Bama in the News

June 8 - 14, 2009

• Dugas Named Freshman All-American • RollTide.com
Alabama left fielder Taylor Dugas was named to the 2009 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Pro-Line Second-Team Freshman All-America squad, the organization announced today.

• Bud Cauley and the America Team Falls to Europe in Palmer Cup • RollTide.com
Europe stymied a late American rally to claim a 13-11 win at the 2009 Palmer Cup presented by Fisher Capital Partners at Cherry Hills Country Club. The victory was the Euros second in a row and sec...

• Rogers and Holcombe Begin USA Softball Selection Camp • RollTide.com
Former Alabama softball standouts Brittany Rogers and Ashley Holcombe started USA Softball Women's National Team Selection Camp Monday at the U.S. Training Center. The duo are competing to earn a s...

• Alabama 13th in John McDonnell Program of the Year Award Standings • RollTide.com
The NCAA Division I John McDonnell Program of the Year Award standings were released on Thursday with the Alabama men's cross country and track and field program in 13th heading into the NCAA Outdo...  

• All-Time, All-Tide: Defensive Tackle • Tuscaloosa News
It's a trip back into the trenches this week, as we take a look at defensive tackle. 

• Deas wins Bill Shelton Award at ASWA banquet • Tuscaloosa News
BIRMINGHAM | Tuscaloosa News Executive Sports Editor Tommy Deas received the Bill Shelton Award on Sunday night by the Alabama Sports Writers Association at the annual banquet in Birmingham.

• Gentry Estes: Crimson Tide signee Andrew Miller is undecided while awaiting MLB Draft fate • al.com
In Andrew Miller's mind, the tough part is over. He has already accomplished what he set out to do. 

• Chris's Blog - Monday June 8, 2009 • Chris Stewart Sports
3 p.m. CDT - It pays to be hot late...

• NCBWA Announces 2009 Freshman All-America Teams • SEC Sports
NCBWA Announces 2009 Freshman All-America Teams

• SEC Has 36 Players on WNBA Opening Day Rosters • SEC Sports
SEC Has 36 Players on WNBA Opening Day Rosters

• Georgia star picks up UA offer at camp; Tide leads • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"I just went out there and showcased my skills. They measured me at 6-4, 217 and then I ran a 4.51 40. Afterwards, Coach Saban took me into his office and said that they were offering me a scholarship."

• Recruiting notes • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Pinson Valley sleeper defensive tackle makes good first impression. Camp quick hits.

• Georgia RB has top-notch visit to UA • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Highly-touted running back Mack Brown of Lithonia-King, GA made an unofficial visit to Tuscaloosa on Sunday. He and his father came away impressed. 

• Victor Beasley earns Tide offer • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Victor Beasley, outside linebacker from Adairsville, Ga., really emerged during the spring. He first turned heads at the Scout.com/New Level 7-on-7 tourney in Tampa, and earned an offer Monday in Tuscaloosa with his performance. 

• Spring Spotlight: JaWuan James • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Watch practice video, see practice photos, and get analysis of James here…

• Our 2010 Class to Date • Crimson Country Club  (Members Only)
Its a lot more fun to look ahead in regard to recruiting than to look behind. But in this microwave society, every now and then we have to look back and regroup. Where are we? I think we can divide the Already Committed into three groups. And here they are: 

• SEC Preview: Ole Miss • Crimson Country Club  (Members Only)
I heard the Ole mIss head coach likes bring his own footballs in a pillowcase to every game..... On the outside of the bag it reads: Nutt’s Ball Sack 

• Camp Nuggets • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama June summer camp is underway, and BOL has the latest coverage as some of the top prospects in the country arrive in Tuscaloosa. In these BOL Camp Nuggets, get the latest on top Tide OL target James Stone plus a new Tide 2011 offer that has UA on top.

• Beasley picks up Alabama offer • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Every where Victor Beasley has been this spring, he has made an impression. The lengthy, physical and athletic prospect followed up a great performance at the University of Tennessee camp in Knoxville with a trip to Tuscaloosa for Alabama's prospect camp. Once again, ... 

• Oklahoma athlete feeling stronger about Bama (video included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
About a month ago, Under Armour All-America athlete DeMarco Cobbs (Tulsa, Okla./Central) listed his top 10 schools. 

• TRACKIN’ TRENT: Richardson embracing new life in Tuscaloosa (video included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Crimson Confidential wraps up its four-part series today tracking Alabama ’09 signee Trent Richardson out of Escambia High School in Pensacola, Fla., as he prepares for his freshman season at Alabama. 

• Gentry Estes: Top moments from a year covering UA sports ... • al.com
Per the nature of my earlier post ranking Crimson Tide sports teams and dishing out a few awards, I shuffled through memories of another school year spent covering University of Alabama sports.

• Ray Melick: NCAA should require athletes to read those textbooks • The Birmingham News
It's been a busy spring for the high sheriffs of the NCAA.

• Alabama cleanup hitter Matt Matthes hopes explosive senior season helps him in draft • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - The more he swung the bat, the more answers Kent Matthes provided about his future as a professional. The Alabama cleanup hitter, who tied for the national lead in home runs, left little doubt that his name will be called early Tuesday in the Major League Baseball 2009 First-Year Player Draft.

• UA'S MATTHES LEAVES LITTLE DRAFT DOUBT • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- The more he swung the bat, the more answers Kent Matthes provided about his future as a professional. The Alabama cleanup hitter, who tied for the national lead in home runs, left little doubt that his name will be called early Tuesday in the Major League Baseball 2009 First-Year Player Draft.

• Sports Soundoff • The Press Register
Monday, June 08, 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. 

