Alabama football going back to its cheating ways?

As much as I hate to admit it, the University of Alabama possesses the most storied football program in the Southeastern Conference's history. However, for the last 15 years or so, the biggest news they have created was when they were twice put on NCAA probation for violating rules. Basically, they cheated and got caught.

Both times, the penalties they received were severe. When discussions were ongoing the second time they got in trouble, there were even whispers that the program could get the 'death penalty,' meaning they would have had to shut down their program for one or two years. That did not happen, but the fact that was even mentioned shows how serious the problems were.

Most sensible people would conclude that Bama had learned its lesson and would do nothing again that could result in problems. However, consider this blurb I found in a recent published report:

"Alabama has self-reported three secondary NCAA violations since Oct. 16, 2006, and is preparing a report on Coach Nick Saban's recent contact with recruits that might have broken the rules, 'The Birmingham News' reported. Two of the violations came after Saban's hiring on Jan. 4, though one happened without the knowledge of Saban or his staff."

I guess, the beat goes on down at the Capstone. Part of what brought Bama down in the past was an institutional arrogance that believed they were above the governing authority of the NCAA. Well, if they keep this up, they may get another taste of how strong the NCAA's powers are.

Pride always precedes the fall. And in Bama's case, they have tons of pride.