Before the 2011 National Championship Game, politicians from Alabama and Louisiana placed bets around the upcoming matchup between the University of Alabama and Louisiana State University on Jan. 9.
Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden initiated a bet on the Friday before the game, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox said.
If the LSU Tigers had won the game, Maddox agreed to send Holden three gallons of barbeque sauce from Dreamland BBQ. Since the Tide was victorious, Holden sent three gallons of Cane’s sauce from Raising Cane’s, a chicken finger chain founded in Baton Rouge, to Tuscaloosa.
Maddox said the pair had a good conversation about the game and Louisiana’s experiences following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Tuscaloosa’s following the tornado.
“There is always this kind of kinship with our friends in Louisiana because they experienced such devastation,” he said. “So, we both had an understanding about what it’s like and I was excited to win.”
Other wagers around the state included Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley’s with Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal. The governors agreed to wear the other team’s colors to work the day after the game among other bets.
“WHEN Bama wins,” Bentley tweeted, Jindal would send him some Louisiana seafood.
“BCS wager is on!” Jindal tweeted in response. “Geaux Tigers!”
Louisiana Congressman Bill Cassidy donned a houndstooth hat, Alabama tie and brought congratulatory remarks, which included a “Roll Tide” on the Floor of the House of Representatives, a condition to pay tribute to Alabama’s victory.
“It was a hard fought game between the top teams in the nation. I am so proud of my Crimson Tide for securing victory and bringing home the crystal trophy for the second time in three years,” Congresswoman Terri Sewell, who represents part of Tuscaloosa, said in a press release. “Congressman Cassidy was a great sport as he brought congratulatory remarks to the team on the House Floor. I look forward to continuing the friendly rivalry between Congressman Cassidy and myself.”
Cassidy congratulated the Tide on the win.
“LSU and Alabama both had great seasons,” Cassidy said in the release. “Although I wish the outcome had been different, I congratulate Alabama on a game well played. This was a tremendous season for both teams and I look forward to a rematch next year.”
