conclude its two-game series against instate rival UAB on Tuesday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m. at George Ward Park. The contest will be the first of five for t... 

• Rogers and Holcombe Selected as Candidates for Lowe's Senior CLASS Softball Award • RollTide.com
Thirty elite collegiate softball student-athletes who excel not only on the playing field but also in the classroom and in their community were selected as candidates for the 2009 softball division... 

• Dunne Named SEC Softball Pitcher of the Week • RollTide.com
Alabama sophomore softball pitcher Kelsi Dunne (Port Orange, Fla.) was named the Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the week as announced by the conference office today. The honor is the third for ...  

• Julio Jones accepts seat on UA senate • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | In the second semester of his freshman year at the University of Alabama, star wide receiver Julio Jones already has an impressive resume.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
In The Trenches: UA Rugby
In this UA Club Sports edition of In The Trenches, Chris gets an up close and personal look at the sport that is Rugby.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
In The Trenches: UA Rugby
In this UA Club Sports edition of In The Trenches, Chris gets an up close and personal look at the sport that is Rugby.

• Ian R. Rapoport: The Anthony Brock whirlwind tour continues... • al.com
Can you imagine being Anthony Brock right now? Or this season? The Alabama junior point guard goes from not playing under coach Mark Gottfried, to having a significant role under interim coach Philip Pearson, to losing his grandmother before the Ole Miss game, and then coming back three days later to score 17 points in the win. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: It's official: Julio Jones is a University of Alabama senator • al.com
Remember a few days ago when we asked the all-important question: Is Julio Jones an SGA senator? Now, we have our answer.

• Gentry Estes: Write-in favorite Julio Jones accepts SGA senate seat at UA • al.com
TUSCALOOSA - Student election chairman Ben Harmon knows the usual names.

• SEC Men's Basketball Coaches Press Conference • SEC Sports
SEC Men's Basketball Coaches Press Conference

• This Week In SEC Men's Basketball - 3/9 • SEC Sports
This Week In SEC Men's Basketball - 3/9

• This Week In SEC Baseball - March 9th • SEC Sports
This Week In SEC Baseball - March 9th

• SEC Softball Weekly Award Winners Announced • SEC Sports
SEC Softball Weekly Award Winners Announced

• Milliner shines at Tuscaloosa all-star practice • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
DeMarcus Milliner was one of several top in-state prospects to skip Auburn's Junior Day on Saturday to be in Tuscaloosa to practice for an upcoming seven-on-seven all-star tournament. The 6-1½, 180-pound Milliner, a standout cornerback/safety, had an excellent showing in Saturday's practice. 

• Random Stuff- Monday, March 9, 2009 • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
Now with 20% more randomness! 

• BOL Spring Countdown: Center • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
BOL's spring football preview continues with a look at Evan Cardwell and the centers. Click here for BOL's Spring Countdown, a daily 10-part series leading up to spring drills. 

• Groh set to join UA support staff • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
As the Crimson Tide prepares for spring drills, former Virginia offensive coordinator Mike Groh is set to join the Alabama staff as a graduate assistant, according to media reports. 

• Tide beats Vols at the buzzer • Tuscaloosa News
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. | There was no line in the boxscore for Raymond Brock on Sunday. But give him the game’s biggest assist anyway.

• Larsen's grand slam leads UA past Baylor, 10-1 • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Whitney Larsen made the top-ranked University of Alabama softball team’s finale at the Easton Challenge a grand one Sunday, hitting a first-inning grand slam to highlight the Crimson Tide’s 10-1 victory over Baylor.

• Brooke Pancake paces Tide in UCF Challenge • Tuscaloosa News
SORRENTO, Fla. | The University of Alabama women’s golf team shot a 9-over-par 297 in the opening round of the UCF Challenge on Sunday and is tied for 14th on the par-72, 6,301-yard Red Tail Country Club.

• Myneni Beats No. 9 Venus as Tide Downs LSU • Tuscaloosa News
BATON ROUGE, La. | The University of Alabama men’s tennis team (11-1, 2-0 SEC) won its eighth match in a row Sunday as it defeated LSU (4-4, 0-2 SEC) 5-2 at W.T. Robinson Tennis Stadium.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Nick Saban hires former Virginia offensive coordinator Mike Groh... as a GA? • al.com
Remember when we asked if you remembered former Alabama player and graduate assistant Lance Taylor? (And some of you actually did.) Is it possible Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban hired a former offensive coordinator at a major conference school to take Taylor's place? 

• Gentry Estes: Alabama reportedly adds former UVA assistant Mike Groh • al.com
Former Virginia offensive coordinator Mike Groh has joined the coaching staff at Alabama as a graduate assistant, according to this report from Jeff White of Richmond Times-Dispatch.

• Alabama's Anthony Brock beats buzzer, Tennessee • Press-Register
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- Maybe there is some magic left in this grim basketball season at Alabama 

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Monday, March 09, 2009
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all comments can be published. 

• 2009 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament • SEC Sports
2009 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament

• SEC Men's Basketball Roundup - March 8th • SEC Sports
SEC Men's Basketball Roundup - March 8th

• SEC Softball Roundup - Sunday, March 8th • SEC Sports
SEC Softball Roundup - Sunday, March 8th

• Tide splits with Huskies, cruises past Baylor in finale • The Crimson White
The No. 1/4 Alabama softball team hosted the Easton SEC/Pac-10/Big 12 Challenge over the weekend, finishing 3-1 as the No. 3/1 Washington Huskies, No. 24/26 Baylor Bears and Georgia Bulldogs came to Tuscaloosa.

• Tide resilient in win over Stanford • The Crimson White
The Alabama freshman claimed she was unaware of the Crimson Tide’s dwindling lead when she took the floor against No. 3 Stanford Friday night, but Geralen Stack-Eaton performed with a sense of urgency anyway.

• Women’s tennis moves to 10-0 with 4-3 win over LSU • The Crimson White
The 37th-ranked women’s tennis team (10-0, 2-0 SEC) took down its second top 30 opponent of the weekend, defeating the 18th-ranked LSU Tigers (7-4, 0-2 SEC) by a score of 4-3.

• ALABAMA BASKETBALL: • Montgomery Advertiser
Anthony Brock returns from grandmother's funeral to make desperation buzzer-beater
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Anthony Brock missed his flight from Little Rock, Ark., to Knoxville on Saturday after attending his grandmother's funeral. Good thing he didn't miss the game.

• COLLEGE SOFTBALL: Top-ranked Bama routs Baylor • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Whitney Larsen started the day on the right note with a first-inning grand slam and Charlotte Morgan pitched five innings of relief to give top-ranked Alabama a 10-1 romp over Baylor in the final game of the Easton Challenge at the Alabama Softball Complex on Sunday afternoon.

• Breaking down the spring position battles • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Spring practice is a mere four days away, which means we're only about 100 hours or so away from the beginning of several key position battles on the Alabama football team.

• Women's Tennis Catapults to No. 16 in the National Rankings • RollTide.com
The women's tennis team jumped from No. 37 to No. 16 in the Campbells'/Intercollegiate Tennis Association Division I Women's Team Rankings following last week's epic performances. 

• Ashley Priess Named SEC Freshman Gymnast of the Week for the Fourth Time • RollTide.com
Ashley Priess has been named Southeastern Conference Freshman Gymnast of the Week for the fourth time this season and the second week in a row the league office announced today. 

• Women's Golf Finishes 14th at UCF Challenge • RollTide.com
The No. 5 University of Alabama women's golf team shot an 11-over-par 299 on Tuesday during the final round of the UCF Challenge to finish 14th at the par-72, 6,356-yard Red Tail Country Club. 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
The Cecil Hurt Show March 10, 2009
Cecil and Chris bring back the five, talk coaching, Pro Day and much more on this edition of The Cecil Hurt Show.

• Ian R. Rapoport: UA unveils new design for alumni car tags • al.com
University of Alabama car tags will have a different look in 2009. The school has announced plans for a redesign.

• Volleyball Announces 2009 Spring Schedule • RollTide.com
Head Volleyball Coach Judy Green released the team's spring schedule Tuesday. The Crimson Tide will play two of its four events in Tuscaloosa. 

• Softball Will Add a Game Against Mississippi Valley State • RollTide.com
The Alabama softball team will now play a doubleheader against Mississippi Valley State, head coach Patrick Murphy announced today. The Crimson Tide and Devilettes will begin their Thursday, March ...

• Gentry Estes: Three Tide players receive SEC hoops awards • al.com
A vote of the SEC's basketball coaches honored three Alabama players in postseason awards announced today.

• Gentry Estes: Who's up for the Iron Bowl of baseball? • al.com
Lost in the shuffle of a busy week is tonight's 7 p.m. early-season baseball game in Montgomery between Alabama and Auburn. It won't count toward the SEC standings, but it should be a spirited atmosphere at a nice ballpark. Riverwalk Stadium is a solid facility.

