Feb 08, 2024

Welcome back, folks. We're going to lean into sports a bit today, with a former football coach stepping into the world of TV media.

Ike Morgan

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Lawmakers released details of gambling bills that'll be introduced this week. As it's currently planned, it'll be a package of legislation to propose a state lottery, up to 10 casinos, sports betting and a statewide gambling regulatory commission.

AL.com's Mike Cason reports that revenues off the lottery would go to education, and revenues from other gambling would go into the state's General Fund.

The casinos would include the ones already run by the Poarch Creeks in Atmore, Wetumpka and Montgomery. They also might include a fourth Poarch Creek site as well as facilities in Macon County, Greene County, Mobile County, Birmingham, Houston County and Lowndes County.

Nick Saban is now a member of the media.

AL.com’s Nick Alvarez reports that ESPN is bringing Saban aboard as a media analyst. The network said he’ll be part of the NFL Draft coverage, he’ll be at SEC Media Days, and he’ll take a seat on the College GameDay panel.

The move shouldn’t shock anyone. ESPN has used him before to help break down big ballgames, and this past season they paid him well to do weekly appearances on the Pat McAfee show. And the only interview he’s given since retiring as Alabama’s coach was to ESPN’s Rece Davis.

McAfee and Davis are both part of the College GameDay team.

The latest Iron Bowl of Basketball meeting was a Top 20 affair.

No. 12 Auburn played host to No. 16 Alabama on Wednesday in men's basketball. The Tigers avenged an earlier loss with a 99-81 win to pull into a three-way tie with the Tide and South Carolina for first place in the SEC.

Auburn also set a school record by making 40 free throws.

“You have to have a leadership in place that sets the tone and what I mean by setting the tone is the culture of silence between the police department has to go."

Cornel West, calling for “accountability” for Steve Perkins’ death in an interview aired by WAAY.

$47,600

That's the starting salary for teachers proposed by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey. It reflects a 7.6% bump and more than the starting teacher salaries in any of our neighboring states.

In 1958, pro wrestler "Sensational" Sherri Martel of Birmingham.

In 1972, former Colts tight end Marcus Pollard of Lanett.

In 1989, NFL wide receiver Julio Jones of Foley.

It's National Kite Flying Day. If anyone annoys you today, feel free to suggest they go celebrate the holiday.

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