Andre Slithers Into the Draft

We'll never know unless Andre decides to write a memoir. Regardless, what's done is done, and we know that whatever was Andre's motivation, he lacked the courage and character to keep the team at heart. Yes, he demonstrated courage on the field, but when it came to standing up for convictions, facing his team, and the Bama fans, he slithered away into hiding. His self-motivation for personal gain was paid for by the Crimson Tide, the University of Alabama, and the fans.

Of course, the reality is his fan base will no longer be a factor. Offensive lineman in the NFL aren't touted as stars and at the center of attention. Now he's going to have to compete among men to keep a job. Granted he'll sign a big contract and make $$$$ immediately. Meanwhile his actions have left a bitter taste in the mouthes of many of the Bama faithful.

Will he decide he should make a monetary donation to the University of Alabama as many of the former and great Bama players have? I'm not going to hold my breath.

Rudderless and Anchorless Tide Did Not Roll

The reality is that Andre Smith's absence was immense because it created a weak link in the offensive line. Hence, the lack of chemistry, the lack of adequate time playing together created a Grand Canyon of a vacuum on the offensive line on both sides of the center because of having to slide the other linemen around to fill this void.

Instead of a smooth, oiled and operating line to stay on the field and keep the ball away from an extremely talented Utah offensive team, Bama was left rudderless and without an anchor. Hence, the Tide did not Roll.

Like it or not, the impetus that led to the collapse of the Bama offense was Andre Smith's absence. Whether he's to blame or his parents or an uncle or whomever, the entire team and the fans paid the price for that selfish act of instantaneous gratification.

Will we forgive him? Probably, but suffering takes time to heal, and to pretend we will forget this selfish greed on the Smith side of the problem in the immediate present is extremely unrealistic.

Andre should go on to the pros because he has already made a rotten decision that generated unbelievable devastating ripple effects at the University of Alabama. It has now become a question of his character and lack of judgment. It will be interesting to see how he adjusts to the brutality of fan bases in the NFL. Good luck, Andre. Yes, thanks for a great ride...but we hope you understand why some of us lost faith in you.

No Rammer Jammer in New Orleans

Granted, Andre is not totally to blame. However, the void that his absence created on the offensive line generated a weak link in the chain of pass protection and run blocking. Hence, the offense could not stay on the field for a prolonged period to keep the explosive Ute offense off the field. In addition, his departure from the team left the remaining players stunned and numbed at a crucial point in team preparation.

Andre considered himself a leader, and he chose personal interests first over the team unity. If you're going to be a public figure who wants recognition, and if you claim you are a leader, then when things fall apart, you must step up and take responsibility.

JPW played the best one could expect when you were constantly being attacked by a very aggressive and speedy defensive unit.

So when will Andre step up to the microphone and make a public apology to his team, his coaches, the University, and the fans?