• 2009 SEC Men's Basketball Awards Announced • SEC Sports
2009 SEC Men's Basketball Awards Announced

• SEC Baseball Coaches Press Conference • SEC Sports
SEC Baseball Coaches Press Conference

• This Week in SEC Gymnastics - March 10th • SEC Sports
This Week in SEC Gymnastics - March 10th

• Louisiana DT favors two • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
After not playing football as a junior, Risean Broussard could have completely disappeared from the recruiting radar. But the 6-3, 290-pound defensive tackle from LaGrange HS in Lake Charles is receiving interest from several top schools, including Alabama, Florida, LSU, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee and Texas. He has two favorites. 

• Rejected Tiger Rag Shirts • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
That title could be an oxymoron

• BOL Spring Countdown: Wide receiver • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
BamaOnLine.com is priming subscribers for spring football practice with a daily countdown of the Crimson Tide's key position battles. The 10-part series continues with a close look at Marquis Maze and the candidates for a No.2 wide receiver. Check the Ultimate Ticket for this installment of BOL's Spring Countdown. 

• Pro Day approaches for Smith • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Former Alabama offensive lineman Andre Smith will be the talk of the NFL on Wednesday, and the talk will be in Tuscaloosa. Click here for a look at UA's upcoming Pro Day workout. 

• Women's Tennis Gears up for Midweek Showdown with Marquette • RollTide.com
The women's tennis team (10-0, 2-0 SEC) takes a break from conference action, hosting the Marquette Golden Eagles (12-5, 4-0 Big East) on Wednesday, March 11 beginning at 3:00 p.m. (CST).

• Gee, Green and Knox Earn SEC Postseason Honors • RollTide.com
Three University of Alabama men's basketball student-athletes earned Southeastern Conference postseason accolades from the league's coaches the SEC office announced Tuesday. Senior Alonzo Gee was n... 

• Pro Day key to Smith's draft status • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | For former University of Alabama left tackle Andre Smith, it’s sort of like having one chance to ring the bell in a carnival game.

• Alabama softball drops to No. 2 in rakings • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama softball team dropped to No. 2 in the USA Today/NFCA Top 25 rankings released Tuesday, with Florida moving into the top spot.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Student football tickets, basketball honors... and other stuff! • al.com
Lots of different things going on this week... Spring football begins soon, so does the SEC basketball tournament, so does the SEC baseball season, while the gymnastics season continues and Alabama's Pro Day will take place on Wednesday. So while I'll be in Tampa for hoops, believe me, we'll have it all covered here in TTown, too. 

• It Gets Teed Up Again This Week: An Offensive Preview • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
I promise this preview will only be offensive during the portion in which we discuss the mess that is our offensive line.

• New Auburn Staff Champions family atmosphere to woo Springville’s Richardson • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Looks like Auburn’s new coaching staff has formulated its strategy for competing against the recruiting juggernaut Nick Saban has built at Alabama.

• Tuesday’s Top Ten: Mark Gottfried-era Players • Crimson Confidential
Starting today, Crimson Confidential will begin a new Tuesday series – Tuesday’s Top Ten. 

• Bama in the NBA - March 9th Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• Gymnastics Rises to No. 4 in the National Rankings • RollTide.com
The Alabama Gymnastics team continues to rise in the national rankings, going from fifth a week ago to fourth this week on the strength of its second highest score of the season, a 197.150, which w... 

• Women's Golf Vaults up Leader Board at UCF Challenge • RollTide.com
The No. 5 University of Alabama women's golf team shot a 1-over-par 289 on Monday during the second round of the UCF Challenge at the par-72, 6,356-yard Red Tail Country Club to climb seven spots i... 

• Top-ranked Tide faces off with UAB • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The No. 1 ranked Alabama softball team will conclude its two-game series against instate rival UAB tonight at George Ward Park. The game will be the first of five for the Crimson Tide on the week.

• Tide, Tigers meet in Capital City Classic • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | For the first time since the 1996 season, Alabama and Auburn will play a non-conference game in capital city when the two long-time, in-state rivals meet in the Capital City Classic at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery.

• Christopher Walsh: An early look at Alabama's Pro Day workouts • Tuscaloosa News
Wednesday is the University Alabama's Pro Day workouts, which (except for any private individual workouts that might get scheduled) is the last chance for Crimson Tide prospects to impress their potential future employers.

• Andrew Bone: Tide staff hot on the trail of several prospects • Tuscaloosa News
The University of Alabama is recruiting coast-to-coast with several scholarship offers extended to prospects throughout the country. The spring evaluation period should bring about new offers as well as summer camps, combines and seven-on-seven tournaments where high school players have huge opportunities to earn scholarships by their performance.

• Matt Burrowes: SEC Tournament is finally here • Tuscaloosa News
Well the Tide sure ended the regular season on a high note with a last second shot by Anthony Brock to beat Tennessee 70-67. With the win, Alabama jumps to the No. 4 seed in the SEC Tournament, which starts Thursday in Tampa, Fl. 

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Did Alabama owe recruits full disclosure on NCAA's textbook investigation? • The Birmingham News
Some good news for Alabama: Silence is not an NCAA violation. 

• 12 Southeastern Conference teams convene in Tampa for annual men's basketball tournament • The Birmingham News
Gentlemen, tighten your high tops. There's work left to be done. 

• Alabama, Auburn to play neutral-site game for the first time since 1996 • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Jim Wells was walking through an airport recently when a state legislator stopped him. 

• Sports Digest • The Birmingham News
ALABAMA FOOTBALL
Tide gets OL commitment: 

• Write-in campaign wins SGA senate seat for Alabama's Julio Jones • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama receiver Julio Jones is now Senator Julio Jones. 

• Paul Finebaum: Tide AD situation is a mess • Press-Register
The overall fan reaction to the recent revelation that Alabama may be close to being placed on NCAA probation again because of the textbook scandal has mostly been met with yawns. 

• Write-in candidate Julio joining Alabama SGA • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Student election chairman Ben Harmon knows the usual names. 

• Capitol abuzz for Tide, Tigers • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama coach Jim Wells recently was greeted in the airport by a local state congressman, excited to talk early-season college baseball amid the usual sporting madness of March.

• SEC basketball teams firmly on NCAA bubble • Press-Register
Unless it can blow up the SEC tournament this week in Tampa, Kentucky's 60-53 loss to Florida may have been the final nail in the Wildcats' NCAA tournament hopes.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published. 

• Jones wins SGA write-in seat • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - Student election chairman Ben Harmon knows the usual write-in names.

• SEC bidding for respect • The Huntsville Times
The coachspeak sounded typical Monday. 

• Max Capital City Classic • Montgomery Advertiser
Auburn star maintains lifelong loyalty to Alabama football
Joseph Sanders brought his college teammates home to Millbrook, gave them a tour of the family house and escorted them into a basement. They stood there in shock.

• Max Capital City Classic • Montgomery Advertiser
Rivals hyped to do battle on diamond
It didn't take a New Jersey guy long to grasp the importance of the rivalry between Alabama and Auburn

• Max Capital City Classic • Montgomery Advertiser
Montgomery brings out bitter rivals' best baseball
Early in his career with the Crimson Tide, Alabama coach Jim Wells expressed the intensity of an Alabama-Auburn game being played in Montgomery.

• Max Capital City Classic • Montgomery Advertiser
Versatility key for volunteer catcher
He's not your prototypical catcher.

• College Sports Notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama football Alabama continued its recruiting haul for its 2010 class Monday. North Gwinnett (Ga.) High offensive tackle Austin Shepherd became the Tide’s third public commitment when he …

• North Gwinnett OL Austin Shepherd commits to Alabama • AJC
When North Gwinnett junior offensive lineman Austin Shepherd phoned Alabama coach Nick Saban and assistant coach Kirby Smart on Monday to accept a scholarship offer, part of the discussion centered on the Crimson Tide’s definition of commitment. Saban made it...

• Tide watching top Mississippi defensive linemen • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"They are going to be recruited by everyone in the country by the time it's over with. They are major D1 type of players." 

• Film Analysis: Austin Shepherd • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Austin Shepherd, offensive lineman from North Gwinnett High School in Suwanee, Ga., decided to end the recruiting process and pledge his signature to the University of Alabama. Shepherd has been making fast habits of devastating defensive linemen and has some nasty characteristics on film which make him a dominating prospect. 

• James is down to six • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
After picking up close to 30 offers, James trims list to half a dozen...

• Spring Practice Begins Friday • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Building a better football team is primary Saban objective

• Tide Vs. Tigers In Baseball Action • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama vs. Auburn is important, but a look at the starting pitchers shows that Southeastern Conference action is just around the corner. Bama and the Tigers will meet in a game that doesn’t count in SEC standings Tuesday night in Montgomery, and both sides are starting mid-week pitchers.

