They already decide who?
Once I had confirmed the details for the Source meeting, I made the four-hour drive from Paint Rock to a small agricultural community near Ozark Alabama. I took the two-lane State Highway until I reached a turnoff that led to a farm in rural Dale County. As I approached the entrance, I saw a spacious, modern farmhouse with a wraparound porch. The security measures were top-notch; I could see the County Sheriff and Ozark Police making their rounds even out here in the rural area.
Nonetheless, the peaceful countryside scenery didn’t match the high-tech security measures at the entrance of the Dale County farm. The farm was surrounded by thick woods and a dirt road leading up to the entrance. The farmhouse had large windows, allowing the sunlight to stream in and give a warm and inviting glow. The wraparound porch was adorned with fern planters and rocking chairs, giving it a homey and welcoming feel.
Why would such a secluded location need such intense physical and electronic surveillance? And why were law enforcement officers present? I couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling in my gut as I pulled up to the farmhouse. Did I really want to go through with this meeting?
I couldn’t believe my luck – I had been allowed inside the building where the final CFB playoff selections were made. But as I sat there, in front of this influential and powerful figure, doubts seeped into my thoughts. Would my interview with him uncover any valuable insights or would it just add to the surface-level coverage that plagued today’s sports journos?
My excitement was mixed with apprehension as I waited for the moment that would determine the fate of numerous teams and players. It didn’t fully sink in with me that the Playoff teams had already been decided and the outcome for Bama had essentially been sealed since their win against Tennessee in Tuscaloosa, maybe even their loss to Texas. I realized that Bama was going to win it all.
The Source
My source, Big Bama Booster (BBB), who I will call “Big Bama Booster” (BBB), is an intimidating figure who looms over me. He takes up a lot of space in his leather chair, his broad shoulders barely fitting into it. His attire consists of a crimson Alabama football jersey and a white trucker hat adorned with the proud display of the Alabama “A.”
As the rain pours down outside in Lower Alabama, BBB doesn’t seem to have a care in the world for his beloved Crimson Tide’s chances of making it into the playoffs. We are gathered inside the cozy den of the Farmhouse, relaxing in plush oversized leather chairs with warm lighting and a widescreen TV tuned to ESPN’s CFB selection show.
He gestures toward the ESPN announcer and says with disdain, “That fucking guy is a true facejock. He may be as useless as a boar hog’s tits, but he’s a good boy who does our bidding. At least he isn’t a fatty anymore”.
Despite his seemingly calm demeanor, BBB’s fingers drum nervously on the creaky leather chair as he shifts in his seat. The farmhouse exudes charm, with soft light from low-hanging lamps casting shadows over BBB and his friends huddled together to watch the CFB Playoff selection show. On the walls hang military memorabilia, framed jerseys, and photographs of iconic football moments, adding to the cozy atmosphere.
The room is filled with BBB’s people, there seem to be 5 or 6 of them, milling about and leaning over their devices. The screens cast a blue glow on their faces, illuminating their anxious expressions.
The BBB doesn’t seem to have a phone or any other device. I guess that is because he already knows which teams made it to the Playoffs. Remember when I mentioned earlier about him being allowed in the house? And how I used the word “were” instead of “was” to talk about the final CFB playoff selections? Now we know.
Bama Privilege
The ESPN Facejock announced that Alabama would be joining the CFB playoffs, chosen over the undefeated conference champion FSU team. The news quickly spread through various forms of social media, sparking discussions about “Alabama privilege” and whether was there a secret group operating behind the scenes.
No matter. The KPC was ready. A massive group of Bama internet trolls, mockingly called “the Sidewalks” (because most Alabama fans did not attend the university) rallied on various Social Media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Collective-owned Bama Message boards to attack and crush any dissent. Most importantly they spread the Gospel of Bama.
BBB was confident that he had secured the victory for Bama once again. He released a deep, drawn-out “Roll Tide” in celebration after the announcement. Then, he turned to me and declared, “Now the real work begins. Follow me and observe how it’s done, son.”
The Bama selection caused a maelstrom in the national media. A frenzy, leading to heated debates between rival fanbases and pundits alike over who should be playing for the National Championship. As usual, it was just the normal range of emotions that lay just beneath the surface: fear, awe, and envy towards the dominant Crimson Tide, which was now starting to emerge from other schools.
Later this week is the explosive part one of the interview with Kern Place Collective leadership.
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