Will These Elephants Have a Long Memory?

It is always fearful for a coach when the media puts a microphone in front of a player and starts asking questions. Players are trained on how to answer questions and deal with the media, but you never know what might just slip out. This is one reason why Coach Saban does not let freshmen talk to media - they are still young and in some cases immature. So why did Clemson's defensive coordinator Vic Koenning do what every player has been trained not to do - speak without first engaging your brain?

For anyone who has just woke up from a coma or has been under a rock for the last week, Koenning made the following comment:

"I actually ran into Julio in the spring recruiting," Koenning told six reporters who cover Clemson today. "I said hello to him. I said, 'Well, I guess I'll be seeing you at the end of August.' And then he got out and got in his Escalade and drove off. That's (being) serious. And then I went over and watched Burton Scott at Vigor High School at the track over there, and Burton Scott was running around. He went and got in his Escalade out at track practice and drove off. So I'm familiar with those two guys."

After realizing what he said (brain finally engaged), Koenning sought out the reporter Paul Strelow to make sure the media knew he was kidding around. Since then everyone in orange has participated in damage control, including Clemson Head Coach Tommy Bowden who said, "I've recruited the state of Alabama for 10 years, and have never had a problem with Alabama or Auburn. Either one. And that's why I was kind of surprised that such a big thing was made."

So Koenning says its a joke, Bowden downplays it and Alabama Coach Nick Saban takes the high road saying "We're focusing on our game preparation and really... it's not even an issue."

No harm, no foul? I don't think so. After what Alabama has gone through with the NCAA, and the efforts it has made to do everything above-board, Koenning's comments were particularly troubling. It is like a doctor telling a cancer survivor that the cancer has returned - just kidding!! The implications go far beyond the university, two innocent player's character are also indicted. To say Jones and Scott are benefiting from inappropriate behaviour, casts them as shady characters.

Will These Elephants Have a Long Memory? This is certainty not something that will rally the team all week during preparations, but make no mistake if Julio Jones or Burton Scott score the winning touchdown Saturday night against Koenning's defense, it will be all the more satisfying for them - and every Alabama fan.

Roll Tide!