Alabama

Small-town politics, Mike Gurspan, Rick & Bubba: Down in Alabama

Published

2 years ago

February 2, 2024

Press Room

Small-town politics, Mike Gurspan, Rick & Bubba: Down in Alabama

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More Tarrant turmoil

Tarrant politics are something else, folks.

Since Mayor Wayman Newton came into office in the small town north of Birmingham, there has been friction between him and members of the city council. One time to the point where, after a contentious meeting about Newton’s firing of the fire chief, Councilman Tommy Bryant punched Newton. He was found innocent at trial because the punch was in retaliation to what Newton had just said about the councilman’s wife.

The punching episode happened in November 2022, but it has to come up as background in any “Tarrant politics are something else” stories.

This week, Mayor Newton has suspended police chief Wendell Major for the third time, reports AL.com’s Joseph D. Bryant.

The mayor is accusing the chief of professional misconduct such as downgrading serious offenses and soliciting outside work as an attorney.

Both the mayor and the chief are lawyers, by the way. Chief Major said he will appeal the suspension, which is unpaid. In the past, the council has ultimately overruled the mayor and returned Major to work.

Passing of a news veteran

Newsman Mike Gurspan has passed away only around two months after being diagnosed with brain cancer, reports AL.com’s Howard Koplowitz.

Gurspan spent more than 30 years reporting and anchoring news and sports in the Wiregrass area, since 2018 at WDHN in Dothan and before that at WTVY in Dothan. During that time he’s covered stories such as the ‘94 Elba floods, the deadly ‘07 tornado at Enterprise High School and the McLendon murder spree in Geneva County.

In the late ‘80s, early ‘90s you might’ve got your news from him during stints at the two Panama City TV stations.

Gurspan had the work ethic to match his experience.

“He would start reporting at 9 in the morning, then make his way to the station by noon, put together his stories in the afternoon, then anchor the evening newscasts,” WDHN News Director Glen Horn said. “He talked about slowing down, but never could. He absolutely loved this business.”

Mike Gurspan was 66 years old.

Radio duo will stay in it one more year …

The guys on “The Rick & Bubba Show” have announced that program will finish its long run on radio at the end of the year, reports AL.com’s Mary Colurso.

Hosts Rick Burgess and Bill “Bubba” Bussey have been doing the show for 30 years. They’re syndicated nationally and based at Birmingham’s WZZK-FM. Bussey said they’re healthy and remain friends. He did say doing the show a few more years would’ve been nice in some ways, but “we don’t always get to pick how things end.” Burgess said ending the show after another year seemed like their best option.

But they’re on through December, and the show’s not going out with a whimper. They’re still on more than 60 radio stations in 18 states. And, of course, these days you add podcast and YouTube numbers to that.

The radio show airs on weekday mornings.

… and recent Alabama-celebrity exits have people nervous about someone else

With Nick Saban having retired and Rick & Bubba ending their radio show, Alabamians are reaching out to check on meteorologist James Spann’s plans for the near future.

Because that could lead to way too much change for some folks.

Spann addressed it on social media: “After this morning’s Rick and Bubba announcement… I’m seeing some social media posts stating that ‘James Spann will be making his retirement announcement later this week.’ That is as far from the truth as it gets. I’m just getting started… I feel better now physically than when I was in my 20s, and my mental cognition is better than ever thanks to being in good physical condition. Some people slow down as they get older… I speed up.”

He can speed up. Just as long as he doesn’t roll up his sleeves too much this spring.

(If you know, you know.)

By the numbers

$98 billion

That’s 2022 economic impact of the Port of Mobile, according to a report from the Alabama Port Authority.

Born on this date

In 1982 U.S. Sen. Katie Britt of Enterprise.

On the calendar

Today is Groundhog Day. So rise and shine, campers, and let me know if that big rat predicts anything useful — such as the spring pompano run.

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Alabama

Alabama football 2026 recruiting class outlook at early signing day

Published

3 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Press Room

Alabama football 2026 recruiting class outlook at early signing day

As Alabama football prepares for an SEC championship, the Crimson Tide is also on the cusp of securing the next wave of its future.

The start of the early signing period in college football kicks off Wednesday, Dec. 3, and players like five-star running back Ezavier Crowell, five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin and four-star wide receiver Cederian Morgan are set to officially sign with the Crimson Tide.