• Elite Fla. corner a new Tide target • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
St. Thomas Aquinas cornerback Lamarcus Joyner's offer list is a who's who of major college football offers, and on Monday, the dynamic athlete added Alabama to the list and the Tide immediately jumped into his top group of schools.

• Top junior wants to check out Tide • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Pahokee's De'Joshua Johnson is considered one of the most electric wide receivers in not just the state of Florida but throughout the nation. He currently holds over 20 offers with big names like Miami, FSU, ... 

• Football Holds Annual Pro Day • RollTide.com
The Alabama football team held its annual Pro Day on Wednesday afternoon inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility on the University of Alabama campus.

• No. 2 Softball Welcomes Mississippi Valley State Thursday • RollTide.com
The No. 2 ranked Alabama softball team will play Mississippi Valley State in a doubleheader on Thursday, March 12 with first pitch slated for 4:00 p.m. at the UA Softball Complex. This will be the... 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
UA Pro Day: 40s
Members of the Crimson Tide are timed in the 40-yard dash.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Andre Smith: Pro Day Part 1

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Andre Smith: Pro Day Part 2

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Andre Smith: Pro Day Part 3 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Andre Smith "pleased" with Pro Day... were NFL teams? (With video!) • al.com
While the Alabama basketball team is in Tampa, former Crimson Tide football players Andre Smith and others worked out for NFL scouts on Pro Day, while coach Nick Saban looked on. Clearly, Smith is the big news. All eyes were on the possible top 5 pick.

• Gentry Estes: Former UA star Andre Smith at pro day: "I think I did an outstanding job" • al.com
TUSCALOOSA -- Andre Smith weighed in at 325 pounds, ran a 40-yard dash at 5.28 seconds and worked through a variety of agility and blocking drills at Alabama's pro day today in hopes of restoring what some see as a sagging NFL Draft status.

• Fluker has big shoes to fill • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
With the early departure of Outland Trophy winner Andre Smith to the NFL, the Crimson Tide has some huge shoes to fill at the left tackle spot. The perfect replacement for Smith might be incoming Foley freshman D.J. Fluker, a mammoth 6-7, 360-pounder with a size 22 shoe, who many ranked as the nation's premier left tackle prospect for the 2009 class. 

• Wilson Gets Help From Bratkowski • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Former Georgia, NFL quarterback still has a hand in the game

• BOL Spring Countdown: Right tackle • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
BamaOnLine.com is priming subscribers for spring football practice with a daily countdown of the Crimson Tide's key position battles. The 10-part series continues with a close look at John Michael Boswell and the offensive tackles. Check the Ultimate Ticket for this installment of BOL's Spring Countdown.

• Super soph has Tide in top three • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
One of the South's top overall prospects regardless of position for the class of 2011 was in Clemson on Saturday, and when the 6-foot-5, 215-pounder left, he did so with a Clemson scholarship offer in ... 

• VIDEO: Pro Day 2009 • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
For Crimson Tide draft hopefuls, Wednesday's Pro Day workout at the University of Alabama served as a final chance to impress NFL scouts. 

• Smith pleased with Pro Day workout • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | When former University of Alabama left tackle Andre Smith finally met with the media Wednesday after going the University of Alabama’s Pro Day workouts, he had a large smile on his face.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama would accept an NIT bid, if one was offered.... • al.com
Hello from the St. Pete Times Forum, where Alabama is 23 minutes into its basketball practice in preparation for tomorrow's SEC tournament. I wanted to pass along a quick note... 

• Gentry Estes: Andre Smith reportedly struggling at pro day • al.com
The Press-Register's Mike Herndon is on campus today covering UA football's pro day, while I'm in Tampa doing interviews on build-up Wednesday at the SEC tournament (look for more later as Alabama is just now beginning practice).

• Pro Day: Smith, others show their stuff • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
What was probably the most important day in the life of Andre Smith unfolded to mixed reviews at Alabama's Pro Day workouts on Wednesday. 

• Where Are They Now: Copeland finds his calling in coaching • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Crimson Confidential is starting a new weekly Wednesday series today – Wednesday’s Where Are They Now. We’ll check up on former Crimson Tide standouts to see what they’re doing today, reminisce about their days at The Capstone and find out what they think of the current state of Alabama athletics. We begin with John Copeland, an All-America defensive end on Alabama’s 1992 national championship team.

• Tide NFL hopefuls work out at Pro Day • AlabamaFB
TUSCALOOSA -- Looking to redeem himself from an NFL Combine disaster that included a middle-of-the-night departure from Indianapolis without informing anyone, former Alabama standout left tackle Andre Smith was among the athletes who worked out Wednesday for scouts at Pro Day inside the UA football practice facility.

• Godwin Receives SEC Women's Tennis Player of the Week Honors • RollTide.com
Senior Shelley Godwin was named SEC Women's Tennis Player of the Week on Wednesday by the league office. This is her first-ever weekly recognition and fourth for the Crimson Tide this season. 

• Men's Basketball Opens Up Tourney Play Against Vanderbilt • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama men's basketball team enters a new phase of its season Thursday evening with its first Southeastern Conference Tournament game in Tampa, Fla. 

• Early signs for Alabama’s Smith not promising • NFL
Andre Smith, one of the top offensive tackle prospects in this year’s draft, said he was relying on Alabama’s pro day to make up for the disappearing act he put on at the combine. Well, the first returns are not overly impressive

• Ian R. Rapoport:  Now that we're in Tampa, let's discuss football salaries... and other stuff! • al.com
Just arrived in lovely, 80s-and-sunny Tampa, where the SEC basketball tournament is beginning its practice and news conference day. Alabama is up at 4 p.m., so while we wait... 

• Doug Segrest:  2009 SOS Basketball Awards • al.com
On the Chinese calendar, this is The Year of the Ox. In SEC basketball, it's The Year of the Moving Van. 

• 2009 SEC Tournament - Practice Session Quotes • SEC Sports
2009 SEC Tournament - Practice Session Quotes

• ScoutTV: Jarrick Williams junior highlights • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Jarrick Williams, safety from Prichard-Blount, Ala., will help lead 'Team Alabama' this weekend in Tampa, Fla., at the 7v7 passing tournament. Watch Williams in action in his junior season highlights. 

• Goodwin is in no rush • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
One of the fastest skill guys in Georgia plans to weigh options...

• Initial 2010 Rivals100 big on Texas talent • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The initial Rivals100 rankings for 2010 have been released, and as always, Alabama is after many of the elite prospects represented including in-state speedster Demarcus Milliner. 

• Alabama one of slew of suitors targeting next Colt McCoy • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
The name Austin Hinder isn’t a household name just yet. But Colt McCoy is, and that’s the guy Hinder likens himself to the most.

• Softball:
Tuesday Night: Alabama 6, UAB 3

• Baseball:
Tuesday Night: Auburn 8, Alabama 7

• Bama in the NBA - March 10th Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• Auburn Rallies Past Alabama, 8-7 • RollTide.com
Auburn scored two runs in the ninth inning to erase a one-run deficit en route to an 8-7 win over Alabama in the 2009 MAX Capital City Classic in front of 7,489 fans at Montgomery's Riverwalk Stadi... 

• No. 2 Softball Downs UAB 6-3 • RollTide.com
The No. 2 ranked Alabama Softball team earned the sweep over instate rival UAB by defeating the Blazers 6-3 Tuesday night at George Ward Park. The Crimson Tide plated six runs on 12 hits to improve... 

• Smith's NFL future on the line today • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | For former University of Alabama left tackle Andre Smith, it's sort of like having one chance to ring the bell in a carnival game.

• Justin Knox tabbed SEC's top scholar in basketball • Tuscaloosa News
BIRMINGHAM | Central High School graduate Justin Knox was recognized as the Southeastern Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year in men's basketball, with JaMychal Green earning unanimous selection to the league's All-Freshman team and senoir Alonzo Gee named second-team All-SEC in league honors announced Tuesday.

• Auburn wins with 2-run ninth • Tuscaloosa News
MONTGOMERY | The fans came for fireworks, and they sure got them Tuesday night.

• Tide women finish 14th at UCF Challenge • Tuscaloosa News
SORRENTO, Fla. | The No. 5 University of Alabama women's golf team shot an 11-over-par 299 on Tuesday during the final round of the UCF Challenge to finish 14th at the par-72, 6,356-yard Red Tail Country Club.

• Alabama's Priess named freshman of the week • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama's Ashley Priess has been named Southeastern Conference Freshman Gymnast of the Week for the fourth time this season and the second week in a row.

• Cecil Hurt: Tourney can't be more 'open' than last year • Tuscaloosa News
In a few short days, it has become something of a cliché to say that the upcoming Southeastern Conference Men's Basketball Tournament in Tampa is the 'most wide open tournament ever.'

