WE WEDNESDAY, ED DN NESDAY, JANUARY 2 28, 2015 VOLU LU L UME M 121 | ISSUE 80 VOLUME
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SERVING THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SINCE 1894
Men’s Basketball
6 UA in Cuba
8 Area 5k Runs
The Alabama men’s basketball team fell to Florida 52-50 after a dunk in the final seconds by Dorian Finney-Smith put the Gators ahead. Alabama falls to 13-7, 3-4 SEC and coach Anthony Grant is now 0-9 09 against Florida.
President Barack Obama recently announced the renewal of diplomatic relations with Cuba. The UA in Cuba program has already seen the ease of travel improve since talks began. begaan.
From the Krispy Kreme Challenge to the Glow Run, Tuscaloosa and the surrounding area will host several creative 5Ks in the coming months for those thos o e looking for a non-traditional workout. non-tr
NEWS | HIGHER EDUCATION
Team looks at college investment
UAPD:
A Day in the Life
Study to examine return on investment for state By Alana Norris | Contributing Writer
The Education Policy Center at The University of Alabama is embarking on a statewide study to determine the return on investments for four-year public institutions. The study observes state appropriations to determine the economic and social impact within different regions of the state, looking specifically at each dollar spent on a per-student basis. The study results will be used to lobby for state funding for higher education in the spring. “We’re trying to capture per-capita income and GDP growth based on the type of degrees people are getting and where they’re going after they graduate, long it ... we can grow how takes them to the economy of graduate and the amount of this state ... money they have to spend to graduate,” — Gordon Stone — said Jonathan Koh, a doctoral candidate who is coordinating the project. Essentially, the team is looking to tell the story of how higher education impacts the state and why funding is necessary for these institutions. “When we invest in our public universities, we’re investing in one of the most critical components of building Alabama’s economy,” said Gordon Stone, the executive director of Higher Education Partnership of Alabama. Data will be localized to the eight metropolitan statistical areas where each school is located: North East, North West, Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, South East, South West and South Central. The University of Alabama and Auburn University will be studied by SEE INVESTMENT PAGE 6
UAPD officer Chance Atkins has worked for the campus police department since October 2013. CW / Shelby Akin, Photo Illustration by Ashley Atkinson
UAPD work ranges from drug busts to stolen iPads By Collin Burwinkel | Staff Reporter
It’s 2 p.m. and officer Chance Atkins sits down in his Crown Victoria patrol car and reaches for his police radio. His 8-hour shift begins as it does every day. Atkins tells his dispatcher “10-8” - in service and ready for duty. The University of Alabama Police Department granted The Crimson White the opportunity to ride along with an officer to see the daily routines and challenges public university police officers face. The challenges may be different than those of other police departments, but the goal remains: to protect and serve. “I enjoy the helping aspect of criminal justice more than taking someone
INSIDE briefs 2 news 3 opinions 4 culture 8 sports 12
to jail,” Atkins said. “As a police officer, f i l di counyou putt on many faces, including selor, father figure and so on. It can be very rewarding.” Law enforcement runs in Atkins’ family, and eventually prompted him to join the force. After completing police academy training, Atkins joined the police force of his hometown in Montgomery. “I worked in Montgomery for three and a half years and my dad was a sergeant for 20 years in Montgomery as well,” Atkins said. “Up there you’re in and out of housing projects, you have a bigger district to patrol and it’s just a different experience.” Atkins thought it was time for a change and decided to move to Tuscaloosa to become a member of the UAPD force. “I came here in October 2013, and it’s 100 percent better,” Atkins said. “I basi-
four-m cally patrol a four-mile bubble around d iin areas we call fringe campus and areas, or high population areas, such as the Strip. I’ve responded to calls ranging from drugs busts to hit and runs.” Although Atkins joined a new police department, much of his job remains the same, except for whom he is serving. “The demographic is different here,” Atkins said. “The majority of people are here to get an education. It’s a much more controlled environment, but that being said, every day is still constantly changing.” Criminal justice professor Douglas Klutz said university police departments, such as UAPD, are distinct from other police departments because of who they serve. SEE RIDE ALONG PAGE 9
CONTACT email editor@cw.ua.edu website cw.ua.edu twitter @TheCrimsonWhite
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WEDNESDAY January 28, 2015
SCENE ON CAMPUS Taylor Zruna, a junior majoring in sports medicine from Birmingham, Alabama, prepares for her American History essay in Bruno Library. CW / Hanna Curlette
TODAY’S EVENTS P.O. Box 870170 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Newsroom: 348-6144 | Fax: 348-8036 Advertising: 348-7845
EDITORIAL editor-in-chief Andy McWhorter editor@cw.ua.edu
managing editor Tara Massouleh production editor Sean Landry visuals editor Sloane Arogeti
Alabama softball ranked No. 4 in preseason poll
Photo Exhibit WHAT: Juvenile-in-Justice: Photographs by Richard Ross WHEN: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. WHERE: Sarah Moody Gallery of Art, 103 Garland Hall
chief copy editor Peyton Shepard news editor Rachel Brown culture editor Reed O’Mara sports editor Kelly Ward photo editor Pete Pajor
Luncheon WHAT: UA Early College Lunch and Learn WHEN: Noon – 1 p.m. WHERE: 217 Russell Hall
lead designer Ashley Atkinson community manager Francie Johnson
ADVERTISING advertising manager Keenan Madden 251.408.2033 cwadmanager@gmail.com
territory manager Chloe Ledet
205.886.3512 territorymanager@gmail.com
Time management WHAT: Managing Your Time in College WHEN: 4-5 p.m. WHERE: 230 Osband Hall
creative services manager Hillary McDaniel 334.315.6068
is the community newspaper of The University of Alabama. The Crimson White is an editorially free newspaper produced by students.The University of Alabama cannot influence editorial decisions and editorial opinions are those of the editorial board and do not represent the official opinions of the University. Advertising offices of The Crimson White are in room 1014, Student Media Building, 414 Campus Drive East. The advertising mailing address is P.O. Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. The Crimson White (USPS 138020) is published four times weekly when classes are in session during Fall and Spring Semester except for the Monday after Spring Break and the Monday after Thanksgiving, and once a week when school is in session for the summer. Marked calendar provided. The Crimson White is provided for free up to three issues. Any other papers are $1.00. The subscription rate for The Crimson White is $125 per year. Checks should be made payable to The University of Alabama and sent to: The Crimson White Subscription Department, P.O. Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. The Crimson White is entered as periodical postage at Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Crimson White, P.O. Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. All material contained herein, except advertising or where indicated otherwise, is Copyright © 2014 by The Crimson White and protected under the “Work Made for Hire” and “Periodical Publication” categories of the U.S. copyright laws. Material herein may not be reprinted without the expressed, written permission of The Crimson White.
