While Bama Awaits Word From NCAA, Saban Must Be Fuming

(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

One can only imagine the anger and frustration Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban is feeling at this moment.  Though the coach will never show it publicly, I would imagine there are some people in that locker room that wish they didn't know the coach right now.

A short few months back, Saban had to find a way to put aside the distraction of the "textbook scandal" that landed Alabama on probation once again.  This was surely an operation that was taking place long before his arrival and he likely had little to no knowledge of the extent of it.

Nevertheless, there's Nick Saban, holding the baton and dealing with the issues.  Like a true professional, he accepts his lashing and moves on to prepare his football team for a successful 2009 campaign.

Not long ago, another set of rumors popped up, this time about a "fishing trip" involving two of Alabama's star freshmen.  WR Julio Jones and RB Mark Ingram were rumored to have taken this trip with an Alabama "booster", though for quite some time, very few facts surfaced.

In recent days, the identity of the man who accompanied the players on the trip has become known.  A 56 year old Athens, Alabama resident named Curtis Anderson has been identified as the culprit.

Anderson is a local businessman who owns Eagle Wholesale Supply in Athens and according to the Birmingham News, "paid for a chartered spring fishing trip at Gulf Shores".  Depending on the finding, if he in fact did commit this act, it could be the proverbial "nail in the coffin" for Alabama since they are on probation.

Alabama took initiative and conducted their own investigation and at this time, had this comment on Mr. Anderson through their assistant to the President and Vice President.

"The university is aware of Mr. Anderson and has taken appropriate steps," Deborah Lane said. "Mr. Anderson is not affiliated with UA. He is not a UA booster, fan or alumnus and is not a UA season ticket holder. In fact, Mr. Anderson told us that all of his family are fans of another SEC school."

Though one would think that would bode well for Alabama, there are still some severe inconsistencies in Mr. Anderson's story, along with a few key omissions.  

When asked where he met the players, he's constantly declined to name where and how.  He'll only say, "It has nothing to do with anything, that's been a long time ago."

Some reports on the story indicated the trip originated from a marina where Jones worked called "Zeke's Landing", in Gulf Shores.  Mr. Anderson, however, said that wasn't true.

"I've never been out fishing from Zeke's Landing -- don't go to Zeke's," Anderson said. "I haven't been there in 15 years. That's not the case. That's what people have said, but that's a lie. The only reason I'll talk to anybody is because I'm sick and tired of lies."

At first read, one has to wonder.  Which is right?  That you've never been there, or you haven't been there in 15 years?  

Mr. Anderson also told the Birmingham News that he didn't know who either player was before meeting them.  

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?