• 2011 athlete raking in offers • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
It's no secret that the UA staff is going to recruit aggressively in Georgia. North Gwinnett HS in Suwanee has already produced a pair of 2010 commitments in offensive linemen Austin Shepherd and Jawuan James. Looking ahead to 2011, the Tide has already set its sights on another of the school's top talents, versatile athlete C.J. Uzomah. 

• 'Leaving the Nest': William Ming • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Susan Ming likes the fact her son, William, chose a school with a "rich football tradition." After all, she witnessed what Alabama tradition was all about as a student in the late 1970s. 

• Tide camp begins • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama's first four-day football camp of the summer kicked off on Sunday, and several big-time visitors were on hand to take in the event. Did Alabama make up ground with Rivals100 back Mack Brown? Is a new in-state star emerging? 

• Tide among favorites for Gholston • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Detroit Southeastern defensive end William Gholston is ranked as the No. 47 player in the country and has just about every offer a recruit could want, and luckily for Tide fans, Alabama is still in it for this towering defender. 

• Malone solid to UA • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Wide receiver prospect Keiwone Malone discusses his commitment to Alabama and Ole Miss' efforts to sway the Memphis native.

• Bama viewed as program nearing perennial power status • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
It's been a while since Alabama's been considered a year-in, year-out national title contender.

• Bama WR target Prater has big day at Illinois Nike camp • Crimson Confidential
There's obviously a reason -- probably several, in fact -- Alabama is pursuing ESPNU 150 Watch List wide receiver Kyle Prater (Hillside, Ill./Proviso West). 

• Bama bloodline still not persuading Tennessee tight end (video included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Most think Evangelical (Tenn.) Christian School tight end Harrison Jones is a shoo-in to be a part of...

• In-state linebacker prospect set to announce decision Monday • Crimson Confidential
It looks like it may be Auburn, but Jawara White (Troy/Charles Henderson) isn’t saying anything until Monday. 

• Holcombe Named ESPN.com Softball All-American • RollTide.com
Catcher is One of Only 12 Named to the Team 

• Women's Track Sends Five to NCAA Championships • RollTide.com
The Alabama women's track and field team will head to the NCAA Championships being held in Fayetteville, Ark. The meet will begin on Wednesday, June 10 at John McDonnell Field. The first event for ...

• Softball Concludes Season Ranked Third in Final Polls • RollTide.com
After tying its longest stay in program history at the Women's College World Series the Alabama softball team was tabbed third by both major polls in the final release of the season. Both the USA T...

• Men's Track Set for NCAA Championships • RollTide.com
The Alabama men's track and field team will head to the NCAA Championships being held in Fayetteville, Ark. The meet will begin on Wednesday, June 10 at John McDonnell Field. The first event for th...

• Talk of the Tide - Vol. 1 - Issue 9 • RollTide.com
The June issue of Talk of the Tide includes a spring sports roundup as well as a message from Director of Athletics Mal Moore and information on the Crimson Tide's four recent Alabama Sports Hall o... 

• Andrew Bone: Recruits on campus to take part in camp • Tuscaloosa News
The University of Alabama is hosting a summer camp for high school prospects that started Sunday and will last through Wednesday. The camp is closed to the public and media, with elite players from across the country competing. Many players hold scholarships from the Crimson Tide, while others are hoping to earn an offer from Alabama with their performance.

• Ian R. Rapoport: As the wait continues, new details emerge about Alabama's textbook case... • al.com
Will it be today? Tomorrow? Two weeks? Two months? Well, two months seems like a little long. 

• Gentry Estes: Tide's Kent Matthes awaits the MLB Draft: "I'd be very surprised if I didn't go tonight" • al.com
Alabama slugger Kent Matthes is settling in with friends and family at home in Orlando, Fla., for the start of Major League Baseball's first-year player draft.

• Gentry Estes: Is one of Alabama's possible MLB draftees not from the baseball team? • al.com
There are seven baseball prospects from the University of Alabama listed on this draft tracker being used this year by MajorLeagueBaseball.com.

• SEC Track and Field Notebook - Tuu., June 9th • SEC Sports
SEC Track and Field Notebook - Tuu., June 9th

• Tide evaluating Florida QB • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Quarterback Mike Strauss of Gulliver Prep in Miami is taking a summer tour of schools he's interested in with the hope of landing more scholarship offers. The 6-2, 207-pounder holds offers from Akron, Buffalo, FIU, Tulane and Western Michigan. He's receiving interest from Alabama, Miami, Ole Miss, Rutgers and Tennessee. 

• Forest Hills Punter Has Two Offers • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Forest Hills Northern (Mich.) punter Mike Sadler has two offers and more could be coming

• ScoutTV: Ethan Farmer • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Junior season highlights of South Columbus (N.C.) defensive end and tight end Ethan Farmer.

• Camp Nuggets: Day Three • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Day three of the Tide's first four-day camp of the summer is winding down, and Alabama continues to impress some of the best talent in the southeast. Check inside for the latest on top secondary target John Fulton and his blistering 40-time today at camp as well as several other top prospects.

• Davis has three in mind • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Chester (SC) Chester offensive guard Kalon Davis has three schools on top, and the mammoth athlete will try and impress the Tide later this month when he visits for UA's OL/DL camp.

• Georgia athlete with Auburn ties earns offer from Bama • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Now Vic Beasley (Adairsville, Ga.) will have to consider what it would be like to play for his dad's school's arch-rival.

• Tide in mix for Watch List Maryland lineman • Crimson Confidential
ESPNU 150 Watch List offensive guard Arie Kouandjio (Hyattsville, Md./DeMatha Catholic) is one of the country’s top offensive line prospects. 

• UA All-America cornerback may be nearing Tide commitment • Crimson Confidential
The recruiting front remains a busy and fluid one for Alabama -- especially now that summer camp season...

