Serving the campus of the University of Alabama since 1894

The Crimson White


Serving the campus of the University of Alabama since 1894

The Crimson White

Serving the campus of the University of Alabama since 1894

The Crimson White

Alexander Plant | @aplant63

Alexander Plant | @aplant63

All content by Alexander Plant | @aplant63
In Ashley’s Memory: Former long snapper reflected on a loss that changed his life

In Ashley’s Memory: Former long snapper reflected on a loss that changed his life

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor April 14, 2021

Sixty-two tornadoes ripped through the southeast on April 27, 2011. More than 300 people were killed, including former Alabama long snapper Carson Tinker’s girlfriend, Ashley Harrison.  Tinker and...

Photo courtesy of Alabama Athletics

MBB Recap | ‘Make this season special’: Alabama’s one shining moment comes to an end

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor March 29, 2021

Hinkle Fieldhouse was hotly contested territory Sunday night. Alabama and UCLA swapped runs back and forth, and every sudden boom of energy died out within minutes, sometimes seconds, for the Crimson Tide....

How these Alabama football alumni are giving back to their communities

How these Alabama football alumni are giving back to their communities

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor March 24, 2021

Alabama football under Nick Saban has produced dozens of NFL standouts. Some are using their gains to give back to causes that hit close to home. Playing in the NFL is an extremely lucrative profession....

Twitter / Sabrina Ionescu

‘We came to win’: How the NCAA disappointed its female March Madness contenders

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor March 24, 2021

In Indianapolis, men’s basketball players enjoyed a shiny set of bench presses, dumbbells and squat racks that spanned the width of a weight room at an NCAA training facility. But in San Antonio, women’s...

Not NCAA Property: How Jahvon Quinerly fought his way to stardom

Not NCAA Property: How Jahvon Quinerly fought his way to stardom

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor March 24, 2021

Coming out of high school, Alabama sophomore guard Jahvon Quinerly was a top-50 prospect on every major recruiting website. A five-star talent and one of the stars of the viral group “Jelly Fam,” Quinerly...

Courtesy of Alabama Athletics

Threes, Threes and More Threes: Alabama reigns supreme against Maryland

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor March 23, 2021
Alabama men’s basketball will advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2004.
Courtesy of Alabama Athletics

Alabama’s Jordan Lewis drops career high in NCAA Tournament win against North Carolina

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor March 23, 2021
Here's why head coach Kristy Curry thinks the point-guard is the best in the SEC.
Courtesy of Alabama Athletics

MBB | Alabama keeps dancing behind a balanced attack

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor March 20, 2021
Alabama advances to the round of 32 after a tough battle against Iona.
MBB Update | Alabama settles into Indianapolis ahead of Saturday game

MBB Update | Alabama settles into Indianapolis ahead of Saturday game

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor March 17, 2021
Alabama men’s basketball is going into March Madness on a wave. The team won the SEC Tournament for the first time in 30 years. Now the team is preparing for an NCAA Tournament run in Indianapolis.
CW / Hannah Saad & Lexi Hall

‘A sweet, soft, Southern thrill’: Bryant-Denny to return at full capacity

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor March 3, 2021
In a follow-up to the UA System's announcement, Athletic Director Greg Byrne shared that Bryant-Denny Stadium will be back to full capacity in 2021.
‘Very Shallow Rationale’: GSA president upset with grad student ticket allotment

‘Very Shallow Rationale’: GSA president upset with grad student ticket allotment

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor March 1, 2021
It can sometimes be unclear what, exactly, is in SGA's purview. But student tickets have always been a top priority for SGA members, perhaps never more than this year, when limited capacities shifted the way the University handles student tickets. Student ticket allotment has changed a few times over the course of the year, but one student leader says his group keeps getting the short end of the stick.
Pregame Presser | Aggies, Tar Heels and Trojans, oh my!

Pregame Presser | Aggies, Tar Heels and Trojans, oh my!

Whether you want golf, basketball, softball or gymnastics, this weekend promises close games and Alabama victories. Listen to the sports staff break down the upcoming invitationals, matches and classics...