Women’s College World Series for the second time in three years, including a win in 2012. Compiled by Kelly Ward
Alabama gymnast Kaitlyn Clark was named the SEC Specialist of the Week, the conference announced on Tuesday. She won her second vault title in three weeks after posting a career-best 9.975
against then-No. 1 Florida. She also put up the top score for Alabama on the floor exercise. Compiled by Kelly Ward
WiSE holding symposium for women in STEM fields Women in STEM Experience (WiSE), is hosting its annual symposium, “Navigating the Future,” throughout the day on Saturday, Jan. 31 starting at 9 a.m. at Shelby Hall. The symposium is aimed at women studying science, technology, engineering or math who hope to meet faculty, staff, professionals and fellow scholars. The event’s
keynote speaker will be Jenna Carpenter, director of the Office for Women in Science and Engineering at Louisiana Tech University. Register online at graduate.ua.edu/about/events. Compiled by Katie Shepherd
Student Alumni Association membership application due
special projects manager Taylor Shutt 904.504.3306 osmspecialprojects@gmail.com
The preseason ESPN.com/USA Softball poll released Tuesday has Alabama at No. 4. The Crimson Tide is ranked No. 3 in the USA Today/NFCA preseason poll after finishing 2014 with a 53-13 record and reaching the championship series of the
Alabama gymnast named SEC Specialist of the Week
online editor Beth Lindly opinions editor Patrick Crowley
CAMPUS BRIEFS
Tutoring WHAT: Free math walk-in tutorial assistance WHEN: 5-7 p.m. WHERE: 137 Osband Hall
other associations on campus to involve a variety of students and staff members.
Compiled by Katie Shepherd
Honors College to host current events discussion
Tutoring WHAT: Free biology 114 review WHEN: 7-9 p.m. WHERE: 1092 Shelby Hall
Student recital WHAT: Laura Steiner WHEN: 7:30-9 p.m. WHERE: 140 Recital Hall, Moody Music Building
VISIT US ONLINE:
Applications for membership in the Student Alumni Association are due Friday, Jan. 30 at midnight. The application can be found online at saa.ua.edu/membership-application. The Student Alumni Association is designed to support the National Alumni Association and collaborates with
cw.ua.edu
The Honors College will host an open discussion, “Hot Topics,” Wednesday, Jan. 28 in the Blount lobby. Cornelius Carter, director of dance at the University, will be a guest speaker at the event and will discuss current events affecting our nation, state and
campus. The event is open to all Honors and Blount students and pizza will be provided for attendees. Compiled by Katie Shepherd
Collegiate Bass Fishing Open registration open Registration for the 2015 Collegiate Bass Fishing Open begins Wednesday. The event will occur April 17-19 on Lake Chickamauga and will be a two-boat, four-man team competition. Registration opens at 8 a.m. and can be found on the Collegiate
@TheCrimsonWhite
Bass Fishing website at www.collegiatebasschampionship.com.
The Crimson White
Compiled by Katie Shepherd
thecrimsonwhite
3 Blackburn Institute looking for new members Editor | Rachel Brown Newsdesk@cw.ua.edu Wednesday, January 28, 2015
By Danielle Waddell | Contributing Writer
Each spring, the Blackburn Institute accepts new member nominations for students demonstrating interest in leadership at the University and in the state of Alabama. The Blackburn Institute, founded by John L. Blackburn, aims to develop civic leadership and engage dialogue among students at The University of Alabama. As nomination season begins again, the Blackburn Institute is accepting nominations from deans, directors, faculty members and student affairs staff members of the University. The new director of the Blackburn Institute, Mac Griswold, said the program is interested in a diverse group of students and not necessarily fully developed leaders. “We like to ask, ‘Who can benefit from this program?,’” Griswold said. The Blackburn Institute seeks students who have room to grow as leaders. Griswold put emphasis on the need for diversity of opinion and desire for change. He said Blackburn seeks students who are passionate about changing the state of Alabama for the better.
Blackburn Institute members attend the D. Ray Pate Dinner. Photo Courtesy of Landon Nichols
Prospective Blackburn members are not required to be from the state of Alabama, nor are they required to have plans to stay in Alabama for any period of time following graduation. Students interested in being members must have at least one year remaining at the University, whether as an
undergraduate or graduate student, and show a desire to impact the state of Alabama while at the University. “Blackburn has taught me to value the opinions of those around me,” said James Kemp, a senior majoring in finance and a first-year Blackburn Institute member. “The next person’s
opinion is just as valuable as mine.” Kemp said his time with the Blackburn Institute has taught him the importance of a variety of opinions in regard to solving problems. “Blackburn has shown me that no matter how diverse a group may be, there is still common ground to be found to foster dialogue and collaboration,” he said. Landon Nichols, a first-year graduate student majoring in public administration and a student chair and graduate assistant of the Blackburn Institute, said students hear about leadership often throughout their lives, but at Blackburn, every day is spent learning and living leadership. “In a sea of 30,000 students, Blackburn made me realize I had a voice and an opinion that truly mattered,” he said. “Equipped with principles of ethical leadership and utilizing a committed intergenerational network, anyone has the capacity to be an effective change agent in their community.” Nominations for the Blackburn Institute are due Friday and can be submitted to the Blackburn website at blackburninstitute.ua.edu.
UnlockED to host forum By Nick Privitera | Contributing Writer
UnlockED UA will host a forum for all students Thursday focusing on racial segregation in Tuscaloosa public schools. The forum centers around the re-segregation of schools in Tuscaloosa, as shown in “Segregation Now,” a ProPublica article written by Nikole Hannah-Jones. “We were inspired by the article that was written last year on the re-segregation of Tuscaloosa’s schools and we wanted to delve more into that, what that segregation looks like now, and have some really good speakers talk to us about what that might mean,” said Karen Ekeh, a senior majoring in geography and the director of special projects for UnlockED. Five speakers will make an appearance at the forum, including HannahJones, who inspired the presentation. The other four speakers are professors at the University and members of the Tuscaloosa City School Board, who will speak in-depth on the subject and drive conversation with attendees. “We really wanted to go with an approach that would pull people into the issue, so we’ve been using a lot of statistics,” said Megan Smith, a junior majoring in economics and political science and the director of marketing and social media for UnlockED. “That’s something we’ve used a lot in our marketing, and it’s something our team really wanted to drive home in the people we’re
Nikole Hannah-Jones, the author of “Segregation Now,” will speak at “Confronting Reality: Race in Our Public Schools.” UA News
hoping to reach.” Ekeh and Smith both said they hope the forum will drive conversation across campus about racial inequality and eventually lead to change in the community. “I think conversation and dialogue is what we’re trying to start here,” Smith said. “This forum is not intended to be the whole conversation. It’s going to be a starting point. We’re hoping that people leave knowing a little more about this issue than they did when they arrived, and we hope that they take those conversations back to their dorms and sorority and fraternity houses.” “Confronting Reality: Race in Our Public Schools” will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday in Shelby Hall 1093.