Here’s a look at where Alabama’s 2026 recruiting class stands as the early signing period nears.

Alabama football recruiting needs 2026

Alabama has secured much of its 2026 recruiting class, even if the Crimson Tide has had a few recent fireworks in the 2026 class.

The Crimson Tide lost a commitment from four-star offensive lineman Sam Utu less than two weeks before signing day. Alabama secured a commitment from College of San Mateo offensive tackle Tyrell Miller to join Chris Booker, Bear Fretwell and Jared Doughty up front. And on Sunday, Nov. 30, Zyan Gibson wavered in his commitment to the Crimson Tide before releasing a statement saying he was standing firm, citing “miscommunication” as his reason for reportedly leaving the class.

But the headline names of the 2026 class are set in stone, players like Griffin, Crowell, Morgan, five-star safety Jireh Edwards and five-star cornerback Jorden Edmonds, who are locked into what Alabama is building in 2026.

Alabama football recruiting rankings

As the start of the early signing period nears, Alabama has the third-ranked class per 247Sports’ composite rankings behind No. 1 USC and No. 2 Georgia.

Alabama is one of three classes that have secured four five-star players in the 2026 class along with Oregon and Notre Dame. The average rating for each player in Alabama’s 2026 class is the third-highest in college football behind Oregon and LSU.

Alabama football 2026 recruiting class

Xavier Griffin: 5-star linebacker, Gainesville, Georgia
Jorden Edmonds: 5-star cornerback, Marietta, Georgia
Ezavier Crowell: 5-star running back, Jackson, Alabama
Jireh Edwards: 5-star safety, Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Cederian Morgan: 4-star wide receiver, Alexander City, Alabama
Jett Thomalla: 4-star quarterback, Omaha, Nebraska
Mack Sutter: 4-star tight end, Dunlap, Illinois
Jamarion Matthews: 4-star defensive lineman, Gainesville, Georgia
Nolan Wilson: 4-star defensive lineman, Picayune, Mississippi
Chris Booker: 4-star offensive lineman, Atlanta, Georgia
Jared Doughty: 4-star offensive lineman, Atlanta, Georgia
Corey Howard: 3-star defensive lineman, Valdosta, Georgia
Rihyael Kelley: 3-star safety, Cincinnati, Ohio
Kamhariyan Johnson: 4-star defensive lineman, Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Javari Barnett: 3-star running back, Tampa, Florida
Owen Cabell: 3-star wide receiver, Nashville, Tennessee
Bear Fretwell: 3-star offensive lineman, Brooklet, Georgia
JJ Finch: 3-star defensive lineman, Indianapolis, Indiana
Brian Williams Jr.: 3-star wide receiver, Orlando, Florida
Tayden Kaawa: 3-star quarterback, Honolulu, Hawaii
Zay Hall: 3-star linebacker, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Tyrell Miller; College of San Mateo, Union City, California

When is early signing day?

The start of the early signing period is Wednesday, Dec. 3 and lasts through Friday, Dec. 5

The regular signing period begins Feb. 4, 2026.

Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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Alabama

4-Star CB Zyan Gibson Denounces Decommitment Rumors, Pledges to Stick with Crimson Tide

Published

15 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Press Room

4-Star CB Zyan Gibson Denounces Decommitment Rumors, Pledges to Stick with Crimson Tide

UPDATE — Zyan Gibson took to social media to dispute initial reports of his decommitment.

His statement read, “Earlier today, a post was shared about my decommitment. I want to clarify that this message was the result of a miscommunication. I’m standing by my pledge I made to Bama. I will be signing with Bama on Dec. 3rd. At this point I will not be doing any interviews. Roll Tide.”

Earlier today, a post was shared about my decommitment. I want to clarify that this message was the result of a miscommunication. I’m standing by my pledge I made to Bama. I will be signing with Bama on Dec. 3rd. At this point I will not be doing any interviews. Roll Tide!!
— Zyan “z7evenn” Gibson (@ZyanGibson) December 1, 2025

After a strong weekend on the recruiting trail, consisting of two new commitments for the 2026 class, Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide staff received a bit of bad news late Sunday night.

4-Star cornerback Zyan Gibson, an in-state prospect from Gadsden, Alabama, officially announced his decommitment from the Tide on November 30, according to Hayes Fawcett of Rivals. Gibson was Alabama’s earliest commit of the class, originally making his decision in December of 2024.

