The Roots of a Family Run Deep

In the center of town in the

Loveliest Village on the Plains

stands a mighty Oak Tree.

This corner has been the scene of Auburn victories

for many decades and has been said to be one of the greatest

traditions in college football.

After all football victories the trees on the corner of

College and Magnolia

turn from green to white...

This was a picture that was taken after Auburn brought

home the National Championship after their perfect season in 2010.

Today, the beloved trees at Toomer's

have a Tiger sized fight ahead of them.

On January 27th, someone who referred to himself as

"Al from Dadeville"

called into the Paul Finebaum talk radio show

and claimed that he has poisoned the trees at Toomer's.

He said exactly what he had used to poison them

and that they would be dead within a couple of months.

He claimed to have done this after Alabama's loss to Auburn

in the 2010 Iron Bowl.

Not much else was said about it, because really...

could someone be that mean?

That stupid?  That ridiculous?

The University took the comment seriously

and took soil samples the next day

and sent them off to be tested.

Yesterday the results came back and the worst was found to be true.

A herbicide that is commonly used to kill tress

out of fence rows was  found in the soil samples. 

Reports say that the amounts found in the samples ranged from

0.78 parts per million, which is considered to be a "very lethal does"

 according to the hortocultural department at the University,

to 51 parts per million...which is

65 times the lethal dose.

The trees will not likely survive.

The University is taking all measures

to save the trees which are believed to be

over 130 years old.

Unfortunately, this was not the first attack on the tree this year.

Earlier this season, after the Auburn/Georgia game,

someone tried to catch the toilet paper on fire...

I assume to catch the entire tree on fire.

While the fire did not take the trees,

this act just might, along with several other trees and shrubs

that are in the surrounding area.

Now, for those of you who may read this and are not

from the state of Alabama,

You may not understand the emphasis that is put

on Football...specifically

College Football.

Every year from the August to December...

divisions are made in this state...

One wears Crimson and White

the other

Orange and Navy Blue.

Some laugh and say that you are taught from birth

which colors you will choose, but whatever team

you pull for...it becomes part of you.

Unfortunately, an extreme dislike for the other team becomes

part of the equasion for some.

This goes on year after year, but for some reason

this year seems to be worse.

In 2009, the University of Alabama's football program

was given the two top honors...

the Heisman Trophy

 and they won the National Championship.

They were on top of the world.

When the 2010 Football season began...no one gave

Auburn a chance...

but the Tigers came out fighting!

They fought from behind and went on

to have a perfect season!!

Cam Newton was awarded the Heisamn Trophy.

We won the SEC Championship and then on to

the National Championship.

This had never been done in Football history.

Back to back Heisman Trophy winners

and back to back National Championships

in the same state!

What should have been a time of celebration and pride for

our state was anything but.

This entire season, the smack talk has flown on Facebook

and Twitter and around the water coolers at

offices around the state.

People have completely lost sight of what is important.

Many have lost sight of the Golden Rule...

While some can keep it a

"Friendly Rivalry"

too many have taken things too far..

meanspirited things said with no other purpose than

to simply cause the other to become angry...

completely loosing sight of what is important.

Which has absolutely NOTHING to do with football.

I have lost a lot of respect for some who can simply just not

keep their mouth SHUT!

At the end of the day, whether your team won or lost...is not the point!

I can guarantee you that when you stand before God

when your life is over,

He is not going to care if you are an Auburn or an Alabama fan!

However, He will care about how you conducted yourself and the

things you have said. 

Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.

Phillipians 1:27

Now, people have even lost sight of the laws of the land.

This man who called in claimed to be an Alabama fan,

whether he is or is not...one thing is clear,

the larger majority of the Alabama fans and especially the

Auburn Family,

think that the actions of this one man are

absolutely unacceptable.

There is an ongoing investigation into the poisoning.

The chemical used in the act is not readily available for

just anyone to purchase...it is regulated by the EPA.

From what I hear, records are kept on who it is sold to an when.

So I have no doubt that whoever did this will be found.

He was dumb enough to call into a nationally syndicated

radio show and spout his mouth off,

so I'm sure he'll do it again.

This picture of Austin was taken after

Auburn's season opening win

to start the 2008 Football Season.

This is stil a fond memory of his.

One I hope he is able to do again.

I have no double the Auburn Family

is doing what it can to save these trees,

and if they are unable to survive,

I am sure the Auburn Family

is

"ALL IN"

for a new tradition.