Fit To Be Tide

You may have noticed a new name on our Alabama coverage. The Advertiser has formed a partnership with the Decatur Daily where we’ll share our Auburn coverage with them in exchange for their Alabama coverage.

With that, you’ll see the name Michael Casagrande in the paper above Alabama stories. He’s a good guy and you can find his blog by visiting dailybamablog.com. The Advertiser does plan to continue to send staff writers to all Alabama football games.

With that, I’m back to the Biscuits and the infamous Biscuit Crumbs blog at stacylong.blogspot.com.

With the Alabama men’s basketball team hosting Miami (Fla.) for an NIT quarterfinal at 8 p.m., the Alabama baseball team has moved up its home game Wednesday. The Tide takes on Jacksonville State at 4:05 p.m., two hours earlier than previously scheduled.

Wednesday’s NIT quarterfinal game between Alabama and Miami will begin at 8 p.m. And be shown on ESPN2. The Tide just announced the info.

Alabama shot 75 percent in the second half in its 74-67 win over New Mexico on Monday in the second round of the NIT.

Tony Mitchell scored 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting for the Crimson Tide, which hosts Miami (Fla.) on Wednesday in the NIT quarterfinals.

Trevor Releford added 20 points and Charvez Davis 14 for Alabama (23-11). The Tide shot 53 percent for the game. It was 15-of-20 in the second half — and missed its first and last shots.

Kendall Williams’ 18 points paced the Lobos (22-13). He drained three 3-pointers in the final minute. Phillip McDonald added 12 points and Drew Gordon 11.

It was easy to interpret today that coach Nick Saban is not happy with safety Mark Barron’s arrest Sunday. Barron allegedly lied to police, was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor for “hindering prosection.”

“Mark Barron used poor judgment,” Saban said. “We always think our players should respect people that are in a position of authority, especially the police who do a lot to protect all of us in terms of what they do.

“I think Mark learned that he did not use good judgment in this case in not saying what he could have said that would have helped the police.”

Some other notes after Monday’s first spring practice:

Senior safety Robby Green, due to return this season from an NCAA suspension, is out “right now” due to a team suspension for violating the infamous team rules.

Blake Sims is practicing at quarterback for now. Saban said he could eventually go to running back or receiver. However, with just three scholarship quarterbacks, the Tide may need a fourth. It’s easier to have Sims tackle the tougher position and then work down.

Sophomore Anthony Orr is moving to linebacker.

Freshman Vinnie Sunseri is a linebacker, but the Tide is “experimenting” with him at safety.

All of the blackshirts listed earlier are almost healthy, Saban said. They can all participate in any non-contact drill.

The football team hit the field today with five non-quarterbacks donned in non-contact black jerseys.

tight end Brad Smelley, cast on right hand
linebacker Jonathan Atchison, large brace on left arm
safety Mark Barron, no visible braces/cast (though maybe a look of embarrassment)
defensive back Nick Perry, nothing visible
defensive back Jarrick Williams, nothing visible

Alabama safety Mark Barron was caught in a lie and wouldn’t change his story, which is why he was arrested today, according to Mobile’s WALA-TV.

The station reports, quoting a Mobile police spokesman, that Barron’s car was involved in a wreck, but the driver fled the scene. Barron was there when police showed up and said the driver was someone he knew only as “Bull.”

The policeman finds out it was actually Barron’s cousin. Barron, given several opportunities to recant, including at least one where he was told what would happen if he didn’t, stuck to his “Bull.”

The hindering prosecution charge that Barron faces is a Class A misdemeanor and can lead to up to a year in jail.

Alabama safety Mark Barron was arrested this morning by Mobile police and charged with hindering prosection.

It’s a misdemeanor charge, but it can also lead to a year in jail. His court date is April 18, the Monday after A-Day.

Barron was the Tide’s leading tackler last season, though he missed the Capital One Bowl due to an injury suffered in the regular-season finale against Auburn.

The torn pectoral muscle was a large reason Barron chose to return to Alabama for his senior season.

The Alabama men’s basketball team will watch the NCAA selection show behind closed doors. The public (and the evil media) won’t be part of the party — whether it’s a celebration or a sobfest.

It’s entirely understandable, but it’s also a sign of how much on the bubble Alabama is.

By the way, don’t look for anything new here at FTBT over the next week. I’m off and won’t be allowed to post any information.

Let the suspense begin. Alabama could be squarely on the NCAA bubble after today’s 72-58 loss to Kentucky in the SEC semifinals. The Wildcats led by as many as 26.

Tony Mitchell scored 16 points, JaMychal Green had 12 points and nine rebounds, and Trevor Releford added 10 points for the Tide (21-11).

The Wildcats (24-8) had five players in double figures. Doron Lamb had 15, Josh Harrellson and DeAndre Liggins 14 each, Brandon Knight 12 and Darius Miller 10.

Kentucky shot 50 percent for the game, including 56 percent in the second half. The Wildcats hit seven straight shots at one point, including three 3-pointers.