Tide Tidbits – June 26, 2009

Nick Saban has started talks with UA about extending his contract past the 2014 season
Football coach Nick Saban has opened negotiations with the University of Alabama about an extension on his existing contract, sources confirmed today to the Press-Register. Though nothing has yet been finalized, a deal is expected before Alabama opens its football season Sept. 5 against Virginia Tech in Atlanta. Saban’s potential new contract would extend his agreement with UA, but will likely not raise his salary beyond any existing progression of the current deal.

University to appeal all vacated wins
The University of Alabama has filed formal notice with the NCAA that it intends to appeal the vacation of 21 football victories, as well as a tennis win and individual records in track and field. “The University of Alabama has notified the NCAA that it intends to appeal the vacation of wins penalty in the case involving violation of the NCAA’s rules on textbooks for student-athletes,” UA spokesperson Cathy Andreen said Thursday in an e-mail reply to a request for documents related to the appeal. Alabama is not appealing its three-year probation or the fine of $43,900 levied by the NCAA.

Greg McElroy: One Pass Is Not a Barometer of Success
Alabama fans remember what happened on 3rd-and-6 on the Auburn 34-yard line. Shotgun snap, McElroy looks off the safety, then throws a perfectly thrown 34-yard pass to Marquis Maze for a touchdown, which capped off six years of Alabama frustration in losing to their in-state rival. The message boards were buzzing after that play. Thinking about the 2008 Iron Bowl made me think of this question: What if that 34-yard pass against Auburn didn’t happen? Ever since then, the Bama Nation has placed high expectations on McElroy based off this one pass, and his high school career.

Who’s not coming to the SEC media days
Now that we know what players are scheduled to be at the SEC media days, it’s time to take a look at who won’t be there … and probably should. Right off the bat, it’s glaring that two of the best players in the league (and the top two receivers) won’t be coming. Alabama’s Julio Jones and Georgia’s A.J. Green are both sophomores, though, and will get their shot next year. Because of Nick Saban’s policy on freshmen speaking to the media, Jones has rarely been quoted at all since coming to Alabama. He did do a few interviews in open locker room settings following the SEC Championship Game and Sugar Bowl last season.

Roll Tide!

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