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama loses to Auburn in Montgomery's Ironball in ninth inning • al.com
A tough, tough loss for the Alabama baseball team. It was the first regular-season, neutral-site meeting between Alabama and Auburn since 1996, and it seemed pretty crazy. The schools had bands in the stands, the 7,489 fans were nuts, and given the way it ended, Montgomery might want a repeat of all this. 

• Gentry Estes: Alabama is back in the recruiting game at Florida's St. Thomas Aquinas • al.com
TUSCALOOSA -- A slight thaw in the icy relationship between the University of Alabama and St. Thomas Aquinas High School has the Crimson Tide now in pursuit of several blue-chip prospects from the Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., powerhouse.

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Vote Pearson for SEC interim coach of the year • The Birmingham News
No offense, Jeff Lebo. You've done a great job with the Auburn Tigers this season, but there's no competition or debate. The SEC basketball coach of the year is LSU's Trent Johnson.

• Doug Segrest's 2009 best and worst of SEC basketball • The Birmingham News
On the Chinese calendar, this is The Year of the Ox. In SEC basketball, it's The Year of the Moving Van. 

• Auburn holds off Alabama in Capital City Classic's baseball event • The Birmingham News
MONTGOMERY - Everyone knows the fireworks always come at the end of the game.

• SEC ON THE MOVE • The Birmingham News
On the Chinese calendar, this is The Year of the Ox. In SEC basketball, it's The Year of the Moving Van. 

• Auburn outlasts Alabama in Montgomery • Press-Register
MONTGOMERY - Fans occupied nearly every seat and every suite of Riverwalk Stadium, turned the grassy seating area into a flood of blankets and folding chairs, and watched a game filled with home runs that wasn't decided until the final at-bat.

• Relationship smoothed over between Alabama and Florida high school? • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - A slight thaw in the icy relationship between the University of Alabama and St. Thomas Aquinas High School has the Crimson Tide now in pursuit of several blue-chip prospects from the Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., powerhouse.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published. 

• Alabama vying for Aquinas recruits • The Huntsville Times
Frosty relationship between UA and high school thaws

• Tigers rally in ninth • The Huntsville Times
Auburn beats Alabama with two late runs

• SEC Baseball Roundup - Tuesday, March 10th • SEC Sports
SEC Baseball Roundup - Tuesday, March 10th 

• SEC Softball Roundup - Tuesday, March 10th • SEC Sports
SEC Softball Roundup - Tuesday, March 10th 

• Auburn 8, Alabama 7 • Montgomery Advertiser
9th-inning rally turns away Tide
Alabama rallied with four runs in the eighth inning, taking a one-run lead into the ninth inning of the Max Capital City Classic against Auburn on Tuesday night at Riverwalk Stadium.

• Photos • Montgomery Advertiser
AU vs. UA in Montgomery

• MAX CAPITAL CITY CLASSIC NOTEBOOK: Crowd falls just short of record • Montgomery Advertiser
The crowd for the Max Capital City Classic on Tuesday night was 7,489, the second-largest crowd in stadium history. Only the April 18 crowd of 7,518 last year for a Biscuits' game with Jacksonville was larger.

• CENTER OF ATTENTION: Bama's Caldwell prepared for today's Pro Day tests • Montgomery Advertiser
Editor's note: The Advertiser will be publishing a journal, as told to sports writer Tim Gayle, with Montgomery native and former University of Alabama center Antoine Caldwell periodically through the NFL Draft April 25-26.

• Made of the right stuff • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
For Philip Pearson, basketball knowledge is intuitive. When he was a walk-on player at Alabama in the late 1980s and early ’90s, it was apparent that Pearson recognized concepts of the game that … 

• Tide’s Smith gets another chance to impress scouts • Dothan Eagle
It is game day for Andre Smith.

• Alabama, Florida State under different set of rules • Dothan Eagle
Here we go again. The NCAA has suddenly re-discovered its ability to selectively enforce its rules.

• UA in the hunt for Missouri OL • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
In what looks like a down year for offensive linemen in the state, the Tide coaches will have to cast a large net in an attempt to bring in another highly-touted group of blockers next February. One of their latest targets is Nick Demien, a 6-6, 305-pound tackle from Timberland HS in Wentzville. 

• Auburn Overcomes Tide in Montgomery • 'BamaMag
There was a carnival atmosphere at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery Tuesday night with what was presumably the largest gathering of Alabama fans, Auburn fans and alcohol sales in the same place since before the Tide pounded Auburn 36-0 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa last November. 

• ScoutTV: Maudrecus Humphrey highlights • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Hoover wide receiver in action.

• ScoutTV: Justin Maclin junior highlights • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Memphis-Ridgeway, Tenn. linebacker in action.

• Allen an elite playmaker • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Northern Guilford athlete Keenan Allen has multiple elite options for his eventual college decision but has held Alabama at the top throughout his recruitment. In this premium video highlight feature from his junior year, watch Allen dominate on both sides of the ball.

• Tide looking at Colorado QB • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
It is not unusual for programs to look nationally for their quarterback targets, and Alabama has seven outstanding offers awarded to out-of-state signal-callers as far away as Colorado, where elite signal-caller Austin Hinder is one of the Tide's top offensive targets.

• Recruiting Radar: ESPNU 150 Watch List DB Names a Leader • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Newnan (Ga.) safety Alec Ogletree is potentially one of the top defensive backs in the country for the 2010 class, and the member of the ESPNU 150 watch list has a leader.

• Men's Basketball:
SEC Tournamnet - Alabama 82, Vanderbilt 75

• Men's Basketball Beats Vanderbilt 82-75 to Advance at the SEC Tournament • RollTide.com
The Alabama men's basketball team led wire-to-wire in its first round game of the Southeastern Conference Tournament, beating Vanderbilt 82-75 here at the St. Pete Times Forum. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama's season isn't over yet: Crimson Tide 82, Vanderbilt 75 • al.com
Alabama's season isn't over just yet. A battle of two of the hottest teams in the Southeastern Conference tournament ended with the team in crimson still fairly smokin'. 

• Chris's Blog - DAY ONE OF THE SEC TOURNAMENT IN TAMPA • Chris Stewart Sports
10:15 EDT - One down...
The team that most gave up for dead is still alive at the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament.

• 2009 SEC Men's Basketball Tourney - Day One • SEC Sports
2009 SEC Men's Basketball Tourney - Day One

• Vandy Falls 82-75 to Bama in Tampa • 'BamaMag
Freshman guard Brad Tinsley scored 20 points, but it was not enough as the Commodores fell to the Alabama Crimson tide 82-75 in the first round of the Southeastern Conference Tournament.

• Softball:
Game 2: Alabama 11, Baylor 2 (5)

• Softball:
Game 1: Alabama 8, Mississippi Valley 5

• No. 2 Softball Sweeps Doubleheader from Mississippi Valley State • RollTide.com
The No. 2 ranked Alabama softball team swept its midweek doubleheader against Mississippi Valley State by posting scores of 8-5 and 11-2 Thursday afternoon at the UA Softball Complex. Freshman Aman... 

• SEC Softball Roundup - Wednesday, March 12th • SEC Sports
SEC Softball Roundup - Wednesday, March 12th

• No. 4 Gymnastics Closes Regular Season with Home Tri-Meet Friday • RollTide.com
The No. 4 ranked Alabama gymnastics team closes out its regular season Friday at 7:30 p.m. with a tri-meet featuring No. 10 Oklahoma and No. 26 North Carolina in Coleman Coliseum. 

• Divers Head to NCAA Zone B Diving Championships • RollTide.com
While eight members of the Alabama Swimming and Diving teams have already punched their tickets to the NCAA Championships, seven more will take their shot at making it to the big dance this weekend. 

• Chealsea Taylor Set to Compete at NCAA Indoor Championships • RollTide.com
The Alabama women's track and field team will be represented solely by junior Chealsea Taylor at the 2009 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in College Station, Texas. Texas A&M University p... 

• Tyson David and Emmanuel Bor to Compete at NCAA Indoor Championships • RollTide.com
David and Bor Eye All-American Honors 

• UA Baseball Team Hosts No. 1 Georgia • RollTide.com
Crimson Tide and Bulldogs Open SEC Slate This Weekend 

• Alabama downs MVSU 11-2 to sweep doubleheader • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The second-ranked University of Alabama softball team scored in every inning, batting around in the first to plate five runs, on the way to an 11-2 victory over Mississippi Valley State in the nightcap of a doubleheader Thursday at the...

• Scat-back catches Saban's attention • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"Coach Saban told me that he likes my style. He told me that he really likes my speed. He said he's looking for a speed back." 

• Ladarius Owens visits SEC school • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Ladarius Owens, outside linebacker from Bessemer-Jess Lanier, Ala., has collected several early scholarship offers including Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, LSU and Mississippi State. Owens attended the Auburn Junior Day last weekend, and traveled to Tuscaloosa this week for an unofficial visit with the Tide. 

