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Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

Ben Stansell | @ben_stansell, Managing Editor

All content by Ben Stansell
UA alumni react to OSM controversy

UA alumni react to OSM controversy

Former UA students are expressing their concern about a candidate for the Office of Student Media director position after allegations surfaced that he censored an unfolding story about sexual assault on his former newspaper’s staff. And, in an effort of clarification, an employee from The Anniston Star has also come forward to further iron out the narrative surrounding allegations of Davis’ involvement in covering up a story about sexual assault in 2017. 
CW/ Joe Will Field

Graduation gowns promote recycling

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor April 25, 2019
UA graduating students won’t only be receiving their diplomas next weekend; they’ll also be helping save thousands of plastic bottles from being buried in landfills.
CW/ Hannah Saad

Veterans provide leadership for young players

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor April 11, 2019
It was past midnight on a Saturday night, and Tua Tagovailoa was headed out. Not to the Strip to celebrate the completion of Alabama’s first spring scrimmage earlier that day, but to the Mal Moore Athletic Complex.
Breaking News

Alabama swimming and diving coach Dennis Pursley retires

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor April 10, 2019
During Pursley’s tenure, the Alabama men’s team placed in the top-10 at the NCAA Championships four times, most recently finishing seventh at the 2019 meet. The women’s team has placed at the NCAA National Championships for the past six years.
Photo courtesy of UA Athletics

Howard earns SEC Swimmer of the Year honors

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor April 10, 2019
Not only did Howard conclude his season by posting the highest individual finish by an SEC swimmer at the 2019 NCAA Championships (third in the 50 freestyle), but he also anchored Alabama’s NCAA Championship 200 medley relay team.
CW / Hannah Saad

Kira Lewis Jr. announces decision to stay at Alabama

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor April 8, 2019
After considering a departure from the Alabama program, Kira Lewis Jr. announced Monday afternoon that he will remain with the Crimson Tide. The rising sophomore point guard was second on the team in scoring last season averaging 13.5 points per game. He also averaged 2.9 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game.
Photo courtesy of roll tide.com

Nate Oats named new head basketball coach

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor March 28, 2019
When it was announced on Sunday that Alabama would be parting ways with former basketball coach Avery Johnson after four years, a cloud of uncertainty formed over the basketball program.
Multiple basketball players enter transfer portal

Multiple basketball players enter transfer portal

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor March 27, 2019
In the wake of former basketball coach Avery Johnson and the University of Alabama agreeing to part ways on Sunday, several Crimson Tide basketball players have entered their names into the NCAA transfer portal, according to sources.
By Hannah Saad

Men’s basketball searching for new head coach

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor March 24, 2019
“After meeting with Coach Johnson, we made the decision to mutually part ways,” Athletics Director Greg Byrne said in a press release. “This was not an easy decision, and we thank him for his contributions over the past four seasons. We wish Coach Johnson and his family the very best.”
CW/ Keely Brewer

Dining halls, students work to reduce food waste

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor March 21, 2019
Aramark Corporation, the food service company that manages UA dining halls and commercial restaurants, is leading a battle against food waste on the University’s campus, and students have formed organizations to join the fight.
Crimson Tide rowing earns historic top-20 ranking

Crimson Tide rowing earns historic top-20 ranking

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor March 20, 2019
This week, the Crimson Tide didn't just receive votes to be among the nation's elite programs, it was ranked inside the top-20 for the first time in program history, coming in at No. 18 in the US Rowing/CRCA week-one poll.
CW/ Hannah Saad

Alabama looks for revenge in final home game against Auburn

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor March 5, 2019
When Alabama and Auburn (20-9, 9-7 SEC) met earlier this season, the Tigers dealt the Crimson Tide its worst loss of the season, an 84-63 beating. That game, which was out of hand before halftime, has haunted Alabama’s players since, according to forward John Petty Jr.
CW/ Hannah Saad

Alabama smothers Gamecocks on the road for key victory

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor February 27, 2019
Kira Lewis Jr. led the way for Alabama offensively, finishing with 17 points while also tying his career-high in rebounds with five. Donta Hall recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds, securing his SEC-leading 12th double-double of the season.
CW/ Hannah Saad

Alabama readies for game against South Carolina

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor February 25, 2019
That starts with a road contest against South Carolina on Tuesday night at 8 p.m. CT. While the Gamecocks are just 14-13 overall, they boast a 9-5 record in the SEC.Here’s what you need to know about how Alabama is preparing for the final stretch of the season:
CW/ Hannah Saad

Alabama holds on to beat Vanderbilt, stop losing streak

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor February 23, 2019
The Crimson Tide was led offensively by Kira Lewis Jr., who had 19 points, just one shy of recording his sixth 20-point game of the season.Donta Hall set the tone early on defense with a monster block on Vanderbilt’s leading scorer Saben Lee. The rejection went viral almost instantaneously.
CW/ Hannah Saad

