I hope this Tuesday edition of the Alabama Morning Drive finds you well. I certainly appreciate each of you for allowing Roll Tide Wire to be a small part of your morning. We have a lot to talk about this morning, especially after the story broke on Monday afternoon regarding Calvin Ridley.
Today we will take a look at Ridley’s suspension, Alabama basketball’s latest tournament projections, plus the news that a five-star defensive back in the class of 2023 intends to visit the Tide next month.
Calvin Ridley suspended for the 2022 NFL season
Boy, did Monday deliver some shocking news or what? The former Alabama and current Atlanta Falcons star wide receiver has been suspended for the entire 2022 NFL season for betting on NFL games during the 2021 season.
Ridley admitted that he bet a total of $1,500.00 and ensured fans that he does not have a gambling problem.
I bet 1500 total I don’t have a gambling problem
— CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) March 7, 2022
Alabama to land a visit with top safety in the class of 2023
Caleb Downs is unanimously considered to be the top safety prospect in the class of 2023. The Georiga native now says he plans to visit the Tide at the beginning of April. Downs comes from an athletic family. His father Gary Downs, played running back at NC State and went on to be a third-round selection in the 1994 NFL draft. Downs also has siblings that compete at the collegiate level.
Mill Creek's (GA) 5-star safety @caleb_downs2 is the COMPLETE PACKAGE.
Dude is a straight baller on all three phases of the game.
🎥: https://t.co/u2N0a5UyA9 pic.twitter.com/OXDYOBoVlI
— Zack Poff (@Zack_Poff_MP) February 25, 2022
‘Bama hoops updated tournament predictions
Although the regular season ended on a bit of a sour note with back-to-back losses, Nate Oats and the Tide still have plenty to play for. The SEC tournament will tip-off on Wednesday, but Alabama is not set to take the hardwood until Thursday night.
So, as we enter conference tournament action, where does the Crimson Tide stand when it comes to the NCAA tournament? Well, I’m glad you asked.
ESPN’s Joe Lunardi’s latest NCAA Bracketology still has Alabama projected as a 5-seed and traveling to Portland to take on 12-seed South Dakota State.
Jerry Palm of CBS also has the Tide slated as a 5-seed in his latest bracket projections.
Here at USA TODAY, Alabama is projected as a 6-seed and taking on Miami (Fla.) in Indianapolis.
With a strong showing in Tampa during the SEC tournament, the Tide could see a boost in its tournament seeding.
That is going to put an end to our Tuesday edition of Alabama Morning Drive. I hope everyone has a safe and happy day. Make sure to stay tuned to Roll Tide Wire for all the latest on the Alabama Crimson Tide!
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