• Nation's No. 1 Team Comes To Tuscaloosa • 'BamaMag
Maybe Alabama should have a blackout Friday evening. Oh, wait. That doesn’t necessarily work, does it? At least it didn’t work when Georgia tried that in football season. Bama went to Athens and turned the lights out on the Bulldogs. Now the Crimson Tide baseball team has a tough assignment against Georgia.

• There’s A Lot On Line For Tide • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Question is which linemen will end up in which positions this spring

• BOL Spring Countdown: Quarterback • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
BamaOnLine.com is priming subscribers for spring football practice with a daily countdown of the Crimson Tide's key position battles. The 10-part series concludes with a close look at Greg McElroy and the quarterbacks.

• Personalized letterhead garners the Tide bonus points with Georgia running back • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Nick Saban may be pushing 60, but the Alabama head coach knows how to stroke a 17-year-old’s ego when he has to. And sometimes, like in the case of Mack Brown, it’s simpler than it looks.

• No. 23 Men's Tennis Opens SEC Home Slate This Weekend • RollTide.com
The 23rd-ranked men's tennis team (11-1, 2-0SEC) returns home this weekend, hosting conference rivals No. 3 Ole Miss (10-2, 2-0 SEC) and No. 75 Mississippi State (4-4, 0-2 SEC). 

• No. 16 Women's Tennis Faces First SEC Road Test of the Season • RollTide.com
The 16th-ranked women's tennis team (11-0, 2-0 SEC) looks to continue its school record winning streak as it hits the road for the first time in conference play. 

• Opinions mixed on Smith’s success during Pro Day • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | When former University of Alabama left tackle Andre Smith finally met with the media Wednesday after enduring UA’s Pro Day workouts, he had a large smile on his face.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
2008 Rewind: Win over Ole Miss
A game-by-game look at the undefeated Tide regular season.

• Tommy Deas: Football salary approvals delayed • Tuscaloosa News
The University of Alabama Board of Trustees' committee on compensation's meeting that was scheduled for Friday has been postponed indefinitely.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Wimp Sanderson, on Pearson's knowledge of Sanderson-style tournament prep: • al.com
"He carried that over with him."
As the Philip Pearson Era likely winds down at Alabama, the interim coach has one more opportunity this week to prolong his stay. Keep coaching and keep winning. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Andre Smith's agent Alvin Keels: "My credibility speaks for itself." ... and other stuff! • al.com
Day 2 begins here in Tampa, with the start of the SEC basketball tournament just an hour away. So let's talk some football... Some interesting developments in the last day or so:

• Gentry Estes: Tide's Andrew Steele: "My intentions are to stay" • al.com
TAMPA -- Between the departure of his brother and then his coach, freshman guard Andrew Steele's first season at Alabama wasn't exactly all he'd hoped for.

• Doug Segrest: SEC Tournament first round: Who's advancing? • al.com
The SEC Tournament begins in Tampa today. Keep up with Alabama coverage with Ian's blog. Auburn fans, keep following Charles' reports.

• Doug Segrest: More on Andre Smith, Bama's Pro Day • al.com
I was in Tuscaloosa Wednesday for Pro Day at Alabama. My story on Andre Smith Is listed below. 

• Three & Out - SEC Thoughts, News & Notes 3/11 • College Football News
Barrett Sallee gives three off-season thoughts, comments or observations about anything and everything in the world of the SEC.

• Spring Preview: I Am Getting Defensive About This • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
Alabama fans are known as unrealistic and arrogant around the league. Well, screw them. We are the best. And how is this for unrealistic expectations? I am going to be disappointed if we don’t finish next year #1 in the nation in Total Defense. 

• The 2010 Rivals250 • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
As always, the Rivals100 is followed closely by the Rivals250. As always, the state of Alabama is represented with top talent with seven in-state players making the list. We take a closer look at the first edition of the ranked Rivals250 for the 2010 class.

• AMP: Tai-ler Jones will keep hitting the road • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Gainesville (Ga.) wide receiver Tai-ler Jones has narrowed his list of favorites to fifteen schools that includes Alabama. Rivals.com AMP traveled to Georgia and caught up with the talented wide receiver to ... 

• Tide after dominating Ok. DT • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Tulsa (Okla.) Booker T. Washington defensive tackle Calvin Barnett is one of the most dominating defensive players in the country – when he wants to. However, for one reason or another last season he admitted he has a tendency to take plays off. Barnett said that's not ... 

• BOL Opinion: Tide rolls Thursday • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Forward JaMychal Green and the Alabama basketball team will look to maintain their winning ways Thursday in the first round of the SEC Tournament in Tampa. Click here for why they will. 

• Bama’s early jump on Baton Rouge quarterback paying dividends • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
What’s that saying about the early bird catching the worm? Alabama is hoping it works in recruiting, too.

• Baseball:
Wednesday Night: Alabama 11, Samford 6

• Bama in the NBA - March 11th Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• Dugas' Four-Hits Leads Baseball Team to Win over Samford, 11-6 • RollTide.com
Alabama held a comfortable lead through six innings, but needed some late-inning offense to finally put away the Samford Bulldogs, 11-6, on Wednesday night at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. 

• No. 16 Women's Tennis Cruises to 7-0 win Over Marquette • RollTide.com
The women's tennis team (11-0, 2-0 SEC) set a school record for consecutive wins with a 7-0 sweep of the Marquette Golden Eagles (12-6) on Wednesday. The Crimson Tide has now won eleven consecutive... 

• Make or break? • Tuscaloosa News
Opinions mixed on Smith’s success during Pro Day

• Tide, Vanderbilt both feeling less vulnerable • Tuscaloosa News
TAMPA, Fla. | The University of Alabama basketball team and the Vanderbilt Commodores both caught each other at a good time a month ago. Only Vanderbilt was able to convert that into a win.

• Bama bats come alive for 19 hits against ’Dogs • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Pitching and defense have been spotty at times for the University of Alabama baseball team this season, but Kent Matthes and the Crimson Tide bats remain constant.

• No. 2 Tide faces Valley in make-up game • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The second-ranked University of Alabama softball team is looking to make up for lost time.

• Christopher Walsh: An educated guess to when Andre Smith will be drafted • Tuscaloosa News
So did former University of Alabama left tackle Andre Smith improve or hurt himself at Wednesday's Pro Day workout?

• Gentry Estes: With each step, Alabama's JaMychal Green honors the memory of his late brother • al.com
TAMPA -- The scribbles on JaMychal Green's shoes tell a story Alabama's true freshman forward never wants to forget.

• Gentry Estes: Agent "takes the brunt" of Andre Smith's NFL combine mishaps • al.com
One thing learned from UA's pro day: Left tackle Andre Smith hasn't changed agents despite those potentially costly mistakes made at the NFL combine in Indianapolis.

• Gentry Estes: Come one, come all: Tickets still available for this year's SEC tournament • al.com
TAMPA -- Southeastern Conference officials said today that they have sold fewer than 18,000 of the roughly 21,600 tickets available for this week's tournament at the St. Pete Times Forum. Single session tickets remain available.

• Gentry Estes: "Inspired" Alabama approaches all-or-nothing run in Tampa • al.com
TAMPA -- As a sign of his own SEC tournament motivation, Andrew Steele scans the locker room to find senior teammates Alonzo Gee and Brandon Hollinger.

• Ray Melick: Questions about Smith also reflect on his agent • The Birmingham News
As many questions as there have been about Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith heading into the NFL draft, there are just as many questions about his agent, Alvin Keels. 

• Tide coach Philip Pearson learned the art of tournament prep from Wimp Sanderson • The Birmingham News
TAMPA - At his home, Philip Pearson still has a worn notebook given to him by former Alabama men's basketball coach Wimp Sanderson in 1995 when the two worked together at Arkansas-Little Rock. It contained a list of 10 changes the team needed to make before the Sun Belt Tournament, which was more than a month away.

• His numbers didn't measure up at pro day, but Andre Smith pleased with workout • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - After skipping out on the NFL combine last month and having his character and conditioning questioned, Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith was looking forward to the Crimson Tide's pro day Wednesday as his big chance to erase any doubts about his value as an NFL prospect.

• Tide's Green honors 'Rod' on, off court • Press-Register
TAMPA - The scribbles on JaMychal Green's shoes tell a story Alabama's true freshman forward never wants to forget. 

• SEC tournament notebook: Alabama's Andrew Steele intends to remain with Tide • Press-Register
TAMPA - Between the departure of his brother and then his coach, freshman guard Andrew Steele's first season at Alabama wasn't exactly all he'd hoped for.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Thursday, March 12, 2009
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published. 