Desperate Alabama team looking to stop losing streak

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor February 22, 2019
The Crimson Tide (15-11, 6-7 SEC) still has five games remaining in the regular season to bolster its case for the NCAA tournament. As of now, CBS Sports’ bracketology expert Jerry Palm has Alabama on the outside looking in as a part of his “first four out” group.
CW/ Hannah Saad

Alabama loses third-straight game to Texas A&M

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor February 20, 2019
The Crimson Tide crumbled on the road at Texas A&M Tuesday night, losing 65-56 after the Aggies finished the game on a 24-6 run. With the loss, Alabama's position on the edge of making the NCAA tournament becomes even more precarious.
CW/ Hannah Saad

‘Old man’ Norris finds his rhythm in final season

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor February 14, 2019
With his team’s once sizeable lead over Vanderbilt cut down to just six late in the second half, Alabama’s Riley Norris drilled a three from the top of the key. The shot helped lift the Crimson Tide to a 77-67 win over Vanderbilt last Saturday.
CW/ Hannah Saad

Tide looking for second win over Bulldogs this season

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor February 11, 2019
After securing a road win against Vanderbilt on Saturday, Alabama (15-8, 6-4 SEC) is headed to Starkville to face Mississippi State (16-7, 4-6 SEC) on Tuesday night at 8 p.m. It will be the second meeting between the teams this season.
CW/ Hannah Saad

Tide basketball claims first win at Vanderbilt since 2013

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor February 10, 2019
Although the Crimson Tide was a favorite heading into the game, Alabama hadn't beaten Vanderbilt on its home court since 2013. Alabama was propelled to victory behind strong three-point and free-throw shooting. The Crimson Tide knocked down 12 of its 24 shots from beyond the arc and 18 of its 21 shots from the charity stripe.
CW/ Hannah Saad

Tide tops Bulldogs behind big games from Mack, Lewis

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor February 7, 2019
Mack was especially lethal from outside, knocking down 5-of-7 three pointers. He also displayed the type of all-around scoring that helped him lead Texas in points per game during his second season with the Longhorns, finishing 10-of-16 from the field.
CW/ Hannah Saad

Alabama still ahead of schedule but with room to improve

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor February 6, 2019
In other words, Johnson wants to see his team improve in numerous areas over the course of the next few games. That starts when the Crimson Tide (13-8, 4-4 SEC) hosts Georgia (10-11, 1-7 SEC) on Wednesday night at 8 p.m. CT in Coleman Coliseum.
CW/ Hannah Saad

Alabama claims third top-25 victory with win over Bulldogs

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor January 29, 2019
A perfect opportunity to tie the game appeared when Mississippi State’s Tyson Carter caught a pass in the corner. But the three-point shot that Carter launched never reached the basket. It was swatted out of bounds by Alabama’s Kira Lewis, who raced over to prevent another collapse with an outstretched hand.
Alabama bounces back with dominant win over No. 20 Ole Miss

Alabama bounces back with dominant win over No. 20 Ole Miss

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor January 23, 2019
After failing to topple No. 1 Tennessee in a close loss on Saturday, Alabama bounced back with a dominant 74-53 home victory over No. 20 Ole Miss on Tuesday night. In the win, the Crimson Tide displayed a quality that has alluded it at times this season: consistency.
Alabama basketball seeking to improve against Missouri

Alabama basketball seeking to improve against Missouri

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor January 16, 2019
Johnson will have the chance to watch how his team bounces back from the tough loss when Alabama (10-5, 1-2 SEC) takes on Missouri (9-5, 0-2 SEC) in Columbia on Wednesday night. Since the loss to Texas A&M, Johnson has been pleased with the way his team has refocused both in practice and film study.
A tale of two halves: Alabama falls to Texas A&M at the buzzer

A tale of two halves: Alabama falls to Texas A&M at the buzzer

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor January 12, 2019
Jumping off one foot and floating forward through the air, Texas A&M’s TJ Starks released the three-point shot that silenced Coleman Coliseum and shocked Alabama. The shot, falling through the net as time expired, sealed an 81-80 comeback victory for the Aggies and delivered Alabama its fifth loss of the season.
Coach Avery Johnson

Alabama basketball carries momentum into clash with Texas A&M

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor January 12, 2019
After a crushing loss to Georgia State on December 4, a game in which Alabama watched a 22-point lead evaporate, the Crimson Tide has put together an impressive stretch. Since that loss, Alabama has won five of its last six games, including one of the biggest wins of coach Avery Johnson’s coaching tenure: a thrilling home victory over No. 18 Kentucky.
Alabama fends off Arizona after losing another big lead

Alabama fends off Arizona after losing another big lead

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor December 9, 2018
It was Déjà vu for Alabama. Almost. With only a few minutes left in its game against Arizona, the Crimson Tide found itself in a familiar position. For the second straight game, Alabama let a big lead vanish in the second half. Last week, it was a 22-point first-half advantage against Georgia State. This week, it was a 19-point lead against the Wildcats. Except this time, Alabama didn’t let victory slip away, fending off Arizona in the final minutes to claim a 76-73 win.
Courtesy of Kent Schafer