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Editor | Patrick Crowley Letters@cw.ua.edu Wednesday, January 28, 2015
COLUMN | PAID LEAVE
US should offer paid family leave for workers
MARY CATHERINE
Connors Staff Columnist
Tribune News Service
COLUMN | CAPSTONE CREED
Creed should be visible on campus PATRICK
Crowley Opinions Editor O
I’ve taken several hundred tests in my lifetime, as we all have. I’ve also seen people cheat on tests hundreds of times, as you have seen too. The immense pressure to excel academically in hopes of possibly ensuring future security in life can strip any person of honesty, character and integrity. The academic example of cheating is just emblematic of a greater, less discussed problem on our campus and in our society: a lack of character and honesty. It’s not our fault that the world in which we were raised all too often chooses to recognize and reward success at any cost and embraces laws favoring a select few and impairing the rest. This perpetuates wealth inequality, reduces opportunities for upward economic mobility and engenders undeserved biases based on factors beyond our control. It is still our responsibility, however, to develop a sense of character and recognize the importance of honesty. The education of the past determines the social norms and ethics of the present. Therefore,
present education will dictate the societal ethics and norms of the future. That all hinges on the idea of an education, especially higher education, teaching some sense of morality and character – this was the core purpose of education in the early 20th century. But that its belief in moral education is losing luster in the 21st century in favor of cognitive and job-oriented education. What is ultimately being left out of the classroom, moral education, is not being replaced by a sufficient culture on campus based on a set of shared beliefs and values. The caveat is that there does exist a written creed about how we, as members of the University of Alabama community, should behave and act. The mere existence of a creed is the foundation on which a campus culture should be built. It’s called the Capstone Creed and is about as memorized as our Alma Mater. The problem, however, with building upon the existing creed is that the only place you can find it gilded, framed and hung up for all to see is in Bidgood Hall, a business school building. I know of few other spots on campus that have the Capstone Creed posted. A sufficient and palpable campus culture of character and honesty simply cannot depend on business students spreading the Capstone Creed to other pockets
of campus. The promotion of the Capstone Creed across campus in academic buildings and residence halls will change daily life for students. A set of shared beliefs and values in writing, like those found in religious texts and in various professions, remind us all how to behave, act and interact with others. Research shows that when we are asked to recall a creed, commandment or set of principles related to ethics, we automatically act to a higher level of behavior and character, even if we fail to recite a single line or word of it. Indeed, we all act in our own idiosyncratic ways to gain the esteem and favor of our neighbors, teachers, family and the people surrounding us. But the esteem and favor doled out by those around us should be based on some benchmark of appropriate actions and behaviors, like those found in the Capstone Creed. If we desire a campus and a future world where character, integrity and honesty are valued and cherished, the Capstone Creed needs greater outreach, re-emphasized importance and a place on every wall on campus. Patrick Crowley is a senior majoring mathematics, finance and economics. He is the opinions editor of The Crimson White.
EDITORIAL BOARD
WE WELCOME YOUR OPINIONS
Andy McWhorter editor-in-chief Sloane Arogeti visuals editor Tara Massouleh managing editor Beth Lindly online editor Sean Landry production editor Peyton Shepard chief copy editor Patrick Crowley opinions editor
Letters to the editor must contain fewer than 300 words and guest columns fewer than 500. Send submissions to letters@cw.ua. edu. Submissions must include the author’s name, year, major and daytime phone
In his State of the Union address, President Obama introduced a plan to offer paid leave programs for federal employees. Paid sick leave and benefits have been continuously evolving in policies over the last 50 years, but paid leave for mothers and fathers is a new issue. It’s uncharted territory, at least in the United States. In a study of 185 countries by the International Labour Organization, the United States and Papua New Guinea were the only countries that failed to offer legislatively-mandated paid maternity leave. The other countries in the study offered at least a percentage of the mother’s income as a cash benefit during her absence. As for private companies, only 12 percent offer paid family leave, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. And it’s almost impossible to begin talking about paid family leave, considering that the United States is just starting the crawl toward paid maternity leave. Paid family leave is essential for the well being of our workers and their families. Mothers should not be punished for having children, and fathers deserve the same treatment as an equal member of the household. Not only do children deserve the chance to bond with both of their parents starting at birth, but they deserve parents who aren’t going broke in the process. President Obama signed a memorandum in mid-January that will provide paid family leave for federal employees. With this kind of momentum, it’s not irrational to say that paid family leave programs could extend into national legislation. Some argue that new paid family leave programs will hurt small business. Unlike multi-million dollar companies like Google that already provide paid family leave, small businesses lack the funds and compensating resources to offer such benefits. But even after reviewing the cons, the question arises of whether we value the worker over the work. There are ways to help small businesses pay for these kinds of benefits. We just have to find the right way. Australia, for example, created a system in which small businesses were pardoned from fronting the high costs of family leave. The Australian Parliament implemented the Paid Parental Leave scheme. Companies with a taxable income over five million dollars are taxed to pay for the family leave program, while other taxes were cut in the process to make up for the disparity. Women receive most of these benefits through the program and men a smaller portion. Perhaps the United States should steer toward a similar program. An option would be to offer tax credits to companies that voluntarily contribute funds to such a program in an effort to avoid making big businesses contribute the entire cost. None of these programs are perfect, and they never will be. We can only hope to attain an economy that can support our families and children without hurting business in the process or discriminating among those businesses. But, to pose the question again with regard to human rights, when asking whether we value the worker over the work, the answer should always be yes. Mary Catherine Connors is a sophomore majoring in mathematics and economics. Her column runs weekly.
number. Phone numbers are for verification and will not be published. Students should also include their year in school and major. The Crimson White reserves the right to edit all guest columns and letters to the editor.