• Smith's pro day numbers don't dazzle • The Huntsville Times
But prospect feels he rebuilt rep after combine showing 

• Emotional reminders • The Huntsville Times
Sneakers bear tribute to Green's spiritual side, brother's shooting death

• College baseball • The Huntsville Times
Alabama 11, Samford 6

• SEC tournament notebook • The Huntsville Times
Younger Steele expects to stay at Alabama 

• SEC Baseball Roundup - Wednesday, March 11th • SEC Sports
SEC Baseball Roundup - Wednesday, March 11th

• Pro Day comes to Tuscaloosa • Montgomery Advertiser
Tide's Smith tackles scouts, doubts
TUSCALOOSA -- Andre Smith's jitters were evident despite the happy-go-lucky demeanor that has become his trademark.

• SEC Tournament • Montgomery Advertiser
Tide, Vandy a dandy matchup
Alabama is trying to prove it isn't the same team as in early February when it lost at Vanderbilt.

• Tournament title truly up for grabs • Montgomery Advertiser
It's an old cliche, the one coaches use to describe postseason basketball tournaments.

• Caldwell pleased with performance • Montgomery Advertiser
Editor's note: The Advertiser will be publishing a journal, as told to Advertiser sports writer Tim Gayle, with Montgomery native and former University of Alabama center Antoine Caldwell periodically through the NFL draft on April 25-26.

• SEC TOURNAMENT CAPSULES • Montgomery Advertiser
ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
Record: 17-13 (7-9 SEC)

• Andre Smith tries to repair reputation • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — Andre Smith set about trying to repair his reputation the …

• Underdog Alabama • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Vanderbilt is first up as Tide aims to put together a run
JaMychal Green had to pause and think for a second. When asked whether one team in this year’s SEC tournament stood out as an undisputed favorite, the Alabama freshman forward waited for a brief …

• Alabama, Vanderbilt enter tournament playing well • Dothan Eagle
Alabama’s Philip Pearson and Vanderbilt’s Kevin Stallings agree on at least two things coming into the Southeastern Conference Tournament.

• Tide interested in Florida standout • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
One of Florida's top juniors is Christian Green of Catholic HS in Tampa. The 6-2, 205-pounder has spent most of his high school career playing quarterback, but should make the transition to receiver in college. Green has about 20 early offers, with some coming from ...

• Ladarius Owens visits SEC school • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Ladarius Owens, outside linebacker from Bessemer-Jess Lanier, Ala., has collected several early scholarship offers including Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, LSU and Mississippi State. Owens attended the Auburn Junior Day last weekend, and traveled to Tuscaloosa this week for an unofficial visit with the Tide. 

• Five-star QB receives Crimson Tide offer • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Jake Heaps talks latest offer.

• Jarrick adding offers • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
While no one doubts the ferocious physical ability of safety Jarrick Williams, the biggest area of scrutiny for the 197-pounder will be his coverage skills. With new offers arriving daily, it appears most coaches are convinced that the Rivals100 member is the complete package.

• AMP: Wide open for Ambles • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Rivals100 wide receiver Markeith Ambles is one of the most coveted pass catcher in the nation. Rivals.com AMP visited with Ambles at a recent seven on seven practice, where he put his skills on display and ... 

• Gymnastics:
Alabama 196.725, Oklahoma 196.525, North Carolina 193.275

• Ian R. Rapoport: It ends in a blowout: Tennessee 86, Alabama 62 • al.com
A final month filled with optimism and plenty of good wins ends here in Tampa with a blowout loss. Certainly not the way the Crimson Tide wanted 2008-09 to conclude. 

• Chris’s Blog – DAY TWO OF THE SEC BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT FROM TAMPA • Chris Stewart Sports
9:45 p.m. EDT - Post game

• 2009 SEC Men's Basketball Tourney - Day Two • SEC Sports
2009 SEC Men's Basketball Tourney - Day Two

• More spring scenes • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Here are more scenes from today's practice. 

• Men's Basketball:
SEC Tournament - Tennessee 86, Alabama 62

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/13 - Kareem Jackson
3/13 Kareem Jackson. Video produced by Steve Mullen

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/13 - Mike Johnson
3/13 Mike Johnson. Video produced by Steve Mullen

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/13 - Terrence Cody
3/13 Terrence Cody. Video produced by Steve Mullen

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/13 - Greg McElroy
3/13 Greg McElroy. Video produced by Steve Mullen

• Scenes from Day 1 • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
The Tide opened spring practice this afternoon. To avoid the rain, the team practiced indoors for 2½ hours. Here are some scenes. 

• Crimson Tide Open Spring Football Practice • RollTide.com
The Alabama football team held its first practice of the spring on Friday afternoon with a two-hour workout session inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility in shorts and helmets. 

• ALABAMA BASEBALL: RAIN DELAY First Pitch Set for 7:35 p.m. (CST) • RollTide.com
Alabama and Georgia are currently in a rain delay with first pitch scheudled for 7:35 p.m. (CST) at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Tide spring practice (3/13/09)
Tide football team practices on a rainy Friday on March 13th, 2009.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Hello again from the St. Pete Times Forum... it's round 2! • al.com
Hello again from the St. Pete Times Forum, where Alabama is about to play Tennessee in the quarterfinals of the SEC tournament. Actually, they just tipped off. Will this game require another Anthony Brock 3-pointer at the buzzer? 

• SEC Baseball Weekend Pitching Matchups • SEC Sports
SEC Baseball Weekend Pitching Matchups

• Spring gallery, day one • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama football team went through its first day of spring drills indoors due to bad weather Friday. 

• Saban addresses quarterback battle as spring practice opens • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Nick Saban knew they were coming. And he was ready. Not happy. But ready. 

• No. 2 Softball Opens SEC Play Against Mississippi State • RollTide.com
The No. 2 ranked Alabama softball team (20-2) will host Mississippi State (14-6) for a three game series over the weekend to begin its Southeastern Conference schedule. The first game is slated to ... 

• Rowing Opens Spring Season Saturday at Clemson • RollTide.com
With spring in the air, the Alabama Rowing team is set to crank things up again, starting at the Clemson Regatta this Saturday against Clemson, Penn and Marist on Lake Hartwell. 

• Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban's Pre-Spring Press Conference • RollTide.com
Alabama head coach Nick Saban met with the media on Friday afternoon prior to the Crimson Tide's first spring practice. 

• Tide springs ahead • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Quarterbacks Greg McElroy, Star Jackson and the rest of the Alabama football team opened spring practice on Friday under very un-springlike conditions. Sheltered from the weather, however the Crimson Tide set about replacing a number of open jobs on the offensive side of the ball.

• University of Alabama: 'No new NCAA letter' • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama says it has not received another letter of inquiry from the NCAA, contrary to rumors that have spread on rival school fan Web sites.

• UA Baseball Team Hosts No. 1 Georgia • RollTide.com
Alabama opens its 2009 Southeastern Conference season this weekend when the Crimson Tide host the defending league champion and No. 1 ranked Georgia Bulldogs in a three-game series at Sewell-Thomas... 

• No. 4 Gymnastics Closes Regular Season with Home Tri-Meet Friday • RollTide.com
The No. 4 ranked Alabama gymnastics team closes out its regular season Friday at 7:30 p.m. with a tri-meet featuring No. 10 Oklahoma and No. 26 North Carolina in Coleman Coliseum. 

• Hall, Fanney suspended • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama football team opened spring practice Friday afternoon minus two players who had been suspended for violating team rules and policy.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/13 Nick Saban part 1
Alabama coach Nick Saban speaks to members of the media before the first practice of Spring. Video produced by Steve Mullen.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/13 Nick Saban Part 2
Alabama coah Nick Saban speaks to members of the media before the first practice of Spring.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Linebackers Hall, Fanney both suspended • al.com
Nick Saban just finished a news conference before the Tide's first spring practice, which is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. 

• Gentry Estes Tide linebackers Brandon Fanney and Prince Hall suspended for start of spring practice • al.com
Two senior Alabama linebackers will not participate when the Crimson Tide begins spring practice later this afternoon.

• Saban previews Bama spring • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Two key members of the Alabama defense are not practicing this spring: one for now, and one for the duration of practice, according to Alabama coach Nick Saban, whose team opens spring drills today. 

• Two Suspended For Start Of Drills • 'BamaMag
Stop me if you’ve heard this one. Prince Hall has been suspended indefinitely. Alabama Coach Nick Saban met with reporters prior to the opening of Alabama spring football practice and announced that both Hall, a backup inside linebacker, and Brandon Fanney, the 2008 starter at jack linebacker, had been suspended for violations of team rules. 

• Two suspended for now • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama coach Nick Saban held a news conference Friday to discuss the opening of spring practice, and announced the suspensions of two linebackers, one a starter. Check the Ultimate Ticket for the latest news and other notes on the Crimson Tide's first day of practice.

• VIDEO: Saban previews spring drills • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
With his team set to return to the practice field Friday afternoon, Alabama head coach Nick Saban took time to preview spring drills.

• Hall suspended indefinitely; Fanney suspended today • Crimson Confidential
It looks like Prince Hall’s once promising career at Alabama may be over. The situation doesn’t appear to be as dire for fellow linebacker Brandon Fanney, but Fanney is currently residing in Nick Saban’s doghouse nonetheless. Both players are rising seniors.

