Nick Saban concluded his post-game conference after Alabama’s 25-20 win over Mississippi State, by thanking all the fans that were in the stadium to cheer on The Tide.
“That’s really what college football is all about. I know it had a huge impact on our players and the energy and enthusiasm certainly translated in the way that we played.” Saban said.
Unfortunately, the sad but true reality is that some fans take their dedication to The Tide a little bit too seriously…
Exhibit A: there are fans like this out there
To show support for Alabama football, some fans choose to showcase their team on their car,
Their Face,
Or sometimes their body.
And then there’s Harvey Updyke…
[RECAP] For those of you who don’t know, Updyke is probably one of The Tide’s most devoted fans and decided to prove his loyalty to the Alabama football team when he poisoned the famous Toomer’s Corner oak trees in Auburn, Ala. in 2010.
Since his arrest, Updyke has spent three years in jail and has returned to his home in Louisiana where he will continue his five-year probation. His probation includes a 7 p.m. curfew, and he is prohibited from any kind of collegiate event.
Even though he did a very, very, very bad thing, Updyke’s intentions were completely out of devotion for The Tide and here are a couple of reasons why we should overlook ‘ol Harv's one mistake:
1. Who else would take the Alabama/Auburn rivalry to that level? When Harvey first poisoned the trees, he probably felt like this:
But then JBo and Saban were like
2. He loves Alabama football so much that, according to ESPN, he named his daughter Crimson Tyde, his son’s name is Bear, and he has two dogs named Bama and Nicky. (Bet their Christmas card is fun).
3. He’s a little stubborn when it comes to paying his dues and has only paid $99 out of the $800,000 he owes in fines from his arrest.
4. He has requested to be buried in crimson.
5. He has a “funny, but not so funny” sense of humor and posted this on his Facebook page on Halloween:
“Tonight I need some candy so I am going Trick Or Treating and I am going as a dead tree. I have to go early because I can’t be out past 7 p.m. or they will put me in jail for breaking curfew. Who would have thunk it? ROLL DAMN TIDE!!!”