Alabama

Alabama Defeats Samford 3-2

Published

2 weeks ago

February 18, 2026

The Alabama Crimson Tide baseball team traveled up the road to Homewood to play the Samford Bulldogs on Tuesday night. In a hard fought pitching duel the Tide came out on top by a score of 3-2. Alabama improved to 3-1 on the season while the Bulldogs fell to 2-2.

A pair of senior right handers faced off in the contest, JT Blackwood for the Tide and Joseph Lee for the Dogs. In the top of the first Justin LeBron hit a ball to deep center field that everyone in the sold out crowd thought was going to leave the yard. The cooler air and wind blowing in kept it in the park, and neither team came close to scoring for a while after that. Jason Torres followed LeBron and lined a single into left field. Little did we know that would be the Tides only hit until the 8th inning.

Blackwood allowed a two out walk and struck out two in the bottom of the first. Lee had a perfect second and Blackwood worked around a one out walk in the second half. LeBron ended the bottom of the third by snatching a line drive and doubling a runner off of first. Bama threatened in the top of the 4th inning. LeBron walked to start the inning but was erased on a double play rapped into by Torres. When Lee walked Luke Vaughn and hit Brady Neal, he was replaced by Trey Sanders. Sanders walked Will Plattner to load the bases before Peyton Steele lined a ball, at 105 miles an hour, right into third baseman Parker McDonald’s glove to end the threat.

Meanwhile Blackwood was mowing down the Bulldogs on a minimum number of pitches. In the top of the 5th the Tide again wasted a great opportunity. Justin Osterhouse walked to start the inning and moved to second on a ground out by Brennan Holt before moving to third on a wild pitch. LeBron was hit by a pitch with two outs, the stole second base. Torres walked to load the bases again. Vaughn flew out to right field to strand the bases juiced.
Blackwood kept putting up zero’s through the 6th inning. The senior from Decatur finished his night with six innings pitched, two hits allowed, two walks, two strikeouts, and no runs on 64 pitches. The outing was the longest, and best, of Blackwood’s Bama career. Five Bulldog pitchers meanwhile were keeping the Tide off the scoreboard.

Austin Morris replaced Blackwood to begin the 7th inning. Jake Souders led off with an infield single, stole second, and scored on a one out single by Luke Boykin. A wild pitch advanced Boykin to second where he was able to score on a hit by Trey Higgins. Morris recovered to induce a pop out and a strikeout to end the inning. Entering the top of the 8th, the Tide still had only one hit and had stranded eight runners on base. John Malone took over on the mound for the Dogs. Andrew Purdy was hit by a pitch with one out while pinch hitting for Vaughn. Neal lined a single into right field to put runners on the corners. Plattner hit a line drive to centerfield for a sacrifice fly to score Bama’s first run. Steele then drove the first pitch he saw over the right centerfield fence to give the Tide a 3-2 lead.

Redshirt senior Hagan Banks took the mound for Alabama in the bottom of the 8th inning. Banks struck out the first man he saw before allowing a single by Gus Gandy. With Jackson Harris at the plate Gandy was caught stealing by a creative throw by Neal. Banks then struck out Harris to end the frame. The Tide tried to add some insurance in the top of the 9th. With two outs LeBron beat out an infield single, then stole second and third. Torres walked to put runners on the corners, but Purdy grounded out to end the inning.Banks was back out to close out the contest in the bottom of the ninth. Souders lined a lead off single, but Banks bounced back to strike out the next three batters to end the game with the Tide on top.

Alabama hit only 4-28 in the game with eight walks, three hit batters, 10 strikeouts, and left 10 men on base. The Tide threw two wild pitches, stole three bases, and turned two double plays. Steele was 1-4 with the game winning home run, two RBI, and a run scored. LeBron was 1-3 with a walk, a hit by pitch, and three stolen bases. Torres was 1-3 with two walks, and Neal finished 1-3 with a hit by pitch and run scored. Morris was the winner and is 1-0 on the season. Banks earned the save with two innings pitched, two hits allowed, no walks, no runs, and five strikeouts.

The Bulldogs were 7-31 at the plate with two walks, nine strikeouts, and four men left on base. Souders was 2-3 with a walk, a stolen bases, and a run scored. Boykin and Higgins each drove in a run. Malone fell to 1-0 with the loss.

A good win for the Tide in their first road contest. Samford is a good team year after year and are typically fighting for an NCAA berth come May. Bama has to figure out the offensive side of the ball. The pitching has been outstanding the last three games, allowing only four runs over the last 27 innings pitched. LeBron is routinely being pitched around and is going to have to continue to be patient. The star shortstop has reached base 11 times in the team’s four games, despite having only four hits, and has stolen six bases in six attempts, with two home runs and six runs scored.
Next up is a Wednesday, February 18th, afternoon home game against Alabama State at 4 p.m. The game will be available on ESPN Plus.
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Alabama

Circuit Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. steps down after 13 years on the bench

Published

9 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Circuit Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. steps down after 13 years on the bench

SELMA, Ala. (WSFA) – After more than a decade serving Alabama’s fourth judicial circuit, Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. is stepping away from full-time service, closing a chapter that spans nearly four decades in the legal profession.

Pettaway was elected to the bench in 2012 and served in several counties including Dallas, Wilcox, Perry, Hale and Bibb counties, the largest geographical circuit in the state.

Now, he says, it was simply time.

“I never wanted to serve in that capacity forever,” Pettaway said “And plus, I wanted to also make room for some younger, brighter minds to come forward.”

Before becoming a judge, Pettaway practiced law in Selma for nearly 30 years after being licensed in 1985. During that time, he handled cases that helped shape Alabama law; something he says he didn’t fully appreciate until colleagues reflected on his impact.