Last Week’s Poll: Do you think a degree from UA is worth the cost of attendance? (Yes: 58%) (No: 42%) This Week’s Poll: Do you approve of the federal ruling overturning Alabama’s gay marriage ban? cw.ua.edu
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OPINIONS Wednesday, January 28, 2015 COLUMN | POLITICS
If the president wants bipartisanship, start with the Keystone pipeline ANDREW ANDR
Parks Par Staff Co Columnist
During his State of the Union address last week, President Obama made the following remark referencing the Keystone XL Pipeline: “21st century businesses need 21st century infrastructure – modern ports, stronger bridges, faster trains and the fastest internet. Democrats and Republicans used to agree on this. So let’s set our sights higher than a single oil pipeline.” Mr. President, there’s something else Republicans and Democrats agree on: that same pipeline you expertly navigated your way out of discussing. Keystone XL has been a political controversy since 2011 for a number of reasons. Originally, Democrats opposed the Keystone project for its potential to disturb the ecosystem in the Nebraska Sandhills. TransCanada, the company that proposed Keystone, responded by altering the pipeline’s path so it would no longer run through the Sandhills, eliminating that concern altogether. When that issue was settled, Keystone’s
opponents raised another one: the possibility of an oil spill contaminating the Ogallala Aquifer, one of the primary sources of freshwater for cities and farms across the Midwest. James Goeke, a hydrogeologist from the University of Nebraska and one of the world’s leading experts on the Ogallala Aquifer, examined the project, spoke with TransCanada officials and determined the following: the risk of a spill was so minimal as to be virtually nonexistent, the risk of any contamination of the aquifer resulting from such a spill was equally minimal and if a spill somehow occurred and contamination somehow resulted, it would be so localized as to be a virtual non-issue. It’s also worth noting that thousands of miles of oil pipelines already crisscross the same aquifer. With that issue dismissed, a third was raised. Apparently, the process of extracting oil from the oil sands of Canada puts more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere than extracting oil conventionally. Keystone’s opponents contended that building the pipeline would encourage further oil sands extraction, causing more greenhouse gases to be released into the atmosphere than would be otherwise. One report went so far that it claimed the increase in greenhouse gas emissions would cause the entire planet to fall into “runaway
global warming,” and life on Earth as we know it would come to an abrupt end. Yes, you read that right. The last environmental concern standing in Keystone’s way is that this single pipeline will be the harbinger of armageddon. Meanwhile, back in reality, the rest of the country is well aware that there’s no substantive environmental reason not to approve the last phase of the Keystone project. Those with legitimate conservationist sentiments understand that the environmental concerns Keystone originally presented have been addressed in a way that would satisfy any reasonable person. They also know the benefits Keystone would provide – the 42,100 jobs and $3.4 billion in GDP which would be created according to the U.S. State Department, increased energy security and a continued decline in prices at the pump – are simply too good to pass up. This is why in virtually every poll conducted about Keystone, well over half of respondents have favored the project’s approval. In fact, a poll conducted by
the Pew Research Center in September of 2013 not only found that 65 percent of respondents supported the project, but that 51 percent of respondents who identified as Democrats supported it. Throughout his tenure, President Obama has frequently called for bipartisan action regarding energy and infrastructure. He has often been critical of Republicans for being unwilling to compromise on such issues. Such remarks, however, are hypocritical. The fact is that the president refuses to approve a project that has received overwhelming support from both sides of the aisle. He even recently issued a veto threat against legislation from Congress approving the project. If the president wants Republicans to take his calls for bipartisanship seriously, he needs to back up his words with actions. He can start by approving Keystone.
The president refuses to approve a project that has received overwhelming support ...
Andrew Parks is a senior majoring in political science. His column runs biweekly.
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NEWS
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
UA in Cuba program sees beneďŹ t in lifted embargo By Ben Jackson | Contributing Writer
United States diplomats continue talks this week with Cuban officials over President Barack Obama’s recent lessening of sanctions that began over 50 years ago. More than 750 miles from Havana, students and faculty members at The University of Alabama are watching closely and studying what the easing of tensions means for an already well-established UA in Cuba program. “The new dialogue puts Cuba in the spotlight in a more profound way than it has been in decades,� said Chip Cooper, the Honors College artist in residence. Cooper, an award-winning photographer whose work in Cuba is chronicled in “Old Havana,� has been traveling with the university to Cuba since the very beginning of the semester program there. “These changes offer a lot of opportunities for students to travel,� Cooper said. “Cuba is an incredible journey that not only serves as an academic experience, but also a spiritual one.� The University of Alabama’s relationship with Cuba began in the early 2000s, when Robert Olin, the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was looking for a new place for UA students and faculty to study. Olin selected
Group hopes to use study to boost higher ed funding INVESTMENT FROM PAGE 1
their statewide returns. In the past, most schools have done individual return on investment studies, whereas this study will be conducted statewide, assessing all 14 public four-year institutions per-dollar. “The ability to collectively advocate presents a stronger voice to make the case for higher education in the state,� said Stephen Katsinas, director of the Education Policy Center. “We are still including institutional annual reports in our research and will have that viable information included in the respected regional analysis sections.�
Kourtney Davis, a junior majoring in Spanish and mechanical engineering, studied in Cuba in spring 2014. Photo Courtesy of Kourtney Davis
Spanish professor Michael Schnepf to lead the program. “I love Cuba,� Schnepf said. “It’s unlike any other place on Earth, and I know it’s changed my life. It’s a great opportunity for researchers and historians. We have sent hundreds of students and faculty there over the years, and I know that even more will benefit from an increased opportunity to travel there.�
The University of Alabama Education Policy Center was contacted by the Higher Education Partnership of Alabama and College and University Government Affairs Representatives in August to head this study. Koh is working with a team of methodologists and researchers from outside of Alabama to gather and analyze the data. They have been working for three months and hope to have most of the study’s writing done by the end of February. Stone said he wants to educate the public on how important four-year public universities are for the economic climate. “Higher pay scale jobs are dependent on knowledge-based workforce,� he said. “The institutions I represent, the fouryear schools are certainly the greatest contributor to making those kind of job opportunities a reality.�
President Obama’s easing of tensions includes less paperwork and broader categories of travel, along with the ability to legally return with small quantities of Cuban goods and souvenirs. While the details are still being sorted out and things will not be clear until the dust settles, Cooper said his most recent trip to Cuba required 50 percent less paperwork than anytime previously, and Schnepf said for academic
