So many great posts in this thread that all Alabama fans would do well to read. What went on during the late 90s, early 2000s in this rivalry was under reported and often outright misrepresented. It was easy to say that Alabama cheated and be done with it, instead of investigating and getting to the bottom of what was going on.
No, I'll never forgive, and I certainly won't ever forget. I used to cherish this rivalry. It was the definition of football to me. I read every book about it that I could get my hands on as a kid. Watched every video of classic UA vs. UT games I could find. I LOVED this game. Every year when the leaves would turn crimson and orange, Alabama and Tennessee would play for not only bragging rights, but regional pride. The winner most often would be recognized as the SEC's best.
And that was completely ruined by a bunch of jealous lunatics. They completely destroyed a cherished part of my childhood, and destroyed a lot more for many more people. Lives were ruined, careers lost, and a school's reputation forever unjustly tarnished. Now, I wouldn't care if we never played Tennessee again. Oh sure, it's nice to beat them and sing Rammer Jammer after the game. But the fun was forever taken out of this rivalry for me. Forever destroyed. I no longer desire Alabama to play programs that seek or would seek to destroy us through petty means off the field.
But while we still play, I hope we always beat Tennessee into the grass, past the dirt, and through the stadium's drainage system. May they forever rot in the hell that they themselves created.
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