Armchair Talking Head

As has been well covered, former standout Tide QB and current color announcer on Alabama football radio broadcasts, Ken Stabler was nabbed down in Robertsdale for a DUI. This was Stabler’s 3rd DUI since 1995, yet thanks to the statute of limitations in Alabama, this is technically Stabler’s first offense.

My first reaction when I discovered the news this morning on SportsByBrooks was to simply say, “Ah, that’s just “Snake” being “Snake.”  This was probably the wrong reaction, even for an immature 22 year old who could drink Stabler under the table.  The seriousness of the offense alone warrants action, but the pattern of recklessness on  Stabler’s behalf  causes serious alarm.  It will come as no surprise if the University in tandem with Learfield Communications and Crimson Tide Sports Marketing decides to gracefully part ways with him.

However, the multitude of callers to the sports show circuit today condemning Stabler comes off as supremely hypocritical.  As Finebaum noted on his show today, there are very few of us who haven’t driven when we shouldn’t have.

Kenny is an important part of the Alabama family, and one hell of a color announcer alongside Eli Gold.  CSM might see fit to replace him, but the Stabler naysayers would be well served to check themselves and dismount from their collective high horse before they condemn him.

As for the Snake’s potential replacement, anyone but Jay Barker.  It’s hard enough listening to him drivel on about Sara Evans from 6-10 each morning.  I couldn’t imagine having to put up with it during games.

Hopefully Kenny can get this issue under control while keeping his name out of the mud as much as possible.

All criminal defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.