The University terminated an employee Monday morning for playing unauthorized music over the public address system of Bryant-Denny stadium prior to kickoff at the Iron Bowl, University spokeswoman Deborah Lane said in a release Monday.
According to the Tuscaloosa News, the part-time employee who was terminated was Jason Adlman, a 2008 UA graduate, and the music he played — “Take the Money and Run” and “Son of a Preacher Man” — was approved by a higher-ranking, full-time staff member named Justin Brant, who was not terminated effective Monday along with Adlman.
The songs were thought to be directed at Auburn’s quarterback Cameron Newton, whose father, Cecil Newton, is a minister and who has been accused of violating NCAA provisions by requesting payment for his son to be recruited.
Lane said in an e-mailed statement that the part-time employee deviated from the script of songs to be played during the day.
“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,” Lane said. “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 said the University took the proper course of action to maintain respect for opposing teams.
“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,” Lane said. “We are disappointed when actions of any staff member undermine our deeply held values and expectations.”
Kyle Morgan, a sophomore majoring in civil engineering, said he disagrees with the University’s decision to penalize the employee by terminating him.
“I don’t think he should have gotten fired,” Morgan said. “If it’s his first strike, that isn’t grounds for firing him.”
Morgan said the impact of the two songs was minimal because the songs were played before kickoff when the stadium was at less-than-full capacity.
Logan Payne, a sophomore majoring in history, said he also disagrees with the termination of the employee.
“It looks worse on the school by firing him,” Payne said.
Josh Graulee, a junior majoring in philosophy, said he did not agree with the termination of the employee because the songs were not obscene or distasteful.
“If he had put on something ridiculous like the ‘Thong Song,’ then I could see why he would have been fired,” Graulee said.