research, travel is greatly increased. Kourtney Davis, a junior double majoring in Spanish and mechanical engineering, went to Cuba during the spring of her sophomore year and said she is excited that more Americans could visit the country. “Cuba is a very poor country, with many living on $30 per month with just a supplementary book of ration coupons,� Davis said. “Americans would benefit from the learning opportunities, but they would also help the Cuban economy boom.� However, Davis, Cooper and Schnepf said they agree that the easing of travel restrictions is a tricky situation. “Cuba’s infrastructure isn’t ready for an influx of American tourists,� Cooper said. Schnepf said that while America is the last nation to really fix relations with Cuba, moving too fast could be bad. “I’m excited about this opportunity, but at the same time I never want to get to the point where I start seeing Burger Kings and McDonalds in the Cuban countryside,� Schnepf said. “Part of what makes the place beautiful is not having that. It’s important that Cubans fight to maintain their rich heritage. It’s the heritage and the people that makes Cuba so special for UA.�
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NEWS Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Plank celebrates 10 years By Mackenzie Ross | Staff Reporter
The Plank Center at The University of Alabama kicked off a yearlong social media campaign this month to celebrate its 10-year anniversary. For the past 10 years, the Plank Center has been the leading international resource for public relations students, educators and practitioners. The center was named after Betsy Plank, a 1944 UA alumna who broke many barriers for women in the field of public relations. Using social media and #Plank10, the center launched a yearlong campaign to celebrate its programs and leaders. “Each month we have a different theme,” said Jessika White, communications specialist for the Plank Center. “We’re going to showcase a lot of what the Plank Center is about as well as, you know, helping you get your first job and that sort of thing.” The organization facilitates a Fellowship for Educators, where teachers spend two to four weeks in the summer in a corporate or agency sector. Through this program, educators can share current industry trends with students. In addition, the Plank Center has hosted Milestones in Mentoring, an annual dinner that honors public relations practitioners and educators who mentor young professionals. “It’s always been about leadership,”
History professor Bart Elmore teaches a class exploring the ecology of globalization. Photo Courtesy of Bart Elmore
The Plank center was named after Betsy Plank, a 1944 UA alumna who broke many barriers for women in the field of public relations. Photo Courtesy of Jessika White
said Karla Gower, a professor in the department of advertising and public relations and director of the Plank Center. “It’s always been about bringing educators, practitioners and students together because those were really big areas that Betsy herself was very involved in.” Gower said to further Plank’s visions, the Plank Center promotes research, both globally and at the University. Students also have access to Plank’s archives, speeches and papers. To learn more about The Plank Center, visit www.plankcenter.ua.edu, Twitter @PlankCenterPR, or Facebook at “Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations.”
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Class explores ecology By Lauren Lane | Staff Reporter
One afternoon several months ago, Bart Elmore, a history professor at The University of Alabama, sparked a conversation among his colleagues about the infamous “smell of Tuscaloosa.” He and his coworkers, concerned about the quality of air in Tuscaloosa, decided to do more research. They learned Tuscaloosa received an F rating for air quality back in 2010. The discovery started a new conversation, which led to the idea for a new history class, Coca-Cola Globalization: The History of America and Global Ecological Change Since 1800. Elmore began teaching the class this past fall and has continued teaching it this semester. “What many Tuscaloosa residents, particularly the college students, don’t realize is that our city has two steel plants, an oil refinery, a rubber plant and many other industries that cause our air quality to be severely compromised,” he said. “We often think of Tuscaloosa as just a college town, but it is a center for major industries and businesses as well.” For the class, each student chooses a local business and then researches the history of the business, notes the economic impact the business has made and assesses environmental stewardship or lack thereof. From there, students create a Tuscaloosa Environmental Design website, which maps the 30 businesses researched. The interactive map allows site visitors to read the research and is linked to the University’s Environmental History home page. Businesses chosen by students range from local businesses such as Manna
Grocery and Deli to major companies like Target and McDonald’s. The student research is presented to create awareness and facilitate action. Research on BF Goodrich, a tire plant, revealed the plant has a major economic impact by supplying over one thousand jobs to the city, but it also emits hundreds of thousands of chemicals into the air. Elmore said his goal is to get his students to think critically about how harmful or helpful these businesses are to the community. “The [Environmental Protection Agency] is not as powerful as we think,” he said. “It lacks the capacity to do local regulations.” Elmore said he believes the environmental regulation of a city becomes the job of the local citizens, even students. He said he encourages his students to take advantage of the opportunities they are given and investigate for themselves the answers to both local and large-scale issues. Tatum Kennedy, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering, said she recognizes the importance of such a project for engineers as well. “This can encourage companies to begin using more renewable energy sources and involve engineers in making them more environmentally friendly,” she said. Elmore said he has high hopes for the Tuscaloosa Environmental Design website. He said he sees it as a model for other universities and cities to use one day to create accountability for both corporate and small businesses. With a successful first year, he said he hopes to keep growing the class, along with the site, to draw more attention to the issues and encourage positive actions from the companies.
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Editor | Reed O’Mara Culture@cw.ua.edu Wednesday, January 28, 2015
5Ks offer race with a twist By Luisa Sanchez | Contributing Writer
While some would say running isn’t exactly fun, this spring offers loads of 5K races in Tuscaloosa and surrounding areas, offering a different take on the traditional race.
2015 Tuscaloosa Krispy Kreme Challenge When: Feb. 28 Time: 10 a.m. Place: Government Plaza
The Glow Run When: Feb. 21 Time: 6 p.m. Place: Old Farmer’s Market Parking Lot Greensboro Avenue and Jack Warner Parkway NE
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This rave race features several black light zones with music spots, an on-course DJ and hundreds of runners dressed in glow gear to shine bright while they run or walk. Runners and walkers can register in teams or as individuals and will get a glow in the dark medal, a T-shirt, glow items and entry to a post-race party that will feature electronic music and giveaways. Registration prior to the race costs $38 and is $43 on the day of the race. The price is $25 for University of Alabama students. For more information visit glowrun5k.com/tuscaloosa.
Tuscaloosa Half Marathon and 5K race When: March 7 Time: 7 a.m. Place: Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
Color Me Rad When: March 28 Time: 9 a.m. Place: Hoover Metropolitan Stadium 100 Ben Chapman Drive Hoover, Alabama
The annual Krispy Kreme Challenge will come back to Tuscaloosa for the third time and will feature a lot of doughnuts, two miles of running and a lot of fun. Runners will be divided into two categories: challenger, which requires participants to eat 12 doughnuts, and casual, for those who want to eat fewer than 12. Participants can sign up individually or in teams and will get a T-shirt and runner’s bib. Registration is $35, or $25 for people who sign up in teams. For more information visit tuscaloosakkc.com.
