We -- meaning I -- thought the musical selections of Alabama’s music director as Auburn was entering Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday were the epitome of high-larious and one of the things that make heated college football rivalries great.
There were many people -- including some of our own Tide faithful -- who found no humor in the lyrical jabs taken at the Cam Newton “situation”. Today, the school has sided with the latter.
According to the Tuscaloosa News, Alabama has fired the part-time staffer who was responsible for playing “Take the Money and Run” and “Son of a Preacher Man” as the Tigers were taking the field for pregame warm-ups prior to the 75th Iron Bowl. The song selections were an obvious dig at the rumors swirling around Newton that his father -- a preacher -- had solicited money in exchange for his son’s signature on a Letter of Intent.
All music played at Alabama games is pre-approved, and apparently the staffer -- who the school would not name -- veered away from the script and, as a result, was relieved of his duties.
“Our processes require that all music and videos played in the stadium prior to and during every game be carefully scripted and approved by a senior administrator in the Athletics Department,” Lane wrote to the News in an e-mail. “The former staff member deviated from the script that had been approved for the game with Auburn, and the University took steps to immediately terminate his contract.
“The University of Alabama takes great pride in our football team’s long-standing tradition of playing the game with dignity and class, and showing respect for players and coaches of opposing teams. We are disappointed when the actions of any staff member undermine our deeply held values and expectations.”
So, yeah, that’s that. It’s kinda sad, though, to see the humor sucked out of life on a day-to-day basis. Pretty soon, fart jokes will be unacceptable.
When that day comes, I’m pulling up roots and moving to Canada. There is a nation of people who can appreciate some quality flatulence humor.
