Alabama fires Price amid controversy
By By Mark Etheridge/special to The Star
May 4, 2003
TUSCALOOSA Just four months after naming a new head football coach, Alabama is in yet another coaching search. Saturday afternoon, in front of an overflow room packed with media, fans, and players, University of Alabama president Andrew Witt announced the termination of football coach Mike Price.
Price came under fire after allegations surfaced last week detailing a night of drinking at a Pensacola Gentleman's Club. Published reports indicated a woman ran up a $1000 room service bill, charged to Price's room. Details also surfaced that the coach had previously been warned about his behavior in certain public settings and the appropriateness of that behavior.
During the week-long deliberation, the University volunteered very little information and instructed Price to do the same. After meeting with the Board of Trustees Saturday, Witt made the decision to terminate Price.
Witt opened by praising Price before delivering his decision. "Coach Price is a good man, a man who has made a mistake that he deeply regrets," Witt stated. "His mistake severely hurt our University and will continue to hurt our University for years to come. To be selected for a leadership position at the University of Alabama is an honor and a responsibility. When you accept the honor, you accept the responsibility. That responsibility includes conducting your personal and professional life in a manner consistent with University policies.
Price took the podium surrounded by his wife and two sons and read a prepared statement. His emotions ranged from contrition, to disappointment, and even mild anger.
Many Price supporters were left hoping for a second chance that never came.
Price went on to say that he would learn from this experience seeking help for "certain areas of personal life that need improvement."
Price did not volunteer any details about the night in question. He instead stated his disappointment that he was fired without the opportunity to air his side of the story to the Board. "One week ago I could have made a statement but I was asked not to say anything. I dutifully did my job. Then I did not get an opportunity to go into the board of trustees meeting and give my side of the story. I just don't think it is right."
One contradiction in the two sides of the story stemmed on the quantity of the indiscretions. Witt referred to Price being warned earlier for prior incidents. Price repeatedly referred to his singular mistake.
Earlier in the day, Price's players addressed the Board of Trustees with their unanimous support of Price. Three players, offensive tackle Wesley Britt, quarterback Brodie Croyle, and running back Shaud Williams all took the microphone and gave stirring pleas urging for their best interests to be considered pleading for Price to be given a second chance..
They were understandably disappointed when the decision came down. "Its really frustrating," said Britt. "It just seems like our opinions weren't taken under consideration."
When asked what he had learned from this past week, Croyle pondered before answering, "You better make the most of your first opportunity."
Price elected to close his speech referring back to his hiring in December.
Price left to a rousing ovation and did not field questions.
Athletics Director Mal Moore met with the football team Saturday afternoon. Witt and Moore will begin deliberations on finding a new head football coach. Witt said a new coach would be named in the near future but felt naming any candidates would be premature. There are no plans to name an interim coach.