Pregame Presser | Softball, we missed you

Pregame Presser | Softball, we missed you

Looking for something to watch this weekend? Then obviously you haven't been paying attention to the Alabama athletics schedule. Listen to the podcast below or via Apple Podcasts. 9: Softball, we missed...

CW / Carson Redwine

Opinion | Now what? Student athletes’ calls to action go largely unanswered

It wasn't so long ago that student athletes masked up and marched for Black lives. In the aftermath, the University and the Southeastern Conference said they were ready to make changes. But the follow-up has been basically unknowable.
CW file

‘He stood in the gap’: How a former player says Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant changed the game for Black players

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor February 10, 2021
In 1980, Walter Lewis knew he would be the University's first Black quarterback. But he didn't know he would be Paul 'Bear' Bryant's last quarterback. Lewis remembers Bryant as a great coach—and a game changer for Black athletes.
MBB Recap | How old habits led to Alabama’s first SEC loss

MBB Recap | How old habits led to Alabama’s first SEC loss

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor February 8, 2021
The Crimson Tide lost 68-65 to the Missouri Tigers, ending their SEC winning streak.
CW / Lexi Hall

MBB Recap | How Alex Reese’s stand-out game led to the Tide’s tenth straight SEC win

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor February 3, 2021
Alabama men's basketball remains on top of the Southeastern Conference. A hotly contested first half gave way to a runaway victory for the Crimson Tide, led on defense and offense by senior forward Alex Reese.
MBB Analysis | Oats’ ‘culture of winning basketball’ hinges on one thing

MBB Analysis | Oats’ ‘culture of winning basketball’ hinges on one thing

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor January 28, 2021
Here's what it'll take for Alabama to keep it's perfect SEC record.
The Pregame Presser takes a look ahead for spring sports

‘The Pregame Presser’ takes a look ahead for spring sports

On today's docket: Nate Oats' three-point shooting balancing act, consistency in Alabama gymnastics and how Kristy Curry's squad can succeed against Kentucky.
Photo courtesy of Alabama Athletics

‘Always good to get a win’: Alabama remains unchallenged at the top of the SEC

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor January 25, 2021
With big games still to come, Alabama men's basketball shut down Mississippi State Saturday, maintaining the team's perfect Southeastern Conference record. The tight game gave the team the experience it needs to keep rolling over tough opponents.
Oats, Petty lead mens basketball team on monstrous run

Oats, Petty lead men’s basketball team on monstrous run

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor January 21, 2021
Call it the magic of blue collar basketball, call it a hot streak, call it whatever you want—just don't let it end. Alabama men's basketball remains undefeated in the Southeastern Conference, beating its last three conference opponents by more than 20 points.
Courtesy of Alabama Athletics

Opinion | There’s never been a better time to enjoy Alabama athletics

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor January 20, 2021
Football season is over. But big seasons are shaping up for Alabama's basketball programs, plus gymnastics, softball and baseball. Never have Alabama's athletics programs been at such a high level.
Skys the Limit: Men’s basketball off to an undefeated start in SEC play

Sky’s the Limit: Men’s basketball off to an undefeated start in SEC play

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor January 13, 2021
It's been more than two years since Alabama was undefeated in Southeastern Conference men's basketball play. Now, with an away win over Kentucky, the Tide is on top.
Nick Saban gets carried off the field after Alabama clinched its 18th National Championship title.

Mamba Mentality: How a banged-up Alabama offense still beat down the Buckeyes 

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor January 12, 2021

Even with a postponed season and several COVID-19 restrictions, 2020 didn’t stop the Crimson Tide from a championship drive. Alabama soundly defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24 on Monday night and...

Total Domination: How Alabamas historic offensive trio made top tier competition look subpar

Total Domination: How Alabama’s historic offensive trio made top tier competition look subpar

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor January 12, 2021

“You already know who I want to go up against,” Ohio State defensive back Shaun Wade said before the College Football Playoff National Championship game.  Before the game, Desmond Howard said...

Bama bids a fond farewell to Steve Sarkisian 

Bama bids a fond farewell to Steve Sarkisian 

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor January 12, 2021

Alabama football used to be known for running the football relentlessly. Under the leadership of head coach Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide already has a strong history of dominating games with running backs...

