Got Class? Auburn Fan Claims More Class Than Alabama...

Dan Grucza, Auburn Contributor for BR, in comparing “class” at Auburn University and The University of Alabama, said his father told him, “Actions Speak Louder than Words!" 

He then went on to prove, in his mind, what actions indicate Alabama fans do not have class. 

Grucza states, “Why does a program with so much class sing 'Rammer Jammer' with the words 'WE JUST BEAT THE HELL OUT OF YOU!' after winning?  Really classy to beat Vanderbilt on a last second field goal and then scream at their fans how you just beat the hell out of them.”

Let's set the record straight about "Rammer Jammer" for those reading this that may be clueless about what it is.   

First, here is the whole cheer.

"Hey (Opponent Name), Hey (Opponent Name), Hey (Opponent Name), We just beat the hell outta you, Rammer Jammer, Yellow Hammer, Give 'Em Hell, Alabama!"

The "Rammer Jammer" cheer at UA has a long tradition dating back to the 1920s when its lyrics originated from the student newspaper called "The Rammer Jammer."  Interestingly, the cadence of the cheer allegedly was adapted from the Ole Miss cheer known as "Hotty Toddy."   Warren St. John titled his 2004 bestseller about obsessive sports fans "Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer" after the cheer.

The cheer was particularly popular during the Coach Paul Bryant years.  But, in recent decades, it has come under scrutiny.  In fact, UA banned the cheer beginning in the mid-1990s due to its use of the word "hell" and its perceived taunting nature.  This was naturally met with great criticism among students and fans.  Students were given a chance to vote to restore the cheer in 2005, which passed with 98% support. 

Before the ban, the cheer was played before a contest whereby the lyrics were "We're gonna beat the hell outta you," and after conclusion with "We just beat the hell outta you."  After the cheer was reinstated it was restricted to use only after a contest concludes. 

So now you know a quick-and-dirty history of Alabama's Rammer Jammer cheer.  Granted, it is taunting in nature, but it's far from beyond the pale in terms of crude and over-the-top obnoxious behavior.   

Now, let's get back to Mr. Grucza's argument.  He claims "Rammer Jammer" is symptomatic of a pattern of classless behavior by Alabama fans.  So let me ask Mr. Grucza this—why does Auburn's band play a version of "Rammer Jammer" at their sporting events against Alabama? 

What???  Why would Auburn play Alabama's cheer, you may be wondering?  This is why.  They change the words.  Here is the Auburn version.

"Hey Alabama, Hey Alabama, Hey Alabama, We just beat the hell outta you, Rammer Jammer, Yellow Hammer, GO TO HELL, ALABAMA."  Nice isn't it?

Just call me Joe Friday, but that's the fact, Ma'am.  Don't believe me? Just watch these YouTube videos.   

Grucza says, “Tell a lie long enough, it becomes the truth.”  Sad, but true.  However, who is telling the lie here?     

The University of Alabama recognized the controversial nature of the cheer and took action to minimize it.  The Auburn University administration encourages the vulgar corruption of an opponent's cheer, otherwise they would have forbid its use.     

“Actions Speak Louder than Words!"   "GIVE 'EM HELL, ALABAMA," or "GO TO HELL, ALABAMA." 

You, BR Nation, decide which usage is classless.