“I handled several cases which actually affected and changed the direction of the state of the law in our state,” he added. “And I didn’t realize I did all that.”

Friends and fellow legal professionals once presented him with research showing his involvement in Alabama Supreme Court cases that made significant changes in state law; a moment he describes as both surprising and humbling.

During his time on the bench, Pettaway says one of his priorities was maintaining professionalism and respect within the legal system.

He often referenced the Alabama State Bar’s Lawyer’s Creed — a pledge attorneys take promising to treat even their opponents with civility and understanding.

“In that creed, you are promising that you’re gonna treat even your opponents with civility and with kindness and understanding.”

Pettaway says he believes the legal profession — and society at large — must continue working toward a culture rooted in respect and service.

Although stepping away from full-time duties, Pettaway says he is not completely leaving the legal field. He has transitioned to retired active status and plans to assist with cases when needed, while also returning to private practice.

He says this new chapter is about balance.

After decades shaping courtrooms across five counties, Pettaway says he is focused on health, perspective and trusting the next generation to carry the bench forward.

Governor Kay Ivey has appointed former Assistant District Attorney Bryan Jones to serve the remainder of Pettaway’s six-year term.

Jones previously served as senior chief trial attorney under District Attorney Robert Turner Jr. and has also led the Fourth Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force.

The transition marks a new era for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, while closing a significant chapter in its recent history.

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Alabama

Detroit Lions meet with Alabama star OL at NFL combine

Published

21 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Detroit Lions meet with Alabama star OL at NFL combine

As the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine nears its conclusion, the Detroit Lions continue to work to identify potential fits for the franchise.

The Lions own pick No. 17 in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. Though Taylor Decker recently announced his return for the 2026 season, Detroit could still be thinking offensive line in the draft’s opening round.

If the Lions opt to fortify their offensive line, one name to watch for Detroit is Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. A Lions scout pulled Proctor aside to talk at the East-West Shrine Bowl in January.

Now, Proctor confirmed to Crunch Time Sports that he met with the Lions at the NFL combine.

Proctor started 40 games across his Crimson Tide career, missing just the first two games of the 2024 season with injury.

The 6-foot-7, 366-pound lineman was Alabama’s highest-graded player last season with an overall offensive grade of 85.9, per Pro Football Focus. Proctor had a pass-blocking grade of 84.2, a run blocking grade of 81.1 and allowed just two sacks during the 2025 college football season.

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Josh on X, @JoshOnLions

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Alabama

Alabama lawmakers react to U.S. early morning military strike on Iran

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Alabama lawmakers react to U.S. early morning military strike on Iran

Alabama lawmakers are weighing in with their opinion after Donald Trump announced that the United States conducted a military strike on Iran overnight.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey responded to a video from the White House X account announcing that we’ve taken military action.

“Strong leadership requires hard decisions,” Ivey posted to X. “This is exactly how we will achieve peace through strength. As @POTUS said, our Armed Forces WILL prevail. May God continue to bless the brave men and women in our military! And may God bless President Trump and our great country.”

Congressman Robert Aderholt said in his own statement that he stands with Trump’s decision. The statement released earlier today, Saturday, Feb. 8, encouraged Trump for taking military action.

“For five decades, Iran has openly called for ‘death to America,’” Aderholt wrote. “I remember clearly when they orchestrated the deaths of 241 U.S. Marines in Beirut in 1983. In the years since, the regime has continued pursuing nuclear capabilities that threaten the United States and our allies. I stand with President Trump has he leads these strikes. May God bless the members of our armed forces carrying out these operations”

In addition to being the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, Aderholt is also a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall echoed similar sentiment to Aderholt. He cites the same quote.

“For 47 years the vicious Iranian regime has chanted ‘death to America,’” Marshall wrote. “It’s time for swift and decisive action. May God bless the men and women of the Armed Forces. May God bless America.”

Senator Katie Boyd Britt says she echoes Trump’s message from earlier this morning.

“Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism,” Britt said on X. “For 47 years, this murderous regime has operated a terror network that has brought death and destruction to the world and slaughtered innocent Americans. Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ballistic missile capabilities, and funding of proxy terror groups pose a sustained and clear threat to our nation, to our military bases and citizens in the region, and to our allies. This is a defining moment of generational leadership from President Trump to achieve sustainable peace. We are praying for the safety of our men and women in uniform and I echo @POTUS’s message this morning: God bless and protect all of our heroes in harm’s way executing this mission.”

Coach and Senator Tommy Tubberville tweeted, “President Trump has shown time and time again, you NEVER threaten America. God bless our great troops, god bless President Trump, and God bless America.”

U.S. Representative for 1st Congressional District of Alabama Barry Moore responded in a Facebook post.

“May God bless our men and women in uniform,” Moore posted. “Please join me in praying for strength, wisdom, and safety for President Donald J. Trump and all of those keeping our nation safe.”

United States Congresswoman Terri Sewell representing Alabama’s 7th District offered one of the few dissenting opinions from local lawmakers and politicians. Although she acknowledges Iran’s history, Sewell expresses her concern for the lives of U.S. citizens now that peace talks have been abandoned.

“Iran has oppressed their people and supported terrorism in the region for decades,” Sewell said in an official statement. “This fact does not change the President’s obligation under the Constitution to work with Congress on military actions that put our troops in harm’s way and could drag our country into another prolonged war in the Middle East.”

Sewell goes on to say that she’ll work with Congress to arrange a vote on a war powers resolution.

“I am also calling on the Administration to immediately provide a briefing on this ongoing military action, including their justification for abandoning diplomatic talks, as as their strategy for avoiding an extended regional conflict that is not supported by the American people,” Sewell continued. “I am praying for all the service members in the region and their families.”

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