• ESPN's King weighs in on Bama football, Saban (audio included) • Crimson Confidential
Everybody has a take on the current state of the Alabama football program. ESPN's Shaun King is no...

• Interest heating up for Mississippi receiver but Bama pursuing hardest • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Alabama still has the full-court pressure on Vincent Sanders (Macon, Miss./Noxubee County). And with the attention he’s continuing to...

• Cauley and Hamrick Earn PING All-America Accolades • RollTide.com
The pair is the first Alabama golfers to earn All-America honors as freshmen 

• Tide players projected to be drafted today • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Kent Matthes is expected to be selected today in baseball's amateur draft, with an outside chance he could go as high as the first round.

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Alabama's NCAA textbook case involves about 200 athletes • The Birmingham News
The NCAA Infractions Committee's work is never finished, but it's done a lot of heavy lifting lately.

• Alabama baseball talent anxious to hear names in MLB draft • The Birmingham News
Ben Tootle's baseball future could hinge on a bug. 

• Former UA football signee Desmond Jennings now appears to be on track for the major leagues • The Birmingham News
Desmond Jennings left football behind three years ago. 

• Bama, Auburn sluggers hope power pays off in MLB draft • The Press Register
Kent Matthes insists there really wasn't all that much to it. 

• Sports Soundoff • The Press Register
Tuesday, June 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 can be published. 

• Power at plate, on the mound • The Huntsville Times
Kent Matthes insists there really wasn't all that much to it. 

• SEC Baseball Attendance Nears 1.9 Million • SEC Sports
SEC Baseball Attendance Nears 1.9 Million

• Wells hopes draft won't take toll on Tide • Montgomery Advertiser
The top prospect from the state of Alabama in today's Major League Baseball amateur draft, not surprisingly, is Alabama senior right fielder Kent Matthes.

• Cherokee County DB camps at UA • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Safety Desmond Brown of Centre-Cherokee County, AL came to the Tide's camp on Sunday hoping to earn a scholarship offer. The 6-0, 195-pound Brown left on Monday without the offer he wanted, but he hasn't given up hope.

• Star tight end visits Tuscaloosa • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
In the 2010 class, one would be hard-pressed to find a better tight end prospect than Brian Vogler of the Brookstone School in Columbus, Georgia.

• Georgia DT blown away by UA visit • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"I came over and watched camp, toured the facilities and met up with the coaches. It was my first time on campus, and I was blown away..."

• Opelika RB keeping options open • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Opelika running back Corey Grant has some big-time offers, including ones from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Stanford, Tennessee and Vanderbilt. On Sunday, the 5-10, 186-pound Grant and his father, Ike Grant, were in Tuscaloosa for a brief stop at Bama's camp.

• Olive Branch OT talks about Bama camp • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Perhaps no high school was better represented at Alabama's first summer camp than Olive Branch HS in Olive Branch, MS. Three of the school's offensive linemen, including guard Eric Lawson and star tackles Damien Robinson and Shon Coleman, were in Tuscaloosa on Sunday and Monday working out in the camp. 

• Corey Grant camps in T-town • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Corey Grant, Scout.com four-star running back from Opelika, Ala., took a trip to Tuscaloosa Sunday to participate in the Alabama camp. Grant spent time working out as a running back, and the staff also explained other ways to use his talents in the Tide's offense. 

• Spring Spotlight: JaWuan James • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Watch practice video, see practice photos, and get analysis of James here…

• Alabama Camp: Day Two Notebook • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Day two of the first Alabama football camp of the summer is in the books, and as expected the recruiting news continues at a rapid pace. In this premium recruiting notebook, get the latest on Brian Vogler, Jarrick Williams, 2011 star Shannon Brown and much more.

• Camp Nuggets • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama June summer camp is underway, and BOL has the latest coverage as some of the top prospects in the country arrive in Tuscaloosa. In these BOL Camp Nuggets, get the latest on a new UA offer that has a Peach star thinking Bama and much, much more. 

• UA All-America lineman keeps Tide in top five but drops Vols • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Alabama remains in good shape for Under Armour All-America offensive guard Torrian Wilson (Miami, Fla./Northwestern). 

• Tide or Ducks: Who was better in '08? • Crimson Confidential
Oregon in the SEC? 

• Tide's Richardson expected to make early impact • Crimson Confidential
Alabama fans want to know. Who among the incoming freshman class will see significant playing time this fall?...

• Bama's bold openers a rarity in college football today • Crimson Confidential
For two seasons now, Alabama has been the savior of Labor Day weekend college football
. While the vast...

• UA to forfeit games in textbook case • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama coach Nick Saban and his program will have to forfeit games as a result of an NCAA investigation on violations in its textbook distribution system, a source has told BamaOnLine.com. 

• Kevin Greer Named First Team Academic All-American • RollTide.com
Alabama sprinter Kevin Greer has been named to the ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-American Men's At-Large First Team, marking the fourth time in the past five years that a member of the Alab... 

• The Big Question: Who Is Talking? • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
In recent years on stories of consequence, the journalism standard of anonymous source use in newspapers and magazines has been high. It is somewhat lower on internet sites, almost non-existent in talk radio. That standard usually is at least two credible sources as determined by someone at a level above the writer. We have one snippet of "news," and only one anonymous source. 

• Dale Trimble works-out in Tuscaloosa • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Three-star corner was shooting for Tide scholarship.

• Recruiting Update: RB Derek Campbell • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Three Star RB Derek Campbell talks recruiting, camps, and commitment plans.

• Bama was unlikely destination for Montana after Sims commitment • Crimson Confidential
Nick Montana (Westlake Village, Calif./Oaks Christian) liked Alabama. 

