The Bodda Getta

As you can tell this is my first post and I didn't want to call this thread "My First Post" or something like that. Anyway, I thought I would share a little of my story and how I cope as an Auburn fan when we are in a situation like this. I have read a lot of posts on here since the end of the game and it's pretty rough.

I grew up in rural NE Alabama (actually Ronnie's mom was my 7th grade homeroom teacher) and I certainly know what it is like to be Orange/Blue in a Crimson state. I was mocked in middle school for being an Auburn fan by a kid with no front teeth. No joke. You know what they say about stereotypes... Point is, I certainly have felt the pain of the ridicule of simply being an Auburn fan.

I was also fortunate enough to be able to walk on and play for my beloved Tigers in the 90's. Now you would have to be a REALLY big Auburn fan to know who I was. I was also fortunate to have my first interview as a player with none other than Phillip Marshall. That was cool.

I remember praying in the locker room on game days and it went something like this, "Lord, you know right now whether we are going to win or lose this game. The only thing I ask is, if we are going to lose, please don't let it be my fault." I played one of those positions where if I messed up EVERYONE would know it. I knew what life would be like in the state of AL if we lost a big one and it was my fault. Lots of pressure.

I don't claim to have any inside info (in fact, I didn't really have any while I was there). But I do know that college football isn't alway pretty on the inside. In fact, it took me about 10 years to really feel like I could pull for Auburn again. I spent a long time not really caring. Not that I was scarred or anything. Just didn't want to put any energy into it.

Well, 2004 and 2010 have helped me get back to rooting for AU again but it is still with a lot more perspective. A couple of things that help me. 1) These kids (and I emphasize kids) really want to do well and it would serve them well for us to give them all we have in that regard. They have a ton of pressure on them and I feel an obligation to let them know I support them. 2) I have to get up tomorrow and try to get some work done. I have 3 kids and a 4th that will be here any day. And Auburn football doesn't pay any of my bills. 3) When I say this one, please don't take it as putting someone down. It's really not worth the energy to try to fix something that is not your responsibility to fix. It's very frustrating to want something done and not have the ability to do anything. I get that.

In conclusion, I would just say have fun as a fan. Pull hard for Auburn and especially for the players. I have so much to be thankful for. God has blessed me far more than I deserve. I can't let a football game take away that kind of joy.

If you are still reading this, thanks for your time and War Eagle.