Alabama

What does future hold for Alabama athletics? What to know at this critical juncture

Published

2 years ago

June 6, 2024

What does future hold for Alabama athletics? What to know at this critical juncture

Greg Byrne didn’t wait to watch the game until he reached a TV. He wanted to make sure he didn’t miss any of the action.

SEC spring meetings had just ended in Miramar Beach, Florida, and the Alabama athletics director held his tablet as he walked out of the conference room. He had the broadcast rolling of Alabama softball’s game against UCLA in the Women’s College World Series on May 30. Byrne locked into the game even as he walked. So much so that he even stopped and stood in the resort hallway to finish the inning, knowing he was about to lose Wifi connection if he walked too far.

“I’m as excited to go to Oklahoma City with our softball team as getting to go to the College Football Playoff,” Byrne told The Tuscaloosa News the day prior. “Those kids have worked hard.”

Football and men’s basketball are the two revenue-producing sports at UA, but Byrne takes pride in his department supporting 21 sports. He talks frequently about his affinity for all of them. Also, he often stresses how special the Olympic sports model is in collegiate athletics.

There’s an extra weight to that conversation these days, though. College sports sits at a critical juncture, and as part of that, the exact future for non-revenue sports remains unclear. Far more questions exist than answers. In May, the NCAA and the Power Five conferences agreed to a a historic settlement that, if finalized, will give schools the ability to share revenue with college athletes. That number is expected to be at least $20 million to start, per USA TODAY Sports.

That new line item on the budget could have all sorts of ripple effects.

“This is a big deal,” Byrne said. “And I think we just have to recognize we don’t have all the answers yet and we have to be very thoughtful of how we decide to move forward with the new model and how that impacts our department across the board.”

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How Greg Byrne has been preparing for changes in college athletics

The NCAA and Power Five conferences approved the settlement terms late last month, but Byrne didn’t start preparing folks in Tuscaloosa then.

Rewind to a year ago; that’s when Byrne started discussing the House v. NCAA case with his staff.

“Just planting seeds that things were changing,” Byrne said.

That included what Byrne called a “heart-to-heart” discussion with all of the head coaches in the fall. He broke down where things stood, the potential of the House litigation and its impact. Then he talked with the entire department.

“I’ve always found, when things are going to change and change dramatically, that first conversation you have with people in your department shouldn’t be after everything is all said and done,” Byrne said. “It needs to be an educational process. We’ve been doing that, and part of that is how you manage your resources going forward.”

Will Alabama have to cut sports?

It’s the question that looms largest for all athletics departments with significant change incoming. To make the new expenses fit, will some sports that don’t produce revenue have to go?

“I would hope we wouldn’t have to do that,” Byrne said.

He added that’s the last things he wants to do.

“Our Olympic-model sports program is one of the cool things in our country,” Byrne said. “But it also is very, very costly. That’s not an Alabama comment. That’s across the board in what we do. I’m proud of how we support our Olympic sports.”

What’s the future of Yea Alabama and NIL collectives?

Simply put, it’s unclear. As is the case with most things until the settlement is finalized. And even then, plenty will have to be hammered out.

Once revenue sharing begins, the role of collectives could change. The bigger unknown is the extent of the change. Could collectives go in-house as well? Might collectives focus solely on facilitating “true NIL” deals? Will collectives cease to exist? Or is there another role for them? It’s unclear at this juncture.

“If anybody tells you they know exactly what is going to come of their collectives, they’re a lot smarter than I am,” Byrne said.

Yea Alabama has operated as UA’s official NIL entity going back to February 2023. Byrne praised Yea Alabama and how it has “done a really good job of representing our student athletes.” Having a strong collective is key to compete in today’s college athletics. Maybe it won’t be required down the road, but that change hasn’t happened just yet.

“Until we understand what the new model looks like, we need to continue to stay competitive from a Yea Alabama standpoint,” Byrne said. “And we’ve made really good strides there.”

Will CFP revenue solve the new expense problem?

Increased revenue from the expanded College Football Playoff will help bring in more income for each SEC school. Annual distribution from the CFP is set to increase to about $23 million for Alabama and each SEC school, per Yahoo! Sports. That’s going to help, but more will likely be needed with increasing expenses.

“It’s not the only solution,” Byrne said. “It’s not the silver bullet to me.”

Strategic decisions around budgeting will need to be made. One example that has already occurred: Byrne said Alabama athletics has already reduced some personnel, just by choosing not to fill some vacant positions.

“We’re trying to find efficiencies on a regular basis,” Byrne said. “But our costs continue to escalate, and it’s not just this line item.”

Byrne’s title is director of athletics, but the approaching era of college athletics will call on him to be a CEO more than ever. For Alabama athletics to continue to thrive, it’s vital Byrne answers.

“We all have a responsibility,” Byrne said. “As much as people think there’s unlimited money, there’s not. You have to make financial decisions.”

Nick Kelly is the Alabama beat writer for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network, and he covers Alabama football and men’s basketball. Reach him at nkelly@gannett.com or follow him @_NickKelly on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter

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Alabama

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

Published

1 hour 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

13 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 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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