• Matthes Taken in 4th Round of MLB Draft • RollTide.com
Alabama right fielder Kent Matthes was taken in the fourth round of the 2009 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Wednesday by the Colorado Rockies. He was the 121st overall selection ... 

• NCAA infractions ruling expected today • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama officials expect to receive a ruling on its textbook case from the NCAA Committee on Infractions today, sources close to UA said on Wednesday morning.

• Attorney General: No violations in Andre Smith case • Tuscaloosa News
MONTGOMERY | Attorney General Troy King today said he found no probable cause to believe there was any Alabama sports' agent law violation in the case of former Alabama football player Andre Smith.

• Alabama's Matthes drafted by Rockies; others selected • Tuscaloosa News
MONTGOMERY (AP) — The wait is over for Alabama slugger Kent Matthes.

• Ian R. Rapoport Alabama finally receives its 24-hour notice from the NCAA on textbooks • al.com
Hello from Hattiesburg, where the Banktress and I are saying goodbye to her brother before he ships off to Iraq. On this same day, we learn that finally, finally, finally, the University of Alabama will be informed about its textbook-related fate from the NCAA.

• Gentry Estes: NCAA nears announcement on University of Alabama textbook case • al.com
TUSCALOOSA -- The NCAA's Committee on Infractions is expected to publicly announce a decision on the textbook case involving the University of Alabama as early as 2 p.m. Thursday.

• Gentry Estes: Three more UA players taken today in MLB Draft • al.com
While people have been diverted to major breaking news, the Major League Baseball first-year player draft continued today with a few more Alabama inclusions.

• Manning duo has high remarks for UA • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
One member of the Manning (SC) duo of John Fulton and Dexter Morant came to Tuscaloosa this weekend with the Tide in control for his signature while the other had Alabama in a cluster with several other SEC programs. After three days at the Capstone, how have things changed for these elite prospects?

• Finality coming in textbook case • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama coach Nick Saban may already know the results of an NCAA investigation into UA's textbook distribution system. The NCAA is expected to announce its findings on Thursday.

• Rockies draft Matthes • BamaOnLine
Kent Matthes , Alabama's record-setting outfielder, was the first Crimson Tide player chosen in the Major League First-Year Players Draft.

• Reports: Alabama to receive NCAA ruling this afternoon • Crimson Confidential
Reports have surfaced today that Alabama may hear from the NCAA this afternoon regarding penalties stemming from the textbook scandal that surfaced in late 2007. 

• Foster making preparations to succeed early at Bama • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
These days, Alabama commit Cade Foster (Southlake, Texas/Carroll) is busy, busy, busy. 

• ESPN ALABAMA TOUR: Shaun Alexander weighs in on playing for the Tide (video included) • Crimson Confidential
Want to know all about Alabama football? Go to one of its greats. 

• Gentry Estes: Kent Matthes selected 10 picks into the fourth round of MLB draft • al.com
Kent Matthes' wait didn't last more than 10 minutes this morning.

• Alabama softball finishes third in final polls • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama finished at No. 3 in both major college softball polls, which were released Tuesday.

• Former UA football signee a hit in pro baseball • Tuscaloosa News
MONTGOMERY | Desmond Jennings is still diving for balls, just not for Alabama's football team.

• New track coach making own marks at Arkansas • Tuscaloosa News
The University of Alabama men's and women's track and field teams begin competition at the NCAA Championships today at John McDonnell Field in Fayetteville, Ark.

• Cecil Hurt: Yes, sometimes there's some truth to rumors • Tuscaloosa News
Not to start any rumors, but University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban was spotted on the campus at Southern Cal on Tuesday.

•  Ian R. Rapoport: Nick Saban drops by the USC campus to shoot a commercial for ESPN's College GameDay • al.com
We know that Alabama coach Nick Saban is an accomplished actor... or something. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Day 1 of the MLB Draft ends with Kent Matthes' name not being called... • al.com
With a breakout senior season and more home runs than anyone in the nation, Major League Baseball Draft analysts assumed Kent Matthes was a first-day selection. There were three rounds and 111 picks, enough room for the Alabama cleanup hitter... right? 

• Gentry Estes: No Tiders taken on first night of MLB Draft • al.com
As it turned out, the SEC's player of the year will have to wait at least another day before learning his Major League Baseball destiny. So will each of his collegiate teammates.

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Hot Corner: Alabama's choice of Anthony Grant looking better • The Birmingham News
Remember when Alabama was searching for a new head basketball coach? At least one prominent member of the Alabama basketball family was pushing USC's Tim Floyd for the job.

• Sports Soundoff • The Press Register
Wednesday, June 10, 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. 

• Tide's class shines early with Milliner commitment • Montgomery Advertiser
Demarcus Milliner gave a lot of recruiting analysts a taste of his ability in the Elite Action Combine. 

• Photos:  • Montgomery Advertiser
Stanhope Standout Commits to UA

• 2011 receiver discusses UA camp • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Don't look now, but Gadsden City HS is set to produce yet another of the state's top prospects -- this time for the class of 2011.

• TI TV for June 9 • WVUA-TV
See it on WVUATV.com, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• 2011 star didn't want to leave UA camp • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"Everything was great. I didn't want to leave. When they told me we were leaving, I told them I wanted to stay. I really loved it."

• Big OT enjoys Tide camp • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Although the Tide already has three offensive linemen committed for 2010, there is still work to be done up front. One of the top prospects on the board is big Damien Robinson of Olive Branch, Mississippi. The 6-7, 330-pounder, who has raked in 20 scholarship offers, spent Sunday and Monday in Tuscaloosa taking part in UA's first camp of the summer. 