Most Valuable Player: How DeVonta Smith stumbled into the Heisman

Most Valuable Player: How DeVonta Smith stumbled into the Heisman

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor January 11, 2021

DeVonta Smith woke up at 6 a.m. on a brisk January Tuesday, hit the Mal Moore Athletic Facility, worked with trainers, ate breakfast, practiced with his teammates and watched film.  It was just a normal...

Courtesy of Alabama Athletics.

Momentary Success: Alabama has one box left to check after Rose Bowl win

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor January 1, 2021

The Crimson Tide looked like they were at a practice today. The team beat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 31-14 and punched their ticket to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Alabama...

For these Heisman finalists, a championship is all that matters

For these Heisman finalists, a championship is all that matters

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor January 1, 2021

The Alabama Crimson Tide did what no team has done in the modern college football era: have three players finish in the top five for the Heisman vote.  But the team could care less about the trophy....

History Made: Alabama first team to go 10-0 in SEC play

History Made: Alabama first team to go 10-0 in SEC play

Alexander Plant | @aplant63 December 13, 2020

Alabama capped off its perfect regular season by sweeping through LSU and Arkansas the past two weeks. Both games were dominated on both sides of the football. Alabama took care of both teams early, beating...

How Steve Sarkisian managed an Iron Bowl victory

How Steve Sarkisian managed an Iron Bowl victory

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor November 29, 2020

Thanks to the offensive prowess of interim head coach Steve Sarkisian, Alabama continued its perfect season in a 42-13 win against the Auburn Tigers Saturday night. The Crimson Tide’s offense scored...

For junior quarterback Mac Jones, the Iron Bowl could be the centerpiece of his Heisman campaign. Photo courtesy of Alabama Athletics

Recap | Sark leads a Saban-less team to victory over Auburn

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor November 28, 2020
Alabama fans can sleep peacefully tonight.
Ranked | These Iron Bowl finales left us breathless

Ranked | These Iron Bowl finales left us breathless

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor November 28, 2020
The Iron Bowl isn’t the most important game in the season. It might as well be the only game in the season.
What an Iron Bowl could look like without Saban at the helm

What an Iron Bowl could look like without Saban at the helm

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor November 28, 2020

The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers will meet for the 85th time Saturday. But for the first time in 14 years, a new head coach will be calling the shots from Alabama's sidelines. This will...

An all-around effort: Four players score double digits in men’s basketball opener

An all-around effort: Four players score double digits in men’s basketball opener

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, News Editor November 25, 2020

The Crimson Tide opened its season with hustle and pace, dominating the Jacksonville State Gamecocks 81 to 57. The game was led on offense by the guard trio of senior John Petty Jr. sophomore Jahvon...

Saban tests positive for COVID-19 for second time

Saban tests positive for COVID-19 for second time

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor November 25, 2020

Coach Nick Saban has tested positive for COVID-19 for a second time this season.  According to an emailed statement from Alabama Athletics, Saban has mild symptoms and is following the “appropriate...

Alabama makes easy work of thinned-out Wildcats

Alabama makes easy work of thinned-out Wildcats

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor November 21, 2020

The wait is now over. Alabama football returned in style, trouncing the Kentucky Wildcats 63 to 3. An all-around game on offense, defense and special teams led to the Wildcats’ demise.  The game...

Were back in Bryant-Denny

We’re back in Bryant-Denny

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor November 21, 2020

The Crimson Tide got some rest in a rare double bye week. Now, Alabama's defense will have to prove they're still awake. Sans co-host Shaun McDonald, host Alexander Plant breaks down the rest of the season...

‘It just wasn’t fair’: Why athletics put a hold on student ticket transfers

‘It just wasn’t fair’: Why athletics put a hold on student ticket transfers

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor November 19, 2020
After price-gouging took over the Alabama Student Ticket Exchange, the University shut down ticket transfers. While students selling their tickets for upwards of $400 was never the game plan, UA's vice president for student life says it was an opportunity to reevaluate.
CW / Keely Brewer

