Auburn University trees poisoned by angry Alabama fan
Herbicide was applied to famed oaks at Toomer's Corner, which are unlikely to survive. Meanwhile, a 62-year-old man has been arrested in the case.
CAMPUS ICONS: The trees at Toomer's Corner trees get draped in toilet paper when Auburn wins a football game. (Photo: Robert S. Donovan/Flickr) Comments
Robert C. Nuzum, perhaps you should take a look at the definition of terrorism, you obviously have no idea what that word means, to call this act terrorism is akin to calling someone bumping into you in a crowded hallway assault. its also a slap in the face to anyone who has ever lost a loved one in an actual act of terrorism.
I was saddened by this act of terrorism but even more saddened to see that the soil around these trees has not been removed (ASAP) to a depth necessary to collect the tainted soil. I am a natural resource management consultant and emeritus zoologist with 40 years of land and water management experience. Robert C. Nuzum, Owner and Lead Scientist, Applied Natural Resource Management, Walnut Creek, Ca www.nuzumconservation.com.... More
Rather than carve a likeness of miscreat Al into the dead trunk (which would immortalize him to other UAL fans who may be as warped right on the AU campus), I suggest milling the tree into nice oak planks for Al's coffin and placed it in his front yard as a gift awaiting his convenience. Not making any threats here just a gesture of forgiveness and charity for when he dies a lonely, bitter old man.
When things don't go his way, he KILLS it...I am looking at this from another avenue. Just like ANY predator, it ESCALATES. So, ask yourself, WHO will be his next victim.? His punishment should be SEVERE.. not a tiny itty bitty nothing charge. Since it was 2 trees, he has 2 TESTICLES, so why not REMOVE them with a DULL blade. Punishment administered, and he will think TWICE before he does something like this again...If the punishment isn't SEVERE enough, he will ENJOY another encounter with.... More
I, personally, have never understood the hatred towards a rival sports team. There is a big difference between supporting your home team and wanting other teams to lose and hatred boiling over until it reaches this extreme. Fights break out, people are attacked, over a game? Sportsmanship includes being a good loser. Now, even trees are targets by a 62 year old man who hates Auburn University? What a sad, sad world we are living in.
Many people believe that the greatest uniter of a community is to focus them toward a common enemy. Give them someone to hate and they will grow closer than ever before. Just look at Hitler, 9/11, etc
It's only a game, after all.
As someone who has stood on that beautiful corner, underneath those magnificent trees, I find this so very sad. I know the horticulturists are working very hard to save the trees, I hope its not too late.
This kind of shameful vandalism makes me sad that I was born in Alabama, but I hope something good comes from this... tolerance, forbearance, and a sense that positive traditions, built over generations, may be widely recognized for what they are, and respected.
Ina world of Peace and Enlightenment, there is no place for competition. All competitive thinking must be released and transcended. This is a more blatant example of the negative nature of comepting, but in truth, the same poison affects anyone who believes that defeat of another can create victory for oneself. Uplifting others is the only way to elevate yourself. As we move into a New World, happily say goodbye to sports and rivalries and the toxic results they produce.
"In a world of peace and enlightenment" what world do you live in? Not this one.
I see hate and violence, wars and starvation.
Seriously, competition is part of what makes us grow as human beings. It's what keeps us fit and alert. Your view here, "Happily say goodbye to sports and rivalries" is just the OTHER extreme of what that moron did to those trees. It's just as toxic as you'll find when you're languishing in stagnation because you no longer have anything to drive you in your 'New World'. I need my pain, my fear, my competitive streak. It's what makes me who I am. What people need to understand is where the.... More
This jerk obviously has anger management issues.
Michelle, that is a lovely and beautiful idea. The trees will most likely die and I anticipate and hope that something exactly as you suggest will be done with the trunks as a memorial to our great Auburn tradition. I am amazed at the amount of hatred and ignorance that can live within some people's hearts. This man is pictured online holding a grandchild and I am assuming he loves this child. How love can co-exist with so much hatred is a mystery to me. I have pity for him and his.... More
And pretty much a poster child for the UAT mullet nation. Now the world knows how backwards their fan base is.
Poisoned by insane idiot...not Alabama fan. He does not represent and of the football fans I know anywhere.
The tree carving is an excellent idea....only one suggestion though. Make sure the tree sculpture is in the likeness of Al from Dadeville. That will ensure that Auburn fans will remember, for years and years, the 62 year old Alabama fan who behaved like he was 12.
This is a suggestion for if the tree does die.... I recently visited Galveston Island, TX, and they have a local artist that carves beautiful art work in dead tree trunks, particularly remaining stumps from Hurricane Ike. I think it would be great to hire someone like that to make a statue out of the trees' trunk. That way the trees remain apart of the Auburn University campus and history. Just a thought!
Link: http://www.galveston.com/treesculptures/.... More