• Brian Vogler visits Alabama • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Brian Vogler, Scout.com 300 tight end from Columbus-Brookstone School, Ga., traveled to Tuscaloosa Monday for an unofficial visit and met with head coaches from two different sports. 

• Carlos Gray emerges in summer camps • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Holds first SEC offer.

• The Better Coach: Saban Or Miles? • 'BamaMag
BleacherReport.com writer gives the nod to Alabama’s Nick Saban

• Notebook: Day 3 • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
With Alabama football camp participants winding down their time at the Capstone after three days, did the Tide improve their standing with any of the multiple big-time targets on campus such as Rivals100 offensive tackle Damien Robinson or Rivals250 running back Corey Grant?

• ESPN ALABAMA TOUR: Breaking down the state's bests (video included) • Crimson Confidential
ESPN's College Football Live 50 States Tour rolled through the state of Alabama this week and spent some time dissecting the best player, best coach and best team the Heart of Dixie has had to offer over the years.

• UA All-America Fulton likes Bama camp but plans to wait to commit • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Looks like Alabama is going to have to be satisfied with just being John Fulton’s favorite – at least for now anyway. 

• Alabama's Response to the NCAA Committee on Infractions' Decision on Textbook Case • RollTide.com
This afternoon the NCAA announced penalties imposed on the University of Alabama because of violation of NCAA policies regarding the distribution of textbooks to student-athletes.

• Women's Track Concludes Day Two of NCAA Championships • RollTide.com
The Alabama women's track and field team concluded the second day of the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships being hosted by the University of Arkansas at John McDonnell Field on Thursday.

• Evans, May Taken on Final Day of MLB Draft • RollTide.com
The Alabama baseball team had two players taken on the final day of the 2009 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, raising its three-day total to six MLB draftees.

• Camilla Lennarth has Strong Showing at British Open Amateur • RollTide.com
University of Alabama sophomore golfer Camilla Lennarth completed her run at the Ladies' British Open Amateur Championship with a loss in the second round of match play on the 6,202-yard, par-73 Ro...

• Kevin Greer Named First Team Academic All-American • RollTide.com
Alabama sprinter Kevin Greer has been named to the ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-American Men's At-Large First Team, marking the fourth time in the past five years that a member of the Alab... 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Students react to student athletes textbook violations
University of Alabama students react to the NCAA decision to place Alabama athletics on probation due to student athlete textbook violations. Video by Ashley Boyd

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Alabama response to NCAA sanctions
UA President Robert Witt and Athletic Director Mal Moore respond to NCAA sanctions.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Nick Saban reacts to NCAA sanctions
Nick Saban comments on the NCAA report about student textbook violations. Video by Ashley Boyd.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama clarifies football's textbook-related vacation penalties from the NCAA: 21 wins affected • al.com
Thus far, we've been saying that Alabama would vacate at least 10 victories for its violations of textbook disbursement policy. Thanks to a clarification we just received from UA brass, we now have a definitive number. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: NCAA Committee on Infractions chair Paul Dee: "It's the most appropriate penalty for those involved." • al.com
As you're reading this, I'm in the news conference with Alabama Athletics Director Mal Moore and President Robert Witt. So let's check out what NCAA Committee on Infractions chair Paul Dee said about this textbook thing. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: NCAA hits Alabama with three years of probation for textbook violations... want to know any other numbers? • al.com
The NCAA's textbook release is out, and the penalties we wrote about were, in fact, the penalties.

• SEC Baseball Players in the 2009 MLB Draft • SEC Sports
SEC Baseball Players in the 2009 MLB Draft 

• 2009 SEC Softball - Final Release • SEC Sports
2009 SEC Softball - Final Release

• Sallee Blog: Bama Put On Notice • College Football News
The punishment handed down to Alabama by the NCAA's Committee on Infractions (COI) might seem light in the eyes of some. However, it has put the entire Crimson Tide athletic department on thin ice for the next half-decade. 

• Tide won’t lose scholarships as part of sanctions • AJC
The NCAA will not force Alabama to surrender any future football scholarships today, when it is expected that the Crimson Tide will be forced to vacate at least 10 wins from 2005-2007, according to a Birmingham News report.

• Moore, Witt at odds with NCAA ruling • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Both Alabama athletics director Mal Moore and University president Robert Witt disputed the NCAA's claims on Thursday that the school's violations regarding improper distribution of textbooks resulted in a competitive advantage for the Crimson Tide from 2005-07. 

• Tide makes big push for Johnson • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
From the very start of his recruiting process, Pahokee wide receiver De'Joshua Johnson has made it clear his decision will come down to the school that is the best fit. Last weekend, at Alabama's summer camp, the coaching staff got a chance to show Johnson that the Crimson Tide was the fit he is looking for. FV caught up with the speedy wide out to talk about his experience at Alabama.

• Wiping out three years of Alabama football (video included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
The NCAA Committee on Infractions on Thursday placed Alabama's sports teams on three years' probation as a result of its student-athletes improperly obtaining approximately $40,000 worth of textbooks from the school's bookstore.

• Alabama ‘disappointed’ with NCAA ruling; appeal under consideration • Crimson Confidential
Anyone who thought Alabama was going to breathe a sigh of relief that it avoided scholarship losses, accept what punishment the NCAA Infractions Committee did mete out and move on might want to think again. 

• NCAA’s classification of scandal as “monitoring” problem keeps Bama from heavy hit • Crimson Confidential
There’s a difference between being a bad guy and being a good guy who made a bad mistake....

• Krystle Schade Advances to Finals at NCAA Championships • RollTide.com
Schade, a freshman, qualified for the high jump finals set for Friday 

• Infractions involved 201 students, 16 teams • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | A total of 201 University of Alabama athletes on 16 teams were involved in “misuse of the university’s textbook distribution program,” receiving around $40,000 in academic supplies to which they were not entitled, the NCAA Committee on Infractions found in its report released Thursday.

