Alabama needs a leader to emerge
Before this week, I was certain what I’d remember most about Jimmy Johns was an Alabama onside kick hitting him in the helmet during a loss to Florida State last fall.
Not only did the play cost Alabama the chance to pull out a win in the game’s final moments — because the ball hit Johns’ helmet, the Crimson Tide was called for illegal touching, thus nullifying Alabama’s recovery of the kick — it was symbolic of the former Mississippi Mr. Football’s unspectacular junior season
For the record, he carried 17 times for 69 yards and caught three passes for 41.
During bowl practice, he was moved to linebacker and was expected to contend for playing time. Maybe he would have given me something else to remember him by.
Instead, Johns took care of that Tuesday when he was arrested and charged with five counts of selling cocaine and one count of possession of a controlled substance.
Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban kicked Johns off the team later in the day, and he was also suspended by the university.
times-journal.com
6/27/08
Magnolia Tribune
