"Our processes require that all music and videos played in the stadium prior to and during every game be carefully scripted and approved by a senior administrator in the athletics department," Alabama public relations director Deborah Lane said in a statement.
"The former staff member deviated from the script that had been approved for the game with Auburn, and the university took steps to immediately terminate his contract."
Lane then really laid it on thick:
"The University of Alabama takes great pride in our football team's long-standing tradition of playing the game with dignity and class, and showing respect for players and coaches of opposing teams. We are disappointed when the actions of any staff member undermined our deeply held values and expectations."
Those are high-minded words from Ms. Lane. But there is one problem--they aren't true.
According to a report in The Tuscaloosa News, at least two full-time UA staffers OK'd the pre-game music script. In fact, one was in the control booth when the songs were played.
Jason Adlman, a 2008 UA graduate who works as an area disc jockey, was identified as the fired part-timer. But he hardly acted alone. Reports the Tuscaloosa newspaper:
Justin Brant, director of Crimson Tide Productions, which oversees elements of game-day presentation at University of Alabama football games, participated in selecting the songs -- "Son of a Preacher Man" and "Take the Money and Run" -- and was in the control room while they were played, The Tuscaloosa News has learned.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