• Saban pleased penalties won't affect future • Tuscaloosa News
BIRMINGHAM | Although he couldn’t specifically comment on the latest round of penalties issued by the National Collegiate Athletic Association against the University of Alabama athletics department until after the formal teleconference and disclosure by the Division I Committee on Infractions, football coach Nick Saban took a few moments to address reporters Thursday morning.

• May drafted by the Cubs • Tuscaloosa News
University of Alabama utility infielder Brandon May was drafted in the 36th round by the Chicago Cubs in the 2009 Major League Baseball draft on Thursday.

• Ian R. Rapoport: NCAA releases its report on Alabama's "major" textbook violations involving 16 sports and 201 athletes • al.com
While we're talking to Committee on Infractions chair Paul Dee, you guys can check out the NCAA's official report, which is now finally available to the public. A lot of this, we knew already. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama coach Nick Saban on the NCAA's textbook ruling: • al.com
"I'm really happy that this won't affect (our players') future..."
As luck would have it, Alabama coach Nick Saban was scheduled to have his annual Nick's Kids charity golf tournament at Old Overton Golf Course in Birmingham on the same day all this textbook stuff'll be made public. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: While we were all focusing on football and the NCAA, ... • al.com
... a bunch of Alabama baseball players got drafted Draft
Usually, the Major League Baseball Draft is a huge deal, worthy of plenty of discussion and numerous posts. Except, there was this whole textbook thing... And that garnered all the attention. 

• Gentry Estes: University of Alabama is placed on 3 years' probation for textbook violations in 16 sports • al.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The NCAA Committee on Infractions placed the University of Alabama on 3 years' probation today for "major violations" uncovered in the school's 2007 textbook investigation.

• Gentry Estes: Day three adds additional UA players to the MLB draft list • al.com
In addition to the four Crimson Tide baseball players selected yesterday on day two of Major League Baseball's first-year player draft, two more have already been selected today. (We'll update as we can as the draft progresses).

• Ken Booth: Listen to NCAA teleconference concerning Tide infractions • al.com
NCAA teleconfrence concerning Crimson Tide infractions

• Vacate This ... Alabama's NCAA Punishment  • College Football News
Alabama will be tagged by the NCAA for violations from 2005 to 2007 revolving around the selling of textbooks. What will be the punishment? Vacated wins. Pete Fiutak gives Alabama advice for how it should handle the situation. 

• NCAA: Tide must vacate wins in textbook case, but will not lose scholarships • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Alabama will have to vacate football wins from the 2005, 2006 and 2007 seasons, but will not lose scholarships under NCAA sanctions released Thursday following a more than 18-month investigation into improper receipt of textbooks by Crimson Tide athletes. 

• Pahokee receiver talks T-town camp • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
DeJoshua Johnson remains with a top three.

• D.J. Howard pushing 20 offers • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Running back camps in Tuscaloosa.

• Four-star cornerback visits Tuscaloosa • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Tony Grimes talked of camp experience.

• NCAA ruling comes down • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
As expected, the NCAA announced its penalties for the Alabama athletic program Thursday afternoon. Football coach Nick Saban and his program received three years of probation, among other sanctions. 

• Around the schedule: Wide receiver • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
BOL's "Around the Schedule" series continues with a look at the top opposing wide receivers Javier Arenas and UA will play against this fall. 

• Under Armour All-America Brown seeks out Saban (video included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Under Armour All-America running back Mack Brown (Lithonia, Ga./Martin Luther King) had one thing on his mind early this week. 

• Tyson David, Emmanuel Bor Advance to Finals at NCAA Championships • RollTide.com
The Alabama men's track and field team began competition Wednesday at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships being hosted by the University of Arkansas at John McDonnell Field. The meet was...

• Krystle Schade Advances to Finals at NCAA Championships • RollTide.com
The Alabama women's track and field team began competition Wednesday at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships being hosted by the University of Arkansas at John McDonnell Field. The ladies... 

• Matthes, Howell taken on Day 2 • Tuscaloosa News
University of Alabama right fielder Kent Matthes was taken in the fourth round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Wednesday by the Colorado Rockies.

• Andre Smith agent case is dropped, AG says • Tuscaloosa News
MONTGOMERY | Former University of Alabama All-American and current Cincinnati Bengals rookie Andre Smith can concentrate on football now that a sports agent investigation has closed.

• UA's Greer first team Academic All-American • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama senior Kevin Greer has been named to the ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-American Men's At-Large First Team, marking the fourth time in the past five years that a member of the UA swimming and diving team has earned the honor.

• Tide's Schade advances to high jump finals • Tuscaloosa News
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. | The University of Alabama women's track and field team finished its events at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships on Wednesday before the meet was put under a weather delay at 7:15 p.m.

• Christopher Walsh: T-News Rankings: Bowl appearances • Tuscaloosa News
A major part of college football, which ties into everything from recruiting to fan support, is exposure, and there may be no better way to promote a program than playing in a bowl game.

• Ian R. Rapoport: NCAA to force Alabama to vacate wins, ... • al.com
... won't require future scholarship losses for football, a source said. (Updated!)
TUSCALOOSA -- The NCAA will announce Thursday that the Alabama football team must vacate all wins in 2005 through 2007 that included players involved in violations of textbook disbursement policy, a person with knowledge of the ruling said. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: AG Troy King closes the case involving Andre Smith and agents.. • al.com
I know we're all interested in the fact that Alabama has received its heads up from the NCAA regarding textbooks. And rightfully so.