Schafer’s love of disc golf breaks barriers

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor December 6, 2018
Unlike the other members of Alabama’s disc golf team, Schafer prefers going to bed early and rising before the sun. That way, he doesn’t have to compete for a shower during tournaments.
Crimson Tide crumbles in second half, losing to Georgia State 83-80

Crimson Tide crumbles in second half, losing to Georgia State 83-80

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor December 4, 2018
The Crimson Tide relied on scorching hot shooting to build a 22-point second half lead on Georgia State, only to watch it crumble. Sudden cold shooting and sloppy play allowed the Panthers to claw their way back into the game and claim an 83-80 victory on a last-second three pointer.
CW/ Hannah Saad

Alabama earns top seed in College Football Playoff

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor December 3, 2018
Alabama was unveiled as the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoffs on Sunday afternoon, although it wasn’t much of a surprise after the Crimson Tide claimed a thrilling 35-28 comeback victory over Georgia in the SEC Championship on Saturday night.
Courtesy of Michael Herbert

Behind Enemy Lines: The Red and Black’s Michael Herbert’s breaks down SEC Championship

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor November 28, 2018
No. 1 Alabama travels to Atlanta to play Georgia in the SEC Championship. The last time the two teams matched up was in the same building they will be playing in on Saturday. Georgia's head coach Kirby Smart was  coach Nick Saban's defensive coordinator for nine of Saban's 12 years at Alabama. The two teams are extremely similar and have dominated in all of their wins this season. Ben Stansell caught up with the Red and Black's Michael Hebert, its assistant sports editor, for an in depth look at the Bulldogs.
Clutch free throws help Alabama close out Murray State

Clutch free throws help Alabama close out Murray State

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor November 26, 2018
It took more than just free throws to overcome Morant’s spectacular showing. It also required a second-half scoring outburst from freshman point guard Kira Lewis Jr. Lewis finished with a team-high 20 points, 17 of which came after the break.
By Hannah Saad

Avery Johnson pleased with Alabama’s exhibition performance

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor October 30, 2018
The way Alabama’s players performed as a unit, and the growth the team has made since last season, was what Johnson was interested in seeing. Especially after a box score was leaked showing a “secret-scrimmage” loss to Jacksonville State last week.
CW/ Hannah Saad

Sophomores play big role in second year for Alabama football

Ben Stansell, Sports Writer September 13, 2018
The foundation for success in college football is recruiting, and nobody has been more successful on the recruiting trail in the past decade than Head Coach Nick Saban. During his tenure at Alabama, Saban has only finished without a top-five recruiting class in one season – his first. For seven straight years (2011-17), the Crimson Tide landed the No. 1 class.
Photo courtesy of Justin Dial

Behind enemy lines: Daily Mississippian’s Justin Dial previews matchup

Ben Stansell, Sports Editor September 13, 2018
No. 1 Alabama is set to travel to Oxford, Mississippi for a high-powered offensive matchup against Ole Miss. The Rebels’ offense torched the opposing defenses in its first two matchups, averaging almost 600 yards a game. We at the Crimson White caught up with Justin Dial, the sports editor at the The Daily Mississippian, for an Ole Miss view of the game.
Moses to lead defense in second year

Moses to lead defense in second year

Ben Stansell, Assistant Sports Editor August 30, 2018
The deafening sound of thousands of cowbells can be utterly nerve-racking – especially to a freshman linebacker getting his first meaningful road-game snaps.
Coach Nick Saban interviewed on field

Saban comments on Hurts’ statement

Ben Stansell August 8, 2018

Jalen Hurts sent shockwaves through the college football world on Saturday when he voiced frustration with how the Alabama coaching staff, and particularly Nick Saban, has handled his ongoing quarterback...

Alabama announces new head rowing coach

Alabama announces new head rowing coach

Ben Stansell June 16, 2018

Glenn Putyrae will serve as the new head coach of the Alabama Rowing team, Director of Athletics Greg Byrne announced on Friday.  Putyrae comes to Tuscaloosa with 19 years of coaching experience, spending...

White's offense struggles in A-Day loss

White’s offense struggles in A-Day loss

Ben Stansell April 21, 2018

Even with Tua Tagovailoa being held out of A-Day as he recovers from an injured hand, much of the conversation leading up to Alabama’s spring game swirled around the battle between Tagovailoa and Jalen...

Gymnastics fails to qualify for Super SIx

Gymnastics fails to qualify for Super SIx

Ben Stansell April 20, 2018

After finishing fifth in the first semifinal of the 2018 National Gymnastics Championships, Alabama will not advance to the Super Six Team Finals for just the third time in the past 27 seasons. The semifinals...