Stronger Together: Alabama football players use influence to spark change

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor November 1, 2020
In a video filmed this summer, Alex Leatherwood led the Alabama football team in standing up for Black Lives Matter. Since then, the team has helped organize a march of student athletes from Mal Moore Athletics Facility to Foster Auditorium, spoken to the U.S. Surgeon General about COVID-19 and registered many of its members to vote. "I think we have the responsibility... [to] use our platform in a positive way to try to create social change," Nick Saban has said.
Photo courtesy of The Auburn Plainsman

From the SEC to DC: Tommy Tuberville’s race for Senate comes to a close

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor November 1, 2020
Alabamians will likely find out who their new senator is on Tuesday night, after voters give their opinion on the race between Republican Tommy Tuberville and Democrat Doug Jones. Though Alabamians were already familiar with Tuberville's reputation as a formidable college football coach, the election cycle has given voters a chance to know Tuberville's political and business sides—for better or for worse.
‘Y’all just woke up a monster’: Heres what we learned from Alabama vs. Mississippi State

‘Y’all just woke up a monster’: Here’s what we learned from Alabama vs. Mississippi State

Crimson Tide defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a sweeping 41-0 win Saturday night, keeping their undefeated record unblemished. Here’s what you need to know.  Alabama’s defense was finally...

Preview | The three obstacles Alabama must overcome vs. Mississippi St.

Preview | The three obstacles Alabama must overcome vs. Mississippi St.

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor October 31, 2020

1. The defense must stop Mike Leach’s infamous air raid offense. After a season opener against LSU, the Mississippi State Bulldogs have seen a dramatic drop in performance on the offensive side of the...

Courtesy of Alabama Athletics

Recap | When the third Saturday became the fourth

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor October 25, 2020
Alabama beat the hell out of the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday, but it came at a cost. Junior wide receiver Jaylen Waddle will be out for the rest of the season after an ankle injury in the opening kickoff. Without Waddle, players like Slade Bolden will have to step up. Saturday’s game proved Bolden and his offensive teammates can handle the challenge.
Every Bama man converges on Knoxville

Every ‘Bama man converges on Knoxville

Alexander Plant | @aplant63 and Shaun McDonald October 24, 2020

Ahead of Saturday's game against the Tennessee Vols, hosts Alexander Plant and Shaun McDonald break down Alabama's potential against Tennessee and breathe a big sigh of relief looking at The Crimson Tide's...

Photo courtesy of Alabama Athletics.

Troubles to Triumph: Saban leads defense in enormous improvement over No. 3 Georgia

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor October 17, 2020
After a shutout in the second half, Alabama bested Georgia 41-24 in Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday. The Crimson Tide, led by a COVID-19-negative Nick Saban, improved its defensive play and kept up Saban’s streak of no losses to former assistant coaches.
Its been too long, Kirby

It’s been too long, Kirby

Alexander Plant | @aplant63 and Shaun McDonald October 16, 2020

Alabama's looking hot this season on offense, but how will the defense hold up against a Kirby Smart-led offensive? With or without head coach Nick Saban, Pete Golding has improvements to make before the...

Photo courtesy of Alabama Athletics

Preview | What Mac Jones’ performance and coaching changes could mean for Alabama-Georgia

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor October 16, 2020

Updated Saturday, Oct. 17 Unlike Alabama’s second game against Texas A&M, the Crimson Tide’s offense against Ole Miss was not a one-trick pony. The offense’s versatility in the air and on...

The Crimson Standard: How Greg Byrne built a blue-blooded football program

The Crimson Standard: How Greg Byrne built a blue-blooded football program

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor October 15, 2020
The UA football program has never been one for modesty or penny-pinching. In interviews with Athletics Director Greg Byrne and former UA player Trent Richardson, Sports Editor Alexander Plant unpacks Byrne’s strategy to make Alabama football the glossiest and most alluring in the business. Read it online or in the special edition.
Student ticket resale prices surge ahead of Alabama-Georgia

Student ticket resale prices surge ahead of Alabama-Georgia

Another big home game, another rush on reselling student tickets. A flood of marked up, transferable tickets hitting the Alabama Student Ticket Exchange is nothing new, but in the wake of Bryant-Denny Stadium’s freshly reduced seating, some upperclassmen are at their wit’s end trying to secure admission.
Businesses bounce back despite quieter football season

Businesses bounce back despite quieter football season

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor October 14, 2020

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses across the country have felt the impact of the economic crash that took place in April and May.  Most business and economic experts predicted it would take...