Insane Inflatable 5K Obstacle Run When: April 25 Time: 9 a.m. Place: Griffin Farms Pumpkin Patch 826 Griffin Road West Blocton, Alabama
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On March 7, the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon will come back for its third time in the city along with its newly added 5K race. The course will take runners through Tuscaloosa’s most popular sites and will begin and end at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. All 5K runners will get a T-shirt, finish line beverages and light snacks. Registration will be $25 through Feb. 8 and $30 until the day of the race. For more information visit tuscaloosahalfmarathon.org.
CW / Luisa Sanchez
This year, Color Me Rad 5K will visit Hoover, Alabama, on March 28. All participants will receive a 5K entry, a T-shirt, a pair of knee-high socks, a color pack and free photos from professional photographers. Get ready to get full of color while running individually or in teams. Early bid registration will be $35 and regular registration $40. For more information visit colormerad.com.
The Insane Inflatable 5K is an race consisting solely of giant inflatable obstacles that will keep participants bouncing instead of running. Runners will be able to sign up individually or with a team, and the registration package includes a T-shirt, runner’s bib, medal and access to the race. Cost depends on time of registration, but is $52 until Feb. 6. For more information, visit insaneinflatable5k.com/tuscaloosa-al.
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WEDNESDAY January 28, 2015
UAPD officer Chance Atkins checks the onboard computer, which comes with built-in Wi-Fi, while sitting in his Crown Victoria police cruiser. CW / Shelby Akin
UAPD uses discretion when dealing with first-time students, Atkins says RIDE ALONG FROM PAGE 1
“UAPD is unique in that it serves a law enforcement function to a university and campus community as opposed to a city and county environment like city police and county sheriff’s departments traditionally do,” Klutz said. As Atkins drives down University Boulevard, he notices a pickup truck with green headlights. He pulls alongside the driver and rolls down his window to inform him of the violation. “In Alabama, you are only allowed clear and amber front headlights,” he said to the driver. No ticket for that driver today, not even a stop – just a friendly reminder. “I try to deal with people in a professional manner and show them respect,” Atkins said. “It’s an understanding and state of mind of officer safety first, with a level of professionalism and respect.” Atkins takes safety seriously. Across the U.S., nine police officers have died in the line of duty this month. “Complacency kills in law enforcement,” he said. “You have to always remain aware and know where you are. There is not a textbook that will teach you how to deal with every single example because they are all different.” UAPD currently issues standard Glock .40 caliber pistols to its officers. They are also required to bring two extra magazines, two sets of handcuffs, a set of plastic gloves, pepper spray, a radio and a microphone pack, as well as wear a bulletproof vest. “I’ve never discharged my weapon in the line of duty, but I have had to draw my weapon,” Atkins said. “I don’t think I know an officer who hasn’t drawn
their weapon.” I realize a lot of the kids out here are away from home Atkins said the majority of crime on campus is theft for the first time. We are trying to put you in a safer of property. position. We are not after you.” “The call for service we get most is for theft, whether Atkins said there are times when his job is more it be an iPhone, iPad or a bike,” he rewarding than ever, when he’s able said. “People don’t realize that some to help people improve their lives and people are not honest with the police. fix their problems. But, for all we know, there could be “We’ve taken people for public It’s a much more controlled someone in Tuscaloosa who wants to intoxication, and they will come up environment, but... every day to me later and thank me for getkill us, so when you respond to a call you always have to remain aware.” ting them into a program,” he said. is still constantly changing. Recently, police officers across the “The person that made that mistake nation have faced criticism for the is aware and tries to fix it for him or — Chance Atkins— way they have handled situations. herself, and that is very rewarding Atkins said it is important to rememfor me.” ber why police officers are out on Atkins said his shift can be duty in the first place. lonely at times. “I’ve never met anyone in law enforcement who has “It can be lonesome sometimes, but people are funny any ill will towards people,” Atkins said. “Our job is not though,” he said. “All of our computers have Wi-Fi to come out here and pick on people. Instead, we come and I even play some Pandora music too so I can keep out here to protect people. I’ve made mistakes, but I myself occupied. The moment you think it’s a quiet don’t let my feelings dictate how I act.” night though, something happens. There are some Diamond Forde, a first-year graduate student, said things you don’t say in the police force because you she believes UAPD responds quickly when they need can jinx yourself. You don’t ever say it’s going to be a to act. quiet night.” “I haven’t had a lot of interaction with the police Once Atkins’ shift is over, he said he returns home department here, but I appreciate the emergency sys- and feels humbled about his job. tem where I get everything on my email and phone, “I’m not stuck in an office all day,” he said. “Instead, and I get that really quickly,” she said. “I don’t really I get to be out in the community. When I get home at have any problems with the police and I feel safe with the end of the day and take these boots off, I’m back to them on campus.” being Chance. If you can’t disconnect, the stress will Atkins said being a university police officer also load up on you. I don’t wear this badge and gun for the requires discretion, especially when it comes to glory, I wear this because the people of the University dealing with young adults. of Alabama, and the people in this community, have ”I don’t regret any of the arrests I’ve made,” he said. entrusted me to uphold the law. If you see a police offi“You as an individual did what you did and you have cer, don’t hesitate to say hello to one of us. People forto live with that. But, I also have to use discretion and get that we are just like anybody else.”
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Editor | Reed O’Mara Culture@cw.ua.edu Wednesday, January 28, 2015
COLUMN | BOOK
Non-fiction can be read in series By Reed O’Mara | Culture Editor
The Mulligan Brothers will perform at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center on Thursday, January 29 at 7:30 p.m. Photo Courtesy of Lynn Oldshue
Mulligan Brothers visit Tuscaloosa for 3rd time By Francie Johnson | CW Staff
The Mulligan Brothers, a band based in Mobile, have played in Tuscaloosa twice before, but with their sophomore album hot off the presses, vocalist and fiddle, mandolin and harmonica player Gram Rea said the band is ready to bring new sounds to a familiar territory. “We’re really excited about going back [to Tuscaloosa] this time in particular because we have the new record,” Rea said. “[We’re] looking forward to being able to get this second album out to our fans in Tuscaloosa and hopefully gain some new fans too.” The band released its second album, “Via Portland,” Jan. 20. As the title suggests, the band recorded the album in Portland, Oregon, where they spent three weeks living together and working with Grammy Award-winning musician and producer Steve Berlin of Los Lobos. It’s been about a year and a half since the band released its debut self-titled album, which was recorded in a small studio in Mobile. Because of space limitations, the band had to multi-track that album, meaning the instrumental and vocal tracks were recorded separately and combined during the editing process. Recording their second album in a larger, nicer studio in Portland allowed the band members to play together live during the recording process. “Just having more room and the opportunity to be able to all track together live was a big deal,” Rea said. “You can really tell the difference in this record. Us being able to play together at the same time and have that feeling together was awesome.” Being in a new environment helped the
band members immerse themselves in the recording process, lead vocalist Ross Newell said. “When we’re at home, we all have individual responsibilities and lives to live, so that creates a lot of distraction,” Newell said. “Getting that far away from home definitely affected our focus – we were just able to go up there and completely concentrate on recording while we were there.” In addition to being the band’s lead vocalist, Newell created the album’s cover art and serves as the band’s primary songwriter. He said his favorite song on the new album is “Calamine.” “It took me a really long time to write,” he said. “I overwrote that song so many times, it was really more of a novel or a short story than a song, and then there was a heavy editing process where we had to figure out what details the song could live without.” The band, who previously played at the Bama Theatre, will play at the Cultural Arts Center in downtown Tuscaloosa. Their performance will be recorded to appear on Alabama Public Television’s “Afterhours” music series. While the band members said they enjoy playing at the Bama Theatre, Newell said it’s not just the venue keeping the band coming back – it’s the fans. “It’s really the people who go there, more so than the venue,” he said. “I think the listening crowd is the key element. It feels like people are paying attention and listening, and that feels good as musicians and songwriters.” The Mulligan Brothers will perform at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center Thursday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. For more information about the band, visit themulliganbrothers.com.