• Friday's Fan of the Week: Lance Hathorn • Crimson Confidential
Crimson Confidential is starting a new weekly Friday series today – Friday’s Fan of the Week. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama's spring practice begins... Which position battle is the most important? • al.com
While the Alabama hoops teams sticks around in Tampa for at least another day, the Alabama football team is beginning spring practice today. We'll have plenty of coverage from Tuscaloosa, and there are plenty of issues to cover. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alonzo Gee: "We're just having fun out there." • al.com
A battle of two of the Southeastern Conference's hottest teams ended last night with one of those teams pretty icy. It wasn't Alabama.

• Justin Shade gaining interest • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Briarwood linebacker talks recruiting.

• Basketball preview: Alabama vs. Tennessee • BamaOnLine
Yamene Coleman and the Alabama basketball team will try to knock off Tennessee twice in the same week tonight in the second round of the SEC Tournament. Click here for BOL's game preview. 

• Tide baseball hosts UGA in opening SEC series  • BamaOnLine
Third baseman Jake Smith and the rest of the Alabama baseball team takes on Georgia to open SEC play on Friday at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. Click here for BamaOnLine.com's series preview. 

• Aptly named Virginia quarterback plans to check out Tide’s spring drills • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
He’s a quarterback, and his name sounds like a former Super Bowl MVP quarterback. But this Phil Sims actually goes by Phillip and his last name has one less ‘s.’ He’s also not very likely to end up playing his college ball at Morehead State.

• Alabama slams Vanderbilt • Crimson Confidential
The outlook here in sunny Florida is considerably brighter for the Crimson Tide after Thursday’s 82-75 first-round win over Vanderbilt in the SEC Tournament.

• Bama in the NBA - March 12th Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• An inside job • Tuscaloosa News
Alabama scores bulk of points in the paint to beat Vandy

• Several debuts for today’s first spring practice • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | It’s been roughly 70 days since the University of Alabama football team was last seen walking off the field at the Sugar Bowl, which in these parts means only one thing.

• Recruiting has seen big transformation • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The roots for tonight began in places like Arlington, Texas, Jacksonville, Fla., Kennesaw, Ga., and all the gymnasiums and arenas the gymnasts competed in across the country before arriving at the University of Alabama.

• Alabama takes on top-ranked Dawgs • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Alabama opens its 2009 Southeastern Conference season this weekend against defending league champion and No. 1 ranked Georgia in a three-game series at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.

• Locke settles down, wins two against MVSU • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Amanda Locke had to work through some trouble to pitch the second-ranked University of Alabama softball team past Mississippi Valley State in the first game of Thursday night’s doubleheader.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Another name emerges in Alabama's coaching search: Miami's Frank Haith • al.com
Alabama's easy victory over Vanderbilt is over, and we're about to clear out of the St. Pete Times Forum. But before we do, let's take a quick trip to coaching search land... 

• Gentry Estes: "They want us. They got us now" • al.com
TAMPA -- Alabama took care of Vanderbilt with surprising ease tonight and immediately turned attention to a intriguing rematch with Tennessee.

• Doug Segrest: SEC Tournament quarterfinals: Pick the winners • al.com
The SEC Tournament continues today. Keep up with Alabama coverage with Ian's blog. Auburn fans, keep following Charles' reports.

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Another names emerges, but Pearson's not ready to stop yet • The Birmingham News
Alabama's current head basketball coach is too modest to do it himself, so allow me to play secretary and take a memo. 

• Quarterback, left tackle among the big questions for Alabama's spring practice • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama heads into spring football practice on the heels of a perfect regular season and a trip to a BCS bowl game with the majority of its starters back and a likely top-10 preseason ranking. It also has more holes at the key positions than it has had in years.

• Alabama cruises by Vanderbilt, lives to play another day in the SEC tournament • The Birmingham News
TAMPA - When it came time for crucial preparation, Philip Pearson took the Alabama team onto a balcony of its Westin Hotel over Harbour Island.

• FIVE THINGS • The Birmingham News
A light-hearted Q&A with Alabama interim men's basketball coach Philip Pearson What is your best head coaching memory?

• Matthes brings nations highest home run total into series with No. 1 Georgia • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - By this point, Kent Matthes hears it from his Alabama teammates on a regular basis, whether he is walking in the dugout or trotting in after hitting another home run.

• Decisions, Decisions: • Press-Register
Crimson Tide faces questions at QB, safety and on the offensive line as spring practice opens
Quarterback, free safety and a rebuilt offensive line will be areas of emphasis as Alabama's football team holds the first of 15 spring practices today.

• Alabama rips Vanderbilt, gets Vols next • Press-Register
TAMPA - Wearing glasses and a stare, Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl sat courtside for every second. 

• Alabama interim coach Philip Pearson says he doesn't know if he's in running to fill post • Press-Register
TAMPA - Alabama interim coach Philip Pearson was asked after Thursday night's win over Vanderbilt if anyone from UA's administration has told him he would not be considered for the job full time.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Friday, March 13, 2009
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published. 

• QB one of several questions for Tide • The Huntsville Times
Spring practice opens today with light workout 

• No news for Alabama's Pearson • The Huntsville Times
TAMPA, Fla. - Alabama interim coach Philip Pearson was asked after Thursday night's win over Vanderbilt if anyone from the Tide's administration has told him he would not be considered for the job full time. 

• Bama finds groove • The Huntsville Times
Tide reaches SEC quarterfinals by topping Vandy 

• Tri-meet will prepare Tide for postseason • The Crimson White
With the No. 4 Alabama gymnastics team already a lock for regional competition, postseason preparation stands as the only thing concerning its last meet of the regular season.

• No. 2 Tide takes two from MVSU • The Crimson White
The No.2/2 Alabama softball team improved their record last night to 20-2 on the season as they defeated the Mississippi Valley State Devilettes in a double-header by the scores of 8-5 and 11-2 in Tuscaloosa.

• SEC Tournament • Montgomery Advertiser
Gee force: Guard's hot shooting gives Alabama momentum
TAMPA, Fla. -- Alonzo Gee and Alabama are heating up at the right time.

• Alabama baseball • Montgomery Advertiser
Tide's Matthes really on a roll
TUSCALOOSA -- One teammate described him as "unconscious." His coach said he was "on fire." 

• One win at a time • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Tide knocks off Vanderbilt to keep its season alive 

• Wanted: QB and linemen • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
For the first time in eight years, Alabama’s football team will have …

• Alabama opens spring practice • Dothan Eagle
Questions will outnumber answers in several areas for Alabama throughout spring practice, which begins today at 3:30 p.m.

• Alabama blasts Vanderbilt • Dothan Eagle
TAMPA, Fla. — Someone handed Philip Pearson a box score midway through the second half of Alabama’s game Thursday against Vanderbilt.

• Patrick preparing to play next season • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
When Nick Saban arrived at Alabama, the Tide was very thin at linebacker. But in the three recruiting classes since then, Saban has replenished the position with an impressive corps of skilled "head hunters." Tana Patrick, a 2009 signee out of Stevenson-North Jackson, ranked among the nation's elite linebackers last season. 

• Coach Spotlight: AJ McCarron • 'BamaMag
Tide signee had stellar career at St. Paul's.

• Speedster likes what he hears from UA • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The name of MLK (Atlanta) running back Mack Brown's game is pure, dominating speed with a 4.38 time in the 40. With Alabama looking to add another explosive back in 2010, Brown has become an early target.

• Future blue-chipper • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Adonis Ameen Moore is used to being bigger, faster and stronger than the rest of his peers. Now a sophomore, the 5-foot-11, 215-pounds projects as one of the nation's top running back prospects for the Class ... 

• Baseball:
Game 2: Alabama 11, Georgia 5

• No. 2 Softball Opens SEC Play with Doubleheader Sweep • RollTide.com
The No. 2 ranked Alabama softball team opened Southeastern Conference play with a doubleheader sweep over Mississippi State Saturday afternoon by the scores of 4-0 and 7-1 at the Alabama Softball C... 

• Alabama Knocks Off Top-Ranked Georgia • RollTide.com
Alabama exploded for four runs in the third inning and added three more runs in the sixth en route to a 9-5 win over No. 1 ranked Georgia, handing the Bulldogs their first loss of the season, in ga... 

• UA softball sweeps doubleheader with 7-1 win • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Charlotte Morgan didn't allow a hit until the sixth inning to lead the second-ranked University of Alabama softball team to a 7-1 victory over Mississippi State in the second game of a doubleheader Saturday at the Alabama Softball Complex.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama drills No. 1 Georgia 9-5, hands the Dawgs their first loss... • al.com
Hello again from The Joe, where the weather may be dreary but the feeling among Alabama people isn't. Georgia arrived here with a national No. 1 ranking, fresh of its College World Series finals appearance last season.