🚨BREAKING🚨 4-star CB Zyan Gibson has decommitted from Alabama, @Hayesfawcett3 reports.
Read: https://t.co/DmUvw7qZRc pic.twitter.com/oJi3KLTepW
— Rivals (@Rivals) December 1, 2025

Prior to his original commitment, Gibson held offers from the likes of Tennessee, Texas A&M, Ole Miss and many more. He took visits to both Tennessee and Ole Miss in June of this year, but has since made four return trips to Tuscaloosa this fall.

The 4-Star prospect had been expected to be a member of Alabama’s early signing group, but will now likely be making his pledge elsewhere. While it is unclear yet where Gibson is expected to commit, Tennessee is his second most visited school behind Alabama, so early indicators point to the Volunteers as a potential landing spot.

The Alabama native is a somewhat undersized prospect compared to what Alabama has recently targeted at the position as he stands just 6-foot, 174 lbs. Despite his smaller stature, Gibson is a speedy cornerback that is sticky in coverage.

He is ranked as the No. 5 player at his position in the nation, and the No. 4 player in the state, according to 247Sports’ composite ranking.

Although it is certainly a loss for the class, missing out on such a high caliber talent, Alabama still holds commitments from three other defensive backs, all of which are more in line with the body type that the current Crimson Tide staff has targeted since taking over.

CB Zyan Gibson, 6-foot, 174. lbs. – Gadsden, Alabama (Committed 12/24/2024)
CB Jorden Edmonds, 6-foot-2, 175 lbs. – Marietta, Georgia (Committed 03/26/2025)
EDGE Jamarion Matthews, 6-foot-2, 240 lbs. – Gainesville, Georgia (Committed 02/21/2025)
EDGE Kamhariyan Johnson, 6-foot-4, 260 lbs. – Muscle Shoals, Alabama (Committed 04/12/2025)
OL Chris Booker, 6-foot-4, 285 lbs. – Atlanta, Georgia (Committed 02/20/2025)
QB Jett Thomalla, 6-foot-3, 205 lbs. – Omaha, Nebraska (Committed 06/17/2025)
DL JJ Finch, 6-foot-3, 260 lbs. – Indianapolis, Indiana (Committed 06/22/2025)
RB Javari Barnett, 5-foot-11, 205 lbs. – Tampa Bay, Florida (Committed 06/23/2025)
S Rihyael Kelley, 6-foot-3, 180 lbs. – Cincinnati, Ohio (Committed 06/23/2025)
SN Eli Deutsch, 6-foot-2, 225 lbs. – Franklin, Wisconsin (Committed 06/24/2025)
RB Ezavier Crowell, 5-foot-10, 210 lbs. – Jackson, Alabama (Committed 06/26/2025)
TE Mack Sutter, 6-foot-5, 230 lbs. – Dunlap, Illinois (Committed 06/26/2025)
LB Zay Hall, 6-foot-2, 222 lbs. – Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Committed 06/27/2025)
LB Xavier Griffin, 6-foot-3, 200 lbs. – Gainesville, Georgia (Committed 06/29/2025)
WR Owen Cabell, 6-foot-2, 201 lbs. – Nashville, Tennessee (Committed 06/30/2025)
WR Brian Williams, Jr., 6-foot-4, 185 lbs. – Lake Mary, Florida (Committed 07/01/2025)
WR Cederian Morgan, 6-foot-4, 220 lbs – Alexander City, Alabama (Committed 07/02/2025)
DL Nolan Wilson, 6-foot-4, 250 lbs. – Picayune, Mississippi (Committed 07/04/2025)
S Jireh Edwards, 6-foot-2, 210 lbs. – Baltimore, Maryland (Committed 07/05/2025)
QB Tayden Kaawa, 6-foot-5, 235 lbs. – Orem, Utah (Committed 07/22/2025)
OT Bear Fretwell, 6-foot-6, 295 lbs. – Brooklet, Georgia (Committed 07/25/25)
OT Jared Doughty, 6-foot-5, 300 lbs. – Atlanta, Georgia (Committed 10/05/2025)
EDGE Corey Howard, 6-foot-6, 245 lbs. – Valdosta, Georgia (Committed 10/19/2025)
OL Tyrell Miller, 6-foot-5, 305 lbs. – College of San Mateo (Committed 11/29/2025)
TE Jude Cascone, 6-foot-2, 225 lbs. – Marietta, Georgia (Committed 11/30/2025)

