Did you really think peace was going to remain in place at Alabama?We all did in January. I even wrote about it.
It was hard not to be impressed with the way quarterback Jalen Hurts handled himself in the moments following the Crimson Tide’s win over Georgia in the national championship game. He was all class after being benched in the second half in favor of Tua Tagovailoa, who led Alabama to a comeback victory.
It’s easy to be happy when you’ve just won the biggest game of your life. Winning cures everything.
But now the thrill of winning the championship has faded. A new season is about to begin. And after nearly nine months of silence, Hurts has spoken his mind.
He went off on Saturday, not necessarily ripping his teammates or his coach, but more along the lines of venting his frustration about the whole quarterback situation.
Hurts told reporters no one asked him how he felt during spring practice and no one asked him what was on his mind about the quarterback situation. He also expressed his frustration with the way Alabama attempted to prevent him from talking about the situation.
Hurts was also not too thrilled with Nick Saban noting at SEC media day that he wasn’t even sure if Hurts would be at the season opener, although he told reporters he expects Hurts to be there.
Apparently, Saban had a bout with amnesia, or something like that, because Hurts mentioned to his coach in June that he was going to be sticking around since he’s graduating in December.
As far as timing is concerned, Hurts couldn’t have picked a less ideal time to share his frustrations publicly. Alabama plays football in less than a month and the last thing you want is more gasoline dumped onto the fire that is the quarterback controversy at Alabama.
But there’s no turning back now. Hurts has spoken his mind and the Tide must figure out how to deal with it.
Good luck with that.
With Hurts, you can’t blame him for feeling the way he does. I don’t see his actions as classless or not doing what is best for the team.
I see his actions as him just being human. It can’t be easy being in his shoes. And he’s a competitor. He wants to play.
And maybe he will play. He’ll at least get an opportunity to. As far as I know a starter hasn’t been named yet, which means Hurts still has a shot to be under center when Alabama opens the season.
It’s just a matter of working for that opportunity and not letting his frustration get the best of him. He needs to use that frustration to his advantage, allow it to fuel his drive to be the best quarterback on the roster.
Will it work? I don’t know. But one thing is for sure. Hurts has now had his chance to vent. Now it’s time for him to go focus on football. And with a little luck, peace will be restored at Alabama.
