“That was really good that our team had enough interest to want to do that, to create awareness for ALS,” Coach Nick Saban said. “I’m really excited that so many people have taken such an interest in this, and it’s raised quite a bit of money and awareness to maybe affect this disease that’s affected a lot of people including our Kevin Turner who was a great player here and a great player in the NFL.”
Turner, a former fullback at the University, was diagnosed in May 2010.
The challenge raises awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The degeneration of motor neurons leads to cell death which leads to an inability for the brain to initiate and control muscle movement, according to the ALS Association’s website.
By taking on the challenge, a person agrees to douse him or herself with a bucket of ice water, post a video and nominate others to do the same. Those who refuse are asked to make a donation to the ALS charity of their choice, according to the ALS Association’s website. The purpose of the challenge is to raise awareness about ALS.
As of Tuesday, the Ice Bucket Challenge has resulted in $22.9 million donated to the ALS Association in a period from July 29 to Aug. 19.
Saban said he challenged West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, former Alabama and current New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram, radio host Paul Finebaum and University of Florida head coach Will Muschamp.