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Alabama

Kalen DeBoer follows gutsy call with a zinger after Alabama’s Iron Bowl win vs. Auburn

Published

1 day ago

November 30, 2025

Press Room

Kalen DeBoer follows gutsy call with a zinger after Alabama’s Iron Bowl win vs. Auburn

Kalen DeBoer made a gutsy call. Then Alabama’s coach made a funny. All smiles for the Crimson Tide after Iron Bowl victory, grimy though it was.
Alabama needed fourth down heroics to win Iron Bowl, just as it did in 2023.
Alabama on playoff bubble, but is probably safe for now.

AUBURN, AL – Kalen DeBoer made a gutsy call. Then Alabama’s coach made a funny.

Late in a tie game in the Iron Bowl, why did DeBoer go for 4th-and-2 instead of electing for a short go-ahead field goal?

DeBoer explained it with a bit of comedic relief.

“I figured it was 29 yards shorter than the last time we needed a touchdown here,” DeBoer deadpanned.

Good one!

DeBoer must know his Iron Bowl history. He was still coaching Washington when Jalen Milroe completed his 4th-and-a-prayer 31-yard strike to Isaiah Bond in 2023 to send Nick Saban out a victor in his final Iron Bowl.

Now, Ty Simpson joins this rivalry’s lore.

Alabama needed six feet to move the chains on fourth down. Simpson got six yards with his touchdown toss to Isaiah Horton with 3:50 remaining, good for the winning score in a 27-20 victory.

“The fact I get to say that I led a game-winning drive in the Iron Bowl, that’s something I’ll tell my kids’ kids,” Simpson said. “Just super incredible.”

Even if Alabama’s performance — the Tide were outgained by 131 yards — could best be described as something other than incredible.

Alabama probably on safe side of CFP bubble after Iron Bowl win

DeBoer described this victory the way most coaches would.

He called it gritty, not ugly. A show of resilience, not a cause for concern.

Sure beats losing, anyway.

“I couldn’t be more proud of these guys,” DeBoer said. “There’s some teams that hope they can find a way. I think our guys really understand that if they get in these spots, they can make it happen.”

A third loss would have kept No. 10 Alabama (10-2) out of the SEC Championship and out of the College Football Playoff for the second straight year.

This win probably keeps Alabama on the safe side of the bubble, for now anyway.

A triumph against Georgia next weekend in Atlanta would remove all doubt and clinch a playoff bid. Depending on where Alabama falls in the rankings this week, a competitive loss could do the trick, too, although the situation would become dicey if Brigham Young beats Texas Tech in the Big 12 Championship and turns that conference into a two-bid league, or if Alabama loses the SEC Championship by a lopsided score.

“We’ve got quality-strength wins and some wins on the road,” DeBoer said. “We’ve got more than a playoff-caliber football team.”

Kalen DeBoer joins coaches pitching his bubble team for CFP

The coaches of fellow bubble teams Miami, Vanderbilt and Texas all made their pitches, too. None of those teams is headed for a conference championship game, though. That won’t stop their lobbying.

“To do anything other than allow these guys to compete for it all would be just an injustice to the work they’ve done,” Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea said after a win against Tennessee pushed his Commodores to 10-2.

Texas’ Steve Sarkisian warmed up that language one day earlier, saying it would “be a disservice to our sport” if the committee rejected a 9-3 Longhorns team that beat Vanderbilt and also owns wins against Texas A&M (11-1) and Oklahoma (10-2), making Texas the only team with three top-15 triumphs.

Miami’s pitch is wrapped up in its head-to-head win against Notre Dame, a team with which it shares a 10-2 record.

“Head-to-head is always the No. 1 criteria regarding anything (in) athletics,” Miami’s Mario Cristobal said in his pitch.

I hate to be the one to tell Cristobal, but the No. 1 criterion is whatever the committee desires it to be to justify a particular choice.

“There’s not a question in my mind” that Alabama is a playoff team, DeBoer said.

He could say that with a straight face and conviction in his voice, because Simpson made good on DeBoer’s 4th-and-2 call, and then Alabama forced a fumble to seal the victory.

That prevented the need for any 4th-and-31 heroics on this night, and DeBoer got to try out his joke.

Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s senior national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.

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