• Gentry Estes: NCAA's ruling expected to include past football victories, probation for UA • al.com
TUSCALOOSA -- The NCAA is expected to levy multiple years of probation and vacating of victories -- but a minimal loss of scholarships, if any -- against the University of Alabama's football program when sanctions are announced Thursday in the school's textbook case, sources have told the Press-Register.

• Gentry Estes: Attorney General says "no probable cause" for violations in Andre Smith case • al.com
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama Attorney General Troy King will not pursue legal action as a result of University of Alabama left tackle Andre Smith's suspension prior to this past season's Sugar Bowl.

• Chris's Blog - Wednesday June 10th, 2009 • Chris Stewart Sports
9:30 p.m. CDT - The letter has arrived...

• Ray Melick: It's time UA president called an athletic department intervention • The Birmingham News
It's time to admit it. The University of Alabama has a problem.

• State AG will not pursue Smith agent case • The Birmingham News
Alabama Attorney General Troy King has closed his office's review of the Andre Smith case, saying he found "no probable cause" to believe anyone violated Alabama's state laws for sports agents.

• Bama's Matthes finally gets call • The Birmingham News
After unexpectedly not hearing his name called Tuesday in the first five hours of the Major League Baseball Draft, Kent Matthes waited fewer than 10 minutes Wednesday.

• NCAA will force Alabama to vacate football wins, but not lose future scholarships • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - The NCAA today will announce that the Alabama football team must vacate all wins from 2005 through 2007 that included players involved in violations of textbook disbursement policy, people with knowledge of the ruling said.

• NCAA to announce Alabama sanctions today • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - The NCAA is expected to levy multiple years of probation and vacating of victories ? but only a minimal loss of scholarships, if any against the University of Alabama's football program when sanctions are announced today in the school's textbook case, sources have told the Press-Register.

• Agent case involving Andre Smith closed, says King • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama Attorney General Troy King will not pursue legal action as a result of former University of Alabama left tackle Andre Smith's suspension prior to last January's Sugar Bowl.

• Sports Soundoff • The Press Register
Thursday, June 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. 

• AG: No agent wrongdoing in Smith case • The Huntsville Times
King clears matter that benched Tide All-American 

• Will NCAA make Tide a textbook example? • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - The NCAA is expected to levy probation and game forfeitures against the University of Alabama football program when sanctions are announced today in the school's textbook case, sources have told The Times.

• NCAA set to announce Tide fate • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Almost 20 months after the investigation began, the public appears to be close to learning the extent of Alabama’s …

• Rockies take Tide’s Matthes in fourth round • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Kent Matthes is one of five still in the running for the nation’s highest college baseball award, but his pro stock …

• NCAA to release ruling on Alabama • Dothan Eagle
A year and a half after uncovering potential rules violations in its “student-athlete textbook distribution system,” the University of Alabama has received a ruling from the NCAA and it is expected to be announced publicly today, according to several media outlets.

• 6/11 Roundtable - Should Players Be Paid? • College Football News
Should college football players be paid? It's the Thursday topic in the CFN Daily Roundtable Discussion.

• UA camp impresses in-state RB • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Lincoln HS tailback D.J. Howard has offers from at least ten schools, including Arkansas, Auburn, Kentucky, Louisville, Mississippi State and Southern Miss. The 5-11, 193-pounder also has the attention of Alabama, FSU, LSU and Tennessee.

• Florida speedster excelled at camp • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"I was going through the cornerbacks and whoever they lined up on me. I was named to the All-Saban Team and the MVP for receivers."

• Bama camp met expectations of Florida star • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"I had high expectations coming into the camp. It met my expectations and probably exceeded them in some ways."

• Catching Up With Austin Shepherd • 'BamaMag
Gavsv.com talks with North Gwinnett Lineman 

• Beasley goes in- depth on Tide visit • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Adairsville (Ga.) athlete Victor Beasley holds eight early scholarship offers, but that may be just the tip of the iceburg for this 6-foot-4, 217-pounder who is blowing up on the camp circuit. His latest stop was at Alabama, and Beasley walked away with a clear leader. 

• Nothing improper discovered in Smith probe • Crimson Confidential
Looks like Andre Smith and his alleged dealings with a sports agent prior to January's Sugar Bowl can finally be put to rest. 

• In-state Watch List linebacker has Bama among top four • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
It's obvious Alabama has the attention of in-state linebacker C.J. Mosley (Theodore). 

• Bama avoids scholarship losses in NCAA ruling • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Finally, the fidgety fingers and nervous pacing can stop. After months of waiting, Alabama heard back from the...

• Saban eager to move past latest brush with NCAA • Tuscaloosa News
BIRMINGHAM | Although he couldn’t comment on the latest round of penalties issued by the National Collegiate Athletic Association against the University of Alabama athletics department until after the formal teleconference and disclosure by the Division I Committee on Infractions, football coach Nick Saban took a few moments to address reporters Thursday morning.

• Cecil Hurt: Disappointing is all you can say about this case • Tuscaloosa News
As the story of the University of Alabama’s textbook case with the NCAA finally came creeping into (almost) full daylight on Thursday, it wasn’t easy to know exactly how to describe it — until Dr. Robert Witt summed it up perfectly in a single word.

• Andrew Bone: Recruiting chat transcript • Tuscaloosa News
Chat transcript (6-10-09)

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama President Robert Witt on the NCAA's textbook rulings: • al.com
"They in no way affect the ability of our football team to compete fully."
It's been a long, long, long, long, long, long day, and it's time to step away from this computer. But before we do, let's check in on what some powers that be said. 

• Chris's Blog - Thursday June 11th, 2009 • Chris Stewart Sports
10:45 p.m. - It could have been worse...