Stormwater runoff is the rain and melting precipitation that flows off streets, rooftops, lawns, and farmland. The flowing water carries salt, sand, soil, pesticides, fertilizers, leaves, oil, litter, and many other pollutants into nearby waterways. In developed areas much of the land is covered by buildings and pavement, which do not allow water to soak into the ground. Storm Sewers are used to carry the large amounts of runoff to nearby waterways.
Whenever someone gets Netflix for the first time, they inevitably succumb to binge watching. Whether it’s “Parks and Recreation” or “Orange Is the New Black,” putting energy toward one particular thing to the point of becoming a socalled expert can be both endearing and intriguing. Doing the same with an author or book series makes perfect sense. Doing so with a nonfiction archetype, however, lends itself to more interesting results. Consider, for example, historical nonfiction. One could read “Hitlerland” by Andrew Nagorski, a nonfiction book detailing the lives of international people in Berlin in the 1930s, and then “In the Garden of Beasts” by Erik Larson, a book about the ambassador to Germany and his daughter during the ‘30s, and become well-versed in a specific portion of history without ever entering a class. This classic combination of nonfiction pieces beats out any trilogy where the reader gets one perspective on one plot line. It is better to explore a broader topic from wider angles to create a thorough and critical examination of events. And it is true by definition – with nonfiction, the events will be real and not imaginary. Having read two nonfiction books on similar topics, the reader can create new avenues of thought and place
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events in chronological order, aiding their perspective on a historical topic. This idea works with other nonfiction genres as well. Another interesting take could be “Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer alongside his other book of a similar title, “Into the Wild.” While one is about Mount Everest and the other Alaska, the combination would allow the reader to get one perspective on the author and then follow up with his analysis of another kind of natural explorer. The combinations are endless, and readers will find that every work of nonfiction has its perfect sequel.
CREATIVE PEOPLE (we know you’re out there)
Marr’s FIeld Journal is now accepting submissions of: • Poetry • Photography • Fiction Prose • Nonfiction Prose • Spoken Word • Drawings • Paintings • Ceramics • Graphic Design • Mixed Media • Original Music • Original Film • Original choreography (with original music) • Original monologues
SUBMIT AT: mfj.ua.edu/submissions
DEADLINE IS JANUARY 30
OPERATION
Submit GET PUBLISHED • MFJ
WEDNESDAY January 28, 2015
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HOROSCOPES Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Birthday (01/28/15). Partnership unlocks doors this year. Strengthen community connections. Money flows with greater ease after 3/20. Think, plan and strategize before launching a new creative collaboration after 4/8. Travel and research may be involved. Listen for whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wanted and needed. Organize, sign and manage paperwork after October revelations. Invest and manage savings. Work together for solutions. Stand for love. To get the advantage, check the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is an 8 -Look sharp! A unique opportunity comes your way. A long shot pays off. Increase your visibility. Help someone achieve a seemingly impossible goal. Ask questions. A friend can get through where you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. Bright ideas center on material matters. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is an 8 -Navigate obstacles or breakdowns, and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s money to be made today and tomorrow. Share your inspiration. Clarify theoretical or bizarre questions. Minimize risks. A friend makes a contact for you. Figure out the numbers. Track and follow your budget. Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s saying nice things about you. Confidently take charge today and tomorrow. An important message finally comes through. Upgrade technology, if necessary. Think through what you truly need. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get extra bells and
whistles. Handle basic priorities. Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Let things simmer over the next two days. Take it easy, and think through recent developments. Let ideas gel. Listen to intuition, when choosing a creative direction. Set team goals, and make plans. Good things come from far away. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Your friends are your inspiration, especially today and tomorrow. Enjoy time spent together. Keep track of earnings. Watch your budget. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a good time to gamble. Come up with profitable ideas. Clarify issues to avoid a conflict of interests. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is an 8 -Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty of work today and tomorrow. Withstand and profit from criticism. Keep in action, and postpone family time if you must. Encounter new problems. Check out an interesting suggestion. Accept help from those with experience. Proceed with caution. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Should you go or should you stay? An escape to new settings could be delightful today and tomorrow. Allow extra time to make connections. Mix business and pleasure on the trip. Adapt to obstacles as they come. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- The funds you expected could be delayed. Adapt to surprising communications. Think over alternative solutions. Handle financial matters
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today and tomorrow. Wheeling and dealing may be required. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let others spend your money. Re-assure someone who needs support. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Quickly resolve a household problem. You may respectfully disagree with an opinionated person. Avoid sparks by listening without automatically reacting. A partner or assistant is a big help for the next couple of days. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mouth off. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Right now, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re wise to finish what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve started. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re entering two days of steady work effort. It could get intense. A study date can be very productive. Sidestep unexpected communications gracefully. Focus on the job at hand. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 7 -- Stick to joyful pursuits today and tomorrow. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re especially lucky with love and games. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a good time for speculation, though. Listen for the commitment underneath a complaint. Avoid getting irritated. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t respond automatically. Keep it fun. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is an 8 -Attend to family matters today and tomorrow. Postpone paperwork until later. Strengthen home infrastructure and workability. Slow down and listen to what the crew wants. Fine-tune recent improvements to reflect those priorities. Unusual ideas are welcome.