Nick Saban and AD Greg Byrne test positive for COVID-19

Nick Saban and AD Greg Byrne test positive for COVID-19

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor October 14, 2020

COVID-19 has returned to the Alabama football program. Head coach Nick Saban and athletic director Greg Byrne tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, Oct. 14. After the coaches communicated their positive...

Opinion | Big changes can come from small causes

Opinion | Big changes can come from small causes

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor October 4, 2020

Have you ever thought about what we live around? The University of Alabama has a beautiful campus and Tuscaloosa has a nice midtown and downtown area. If you live near those areas, have you ever noticed...

Alabama trounces No. 13 Aggies in 52-24 win

Alabama trounces No. 13 Aggies in 52-24 win

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor October 3, 2020
COVID-19 precautions only allowed roughly 20,000 fans into Bryant-Denny Stadium, but the fourth quarter looked almost identical to any other year that Alabama was up big on an opponent. 
A quiet Yea Alabama to play at Bryant-Denny this fall

A quiet ‘Yea Alabama’ to play at Bryant-Denny this fall

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor October 3, 2020
According to MDB members junior Charli Jones and senior Chad Murdock, the original plan was to have the MDB perform in halves so that each member would get to see at least two football games this season. Early last week, however, the Athletic Department decided to reduce the number of MDB members at each game from 200 to 96.
Alabama will put the pressure on A&M

Alabama will put the pressure on A&M

In episode 3 of "The Pregame Presser," Shaun and Plant are back and ready to analyze what could happen on both sides of the ball when Alabama meets Texas A&M in Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mac Jones will...

Shaun and Plant recap Mizzou

Shaun and Plant recap Mizzou

Shaun McDonald and Alexander Plant | @aplant63 September 30, 2020

Alexander Plant and Shaun McDonald return to the presser to dissect the Crimson Tide's performance in game one of the season. From the enviable quarterback-receiver chemistry between Mac...

Alabama football goes back to the basics

Alabama football goes back to the basics

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor September 26, 2020

The era of Tua Tagovailoa-style football has come to an end. Enter redshirt junior quarterback Mac Jones, arguably one of the best game managers in college football. The Crimson Tide elegantly scored at...

Introducing The Pregame Presser

Introducing ‘The Pregame Presser’

Need more Alabama athletics content? We get it. Meet "The Pregame Presser," a new podcast from The Crimson White sports desk. In the first episode, hosted by CW Sports Editor Alexander Plant and guest...

Opinion | Hotels face hurdles after UA, SEC decisions

Opinion | Hotels face hurdles after UA, SEC decisions

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor September 21, 2020

From the time students were dismissed from The University of Alabama’s campus in March until Aug. 19, the University was on the clock to work on a plan for a safe return for students and a plan to save...

Rental companies, hotels see big losses without fans

Rental companies, hotels see big losses without fans

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor September 20, 2020

To the surprise of almost no one, Tuscaloosa rental properties have suffered a huge blow due to both COVID-19 and the changing of UA’s football season.  Kim Roberts is the owner of Bama Bed and Breakfast...

Preview: NBA Finals promise landslide wins, tough match-ups

Preview: NBA Finals promise landslide wins, tough match-ups

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor August 18, 2020

Before the NBA's bubble can burst, there are several playoff games to be played. Some may ends in sweeps, but others will have us on the edges of our seats. Eastern Conference Milwaukee Bucks (Seed 1)...

Nick Saban talks postseason hopes, SEC schedule

Nick Saban talks postseason hopes, SEC schedule

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor August 17, 2020

The ins and outs of Alabama football may be considered old hat, especially as Nick Saban enters his thirteenth season at the University, but this season will signal the return of a rarity not seen since...

Bryant-Denny Stadium Field, View From End Zone

Player confirms testing rumors, gives inside look into COVID-19 precautions

Alexander Plant | @aplant63, Sports Editor June 15, 2020

Over the past two weeks, rumors circulated that several Alabama football players had tested positive for the coronavirus. Now, a player has confirmed to The Crimson White that those rumors are true. The...

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