Some schools function better with a little chaos.
Sometimes, it is the mistakes in life that forces one to examine itself, re-commit to those that care and grow from recent problems. For the University of Alabama, it is both an institution and an arena of athletics based on hard work, discipline, tradition, leadership, success and legacy.
Even with these words of great description, the Crimson Tide is in the midst of a situation just three days away from its matchup against Duke.
Four players will miss time in Saturday’s game – including a pair of running back – because of a decision made to not be at a team function.
Najee Harris and Brian Robinson are expected to miss the first half, while DeVonta Smith and Terrell Lewis will miss an undisclosed amount of time.
All four individuals are upperclassmen (juniors) and leaders at their respective positions.
Despite the opponent not being of elite caliber, Nick Saban commands discipline and delivers consequences if guidelines are not followed.
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Some younger players will see action, but one has to wonder on whether this shall spark a national championship run.
In fact, Alabama’s lone perfect season under Saban was birthed through offseason controversy.
People remember Mark Ingram as the Heisman winner and Julio Jones as a first-team All-SEC receiver, especially seeing how both guys are successful in the National Football League and the program went 14-0 in 2009 to capture a BCS National Championship.
Things such as Ingram and Jones being under NCAA investigation and Brandon Deaderick getting shot in the arm – prior to the season opener against Virginia Tech – are quickly forgotten after one claims the big prize.
Following a strong freshmen season, both Ingram and Jones went on a paid fishing trip with businessman, Curtis Anderson in the spring of 2009.
As a collegiate athlete, one is not supposed to have any type of contact with agents, boosters or anyone providing financial and/or any other type of impermissible benefits– per the National Collegiate Athletics Association.
Should one receive these benefits, it is no longer considered eligible or deemed as an amateur athlete.
With Ingram and Jones both looked at as “ineligible” shock waves tore through college football and Tide fans were concerned. Fortunately, a solution was found. Jones and Ingram had to repay the cost of the Gulf Coast fishing trip and upon doing so, both players were reinstated.
In the case of Deaderick, he did not even play versus the Hokies.
The defensive end, who was one of Mike Shula’s recruits that stayed with Saban, was part of a robbery attempt four days before the game.
Regardless of both incidents, the Crimson Tide pulled together and had a focused team throughout the year.
All three individuals turned in massive production in ‘09, learned from a mistake and were leaders for a national title team.
Other moments of chaos turning to triumph would follow – including defensive end, Raekwon Davis getting shot in the leg before the 2017 season. He and Alabama got over the hurdle, Davis turned in big numbers (10 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks) as a sophomore, and the Tide would go on to capture a College Football Playoff national title in an epic 26-23 comeback win over Georgia.
Once again, some people will look at the game against Duke and consider no big deal on the players being suspended. At the end of the day, there are principles and guidelines to follow and as veterans on a team, the four individuals were guys that younger player respect and admire.
Hopefully, this will serve as a teachable moment.
The 2009 offseason did and it led to what has now been an unprecedented run of national championships at Alabama.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