• Gentry Estes: Alabama hands top-ranked UGA its first loss of the season • al.com
Alabama outfielder Kent Matthes continued his torrid early-season pace, slugging his NCAA-leading 12th home run to help the Crimson Tide topple Georgia 9-5 this afternoon in the first of two games today at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.

• SEC Baseball Roundup - Saturday, March 14th • SEC Sports
SEC Baseball Roundup - Saturday, March 14th

• SEC Softball Roundup - Saturday, March 14th • SEC Sports
SEC Softball Roundup - Saturday, March 14th

• Legend of Mount Cody peaking after first season at UA • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Alabama defensive tackle Terrence Cody trudged into the Naylor Stone Media Room Friday evening, joking with offensive lineman Mike Johnson about knowing the snap count during the first spring practice earlier in the day. 

• Softball:
Game 2: Alabama 7, Mississippi State 1

• Baseball:
Game 1: Alabama 9, Georgia 5

• Tide knocks off top-ranked Bulldogs 9-5 in game one • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Austin Hyatt (4-0) pitched eight innings and allowed three runs on eight hits to pace Alabama to a 9-5 win over the previously unbeaten and top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs Saturday afternoon at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.

• Softball:
Game 1: Alabama 4, Mississippi State 1

• Report: Miami coach 'absolutely' interested in UA basketball vacancy • Tuscaloosa News
University of Miami coach Frank Haith is interested in the head men’s basketball coaching vacancy at Alabama and would take the job if offered, according to a report on CBSSports.com.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Greg McElroy: "Ready for my turn" ... and other stuff! • al.com
After a three-day stint in Tampa for the SEC hoops tournament, I'm back in Tuscaloosa ready for some Alabama baseball. The Crimson Tide are playing Georgia right now, with a 4-3 lead, actually. So, while we're watching... 

• Instant Analysis: Bama goes back to work • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
With new faces on its roster and coaching staff, the Alabama Crimson Tide went back to work Friday. 

• Bama in the NBA - March 13th Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• Gymnastics Wins Tri-Meet in Regular-Season Finale • RollTide.com
The Alabama Gymnastics team finished off the regular season Friday night with a gutsy 196.725 team score to win its tri-meet against No. 10 Oklahoma and No. 26 North Carolina. 

• Tyson David Earns All-American Honors at NCAA Championships • RollTide.com
Making his second straight appearance in the 5,000 meter run at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, junior Tyson David can now add Division 1 All-American honors to his long list of acco... 

• Friday's Alabama-Georgia Baseball Game Rained Out • RollTide.com
The 2009 SEC baseball opener between Alabama and No. 1 Georgia has been rained out and will be made up as part of a double-header on Saturday, March 14, at 2:05 p.m. (CST). 

• Softball Pushes Back First Pitch • RollTide.com
Alabama head softball coach Patrick Murphy announced that the first pitch for the first game of the doubleheader against Mississippi State scheduled for Saturday, March 14 has been pushed back to 2... 

• Divers Earn NCAA Championship Berths • RollTide.com
Two more members of the Alabama Swimming and Diving teams earned a spot at the upcoming NCAA Championships on day one of the NCAA Zone B Diving Championships being held here in Knoxville, Tenn. at ... 

• Hall, Fanney suspended for rules violations • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama football team opened spring practice Friday afternoon minus two players who had been suspended for violating team rules and policy.

• Final three gymnasts win it for Alabama • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | It all came down to the University of Alabama’s last three gymnasts Friday night. With Oklahoma having already finished its final rotation on vault, the only way the Crimson Tide could win its regular-season finale at Coleman Coliseum was if all three hit their routines.

• Crimson Tide has no answer for Volunteers in rematch • Tuscaloosa News
TAMPA, Fla. | Last Sunday in Knoxville, the University of Alabama basketball team played a game with Tennessee that wasn’t over until the final second.

• Tide’s game with No. 1 Bulldogs rained out • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The Southeastern Conference baseball opener between Alabama and No. 1 Georgia was rained out Friday and will be made up as part of a doubleheader today starting at 2:05 p.m. The two teams will play, nine-inning games with a 30-minute break between games.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Alabama gymnastics, March 13
Alabama pulled off a close win in a tri-meet against Oklahoma and North Carolina. Produced by Brian Reynolds

• Gentry Estes: An era ends as Tennessee swats Alabama from the SEC tournament • al.com
TAMPA -- With an array of dunks and chest bumps, revenge-minded Tennessee hoisted Alabama's basketball team out of the SEC tournament and into a new era with its worst postseason defeat in 10 years.

• McElroy `ready for my turn' as starter at Alabama • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - For three years, Greg McElroy waited and waited and waited. 

• UA tops Oklahoma, UNC in tri-meet • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Needing a 9.8 to close out the final regular-season gymnastics meet of the season in style, Alabama's Morgan Dennis instead aimed for perfection.

• Alabama ends its season, begins its coaching search with blowout loss to UT • The Birmingham News
TAMPA - His face red, his jacket rumpled, Philip Pearson walked around the somber locker room for perhaps the final time. 

• Tennessee avenges Sunday loss by routing Alabama in second round of SEC basketball tournament • Press-Register
TAMPA - Forget the team bus. As was the case all week, Alabama interim coach Philip Pearson and a few assistants made the short walk back from the St. Pete Times Forum to the team hotel Friday night.

• Alabama starts spring drills without linebackers Prince Hall, Brandon Fanney • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama opened spring football drills Friday with a nearly 2cm HALF-hour workout in its indoor practice facility, but without two rising senior linebackers who have been suspended.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Saturday, March 14, 2009
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published. 

• QB one of several questions for Tide • The Huntsville Times
Spring practice opens today with light workout 

• No news for Alabama's Pearson • The Huntsville Times
TAMPA, Fla. - Alabama interim coach Philip Pearson was asked after Thursday night's win over Vanderbilt if anyone from the Tide's administration has told him he would not be considered for the job full time. 

• Bama finds groove • The Huntsville Times
Tide reaches SEC quarterfinals by topping Vandy  

• SEC Gymnastics Roundup - Friday, March 13th • SEC Sports
SEC Gymnastics Roundup - Friday, March 13th

• Tide begins spring practice • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama coach Nick Saban is preaching patience as he opens his third spring practice as the Crimson Tide football coach. 

• SEC TOURNAMENT: UA falls to Vols 86-62 • Montgomery Advertiser
TAMPA, Fla. -- Tyler Smith scored 22 points and Wayne Chism added 15 Friday night to lead Tennessee to an 86-62 rout of cold-shooting Alabama in the quarterfinals of the Southeast­ern Conference tournament.

• ‘It’s just tough’ • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TAMPA, Fla. — The finality of Alabama’s second-round SEC tournament loss hadn’t quite hit Alabama interim …

• Auburn wins at UT; Tide rained out • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Winning pitcher Grant Dayton set down 17 straight batters at one point to help Auburn win its 10th straight game Friday night with a 4-2 victory at Tennessee. It was the Southeastern Conference … 

• Tennessee eliminates Bama • Dothan Eagle
TAMPA, Fla. — Tennessee’s J.P. Prince plucked a steal at halfcourt and ran the requisite distance before tallying the first two points of Friday’s second-round SEC Tournament game with a one-handed dunk.

• McElroy has waited his turn • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Greg McElroy knows all about patience. The Tide's redshirt junior quarterback has waited three years for his shot to be the starter. But that's nothing new to McElroy, who spent three years in high school at Southlake-Carroll, TX playing behind ex-Missouri quarterback Chase Daniels before finally getting a chance his senior season. 

• Cody On Mission To Shed Some Pounds • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
The interruption in Alabama spring football practice may be coming at a bad time for upcoming senior nose tackle Terrence Cody. Oh, sure, Alabama has had just one day of football practice. But Cody has been working hard in the winter off-season program on the most important thing he needs to do: lose weight. 

• Tennessee Rips Bama At SEC Tourney • 'BamaMag
TAMPA, Fla. -- There were no miracles for Alabama’s basketball team. The Crimson Tide seemed to sense its fate in the second half as Tennessee went on a 17-0 run against token opposition. The final result was an 86-62 loss that eliminated Bama from the Southeastern Conference Tournament and probably ended the Tide season.

• Notebook: McElroy gets his shot • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy (12) will compete for the starting job with freshman Star Jackson this spring. McElroy spoke with the media following Friday's opening practice.

• First day of spring brings questions, but not answers • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
This is definitely not your father’s Alabama Crimson Tide 

• Balance key to Vaughters’ success on field and off • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
James Vaughters is just a 15-year-old high school sophomore from the close-knit town of Tucker, Ga. However, his maturity is leading him to great success both on the gridiron and in the classroom. 

• Video Bonanza: Philip Pearson Tennessee post game • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Watch Philip Pearson talk about Alabama's run in the SEC, his tenure as head coach, and the prospects...