SUDOKU
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Editor | Kelly Ward Sports@cw.ua.edu Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Tide falls short in comeback bid
COLUMN | NFL
By Sean Landry | Production Editor
Alabama came within seconds of forcing overtime in its bid to break a then-eight game losing streak to Florida. Guard Ricky Tarrant, playing on an injured ankle, drilled a three with two minutes remaining to tie the game at 50, and with just 53 seconds to play, an Alabama defense that had held Florida to only 15 points in the second half prepared to hold the Gators one last time. For 32 seconds, it did. Then, Dorian Finney-Smith, at full speed, slammed a dunk over Michael Kessens to give Florida a 52-50 lead with 21 seconds to play. Those two points were his only points of the night, and the last scored by any player. Alabama fell 52-50, extending its losing streak against the Gators to nine games. Alabama coach Anthony Grant, a former Florida assistant, has never beaten his former boss, Florida coach Billy Donovan. Alabama put the ball in the hands of its senior captain Levi Randolph for the final shot attempt after Florida took away the option to feed center Jimmie Taylor the ball at the rim. Randolph attacked the rim and got his shot off, but none other than Finney-Smith met the ball on its way up, blocking it into the right wing as time expired. “Tough loss for us tonight,” Grant said. “Wish we could have done some things better in the first half. I’ll have to go back and look at it, but I think a lot of it was on us. Florida did a good job attacking us early. 12 turnovers in the first half, they were able to get out in transition and we knew that would be a big key in the game in terms of keeping them from getting easy baskets and we weren’t able to do that in the first half. The second half, obviously, we were able to put ourselves in position down the stretch. A couple of plays didn’t go our way. Give Florida credit, they made the plays they had to make.” Alabama started slowly in the first half, conceding the lead to Florida after just one minute and 31 seconds of play. Alabama went into the interval down 35-22, with 12 turnovers and shooting 36 percent from the field. “I guess poor ball movement,” guard Rodney Cooper said of the team’s early game offense. “It wasn’t anything they were doing, we were just making bad decisions.” Taylor left the game early after picking up two quick fouls in the opening minutes of the first half, playing two minutes before being called for two charges.
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has over 2,500 total yards and 14 receiving touchdowns. Tribune News Service Sophomore forward Jimmie Taylor makes a play over a Florida defender in the Crimson Tide’s 52-50 loss to the Gators. CW / Layton Dudley
“Jimmie helps a lot on offensive rebounding and also rebounds on the defensive end,” Cooper said. “He’s a presence down low so it’s a big loss when he comes out of the game.” The Crimson Tide started the second half on a 16-6 run to tie the game on a Tarrant breakaway layup with 7:21 to play. Florida turned the ball over nine times in the second half and shot 35 percent from the field. “Coach tells us we’re at our best when we play with a lot of energy and effort,” Cooper said. “That’s what we tried to do in the second half.” Three minutes later, Tarrant went down with an ankle injury, subbing out to be examined by trainers before returning one minute later. He played the rest of the game, limping noticeably, but scored the game-tying layup to give Alabama a chance. “Ricky, he’s a tough player,” Cooper said. “He just makes big plays. That’s the type of player he is.” The loss marks Alabama’s fourth contest in five decided by one basket, when Alabama has gone 1-3. This loss, to a team that entered the game at 10-9, hurts Alabama’s tournament hopes more than any other, but Grant distilled it to a simple assessment. “They won the game,” Grant said.
Track goes to New Mexico By Tyler Waldrep | Contributing Writer
The University of Alabama track and field team is preparing for this weekend’s New Mexico Team Invitational. UA Athletics
The University of Alabama track and field team is approaching this weekend’s New Mexico Team Invitational after another successful outing last weekend at Vanderbilt. The team won four events in the twoday invitational. Coach Dan Waters said the team’s expectations have risen due to the recent success. “We had a very good meet,” Waters said. “Several people punched their ticket to the NCAA Indoor [Championship] meet by producing excellent performances. I think what we are starting to see is a new level of expectation for our team, both from what our coaches feel we can achieve and what our athletes feel we can attain. That’s an important step for our program.” One of those performances belonged to senior Alex Amankwah, who posted the top time in the world for the men’s 800-meter so far this season at 1:46.86. Amankwah said it was good to see his practice pay off but he does not want to grow complacent.
“It feels good to work really hard and it to show in the meet,” Amankwah said. “We are all hungry for more.” Amankwah’s teammate, polevaulter Lakan Taylor, is also looking to build on recent success after finishing the Vanderbilt Invitational as the top female collegiate pole vaulter. Taylor said the team is aiming higher and is not content with their current success. “I can go higher and higher and progress from here,” Taylor said. “We want to build and build until we are at the top.” The track and field team will need support, in addition to confidence, in order to continue building upon the team’s success, Waters said. He said a good team dynamic will be important going forward. “Our student-athletes have developed more of a true ‘team’ identity and a sense of pride in how their teammates perform,” Waters said. “That’s one of the things we set out to do when we came here - to develop a more team-oriented mindset in the program.”
Time for Browns to drop Gordon By Tyler Waldrep
After two seasons in the NFL, Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon has over 2,500 total yards and 14 receiving touchdowns. By most standards, Gordon’s transition to the NFL has been an incredibly successful one. Gordon set himself up to have a monster third season that could have seen his total touchdowns double. Unfortunately, Gordon’s transition to the NFL was not a complete success after all. On the field, he was a dependable receiver who could do no wrong. Off the field, however, he constantly found himself in trouble with the law and the league. After missing 11 games in his third season, Gordon’s latest transgression should cost him what could have been a promising career. Gordon is expected to receive a one-year ban from the NFL after failing a substance abuse test for alcohol. This is his fifth failed drug test in three years and if he is suspended, it will be his third suspension due to a failed drug test. Gordon also pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated and was recently suspended for violating the Browns’ team rules. Gordon has already missed 13 games in his first three seasons. If not for a series of lucky breaks, he could have missed an additional nine games. If Gordon is suspended for all of next season, he will have missed almost as many games as he has played. The Browns should cut their losses and move on. Gordon’s inability to control himself off the field makes him a liability on the field. Going forward, any team featuring Gordon cannot afford to become reliant upon him due to his inability to remain eligible for play. When Gordon finally entered games this past season, he appeared out of shape for an athlete of his caliber. He also seemed to make several mental errors, which were probably due to his time off. The only thing keeping Gordon from a place in the record books is himself. Perhaps a suspension would allow him to get things under control, but he is quickly running out of time and chances. Perhaps he is already out of both.