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Does Alabama president care one Witt about integrity? • The Birmingham News
The last thing Robert Witt wants to do at a press conference is answer questions, even on a day when the integrity of his institution has been called into question.

• UA says textbook system is fixed • The Birmingham News
University of Alabama officials believe they have eliminated the gaps in a textbook distribution program that landed the school on NCAA probation for three years Thursday.

• Vacated wins more common NCAA penalty • The Birmingham News
The NCAA's decision to vacate records involving ineligible University of Alabama athletes represents a continuing shift by the Division I Committee on Infractions in how it penalizes major violators.

• Tommy Hicks: Sanctions a mixed bag for Alabama • The Press Register
There were tinges of outrage and feelings of relief Thursday in the University of Alabama's athletic department. Both emotions are understandable. 

• Crimson Tide football must vacate wins, teams get probation as NCAA punishment • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - With fresh bruises in its past, the University of Alabama's football program now looks to the future obligated to make sure the NCAA Committee of Infractions plays no part in it.

• Sports Soundoff • The Press Register
Friday, June 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.

• Mark McCarter: UA has no room for error • The Huntsville Times
There's no wiggle room now. There's no margin for error, no cushion. 

• Alabama vacates 21 football wins • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - With fresh bruises in its past, the University of Alabama's football program now looks to the future obligated to make sure the NCAA Committee of Infractions plays no part in it.

• Evans, May drafted • The Huntsville Times
The Alabama baseball team had two players taken on the final day of the Major League Baseball draft. 

• Jess Nicholas: Bama penalties mostly fair, but this can’t keep happening • TideFans
As Alabama figures out just how many victories will be “vacated” – which could include, I suppose, the Tide’s iconic 6-3 win over Tennessee in 2005 that cemented Roman Harper’s star value – most fans are looking at today’s round of penalties and probably thinking, “no big deal.”

• NCAA puts UA on probation • Montgomery Advertiser
With NCAA rules violations involving 201 athletes and 16 sports over a three-year period, the University of Alabama could have been looking at harsh penalties when the NCAA's Committee on Infractions released its final report on the school's textbook case Thursday afternoon.

• NCAA slaps Crimson Tide; punishment costs football team wins • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- The NCAA placed Alabama's football pro­gram and 15 other of the school's athletic teams on three years' probation for major violations due to misuse of free textbooks.

• Josh Moon: Alabama getting off easy • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- No scholarship losses in any sports. No lack-of-institu­tional control penalty. No sur­prising revelations.

• 2009 Committee on Infractions Report • Montgomery Advertiser
2009 Committee on Infractions Report

• Alabama’s NCAA Case Timeline • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
2005 Fall semester: According to NCAA reports, the first rules are …

• SPORTS COLUMN : Time to hold Mal Moore accountable • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
When teams lose games, the coach loses his job as the person in charge. So when Alabama gets hit by the NCAA — again — why does athletics director Mal Moore still have a job? The NCAA …

• NCAA hands down sanctions against Alabama • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — The numbers were big. Sixteen sports. Two hundred and one student-athletes. Twenty-one football victories.

• Alabama not out of the woods yet • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — To the short-sighted, it’s a slap on the wrist.

• NCAA Verdict Rougher Than Expected • College Football News
“This is not going to affect their future or the players we are recruiting." Nick Saban

• NCAA Enforcing Media Bans • College Football News
The NCAA will address issues with the media being permitted to be on campus when prospective students visit for a camp.

• 6/12 Roundtable - Should Bama Vacate Wins? • College Football News
Preview 2009 - Daily Roundtable. Should Alabama Have To Vacate Wins?

• Can Tide put it all behind them? • AJC
Alabama coach Nick Saban said he’s glad the scandal that led to the school being placed on three years’ probation is over.

• Memphis junior likes the Tide • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Over the years, Whitehaven HS has had its share of top prospects, and that will again be the case for the class of 2011. Defensive tackle Terry Redden is one of a handful of rising junior standouts for the Tigers. The 6-2, 270-pounder is already drawing looks from Alabama, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Tennessee and UCLA.

• SC duo has great experience at Bama's camp • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Two of the best prospects at the Tide's camp earlier this week were the Manning, SC duo of cornerback John Fulton and linebacker/defensive end Dexter Morant. Manning head coach Robert Briggs accompanied his two stars to Tuscaloosa.

• Saban Will Move On After Penalties • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
The scene is several years from now, an ex-IU (Insignificant University) football star being questioned by his young son. “Dad, I thought you said Alabama didn’t beat you, but this record book says….” “Don’t pay any attention to that, son. Bama had a competitive advantage -- using players who had received textbooks improperly.” 

• UA commit camps at Georgia • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Georgia's still UA commit Blake Sims mind and he camped there this week...

• Penalties Disappoint Alabama Leaders • 'BamaMag
University President and Athletics Director issue statements

• Thursday's Elite 11 at North Gwinnett • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Who was the best on day one? Find out here...

• Around the schedule: Running backs • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain will face three running backs this fall who rushed for over 1,000 yards last season. Who among them will give him the most trouble? BamaOnLine.com's 'Around the Schedule' series turns its attention to the ball carriers on UA's schedule this fall.

• Bama vaults to co-leader spot with Watch List receiver (video included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Uh, might want to hold off on chalking up De’Joshua Johnson (Pahokee, Fla.) for the Florida State column.

• NCAA ruling indicates a turning Tide • Crimson Confidential
With the announcement Thursday that the NCAA has wrist-slapped Alabama for its textbook problem, the university's rehabilitation might be complete. 

• Saban weighs in on NCAA ruling (video included) • Crimson Confidential
He wasn't at Alabama when the textbook scandal started, but Nick Saban did his part in trying to rectify the...