Timing on Thompson’s departure tough to take

January 16, 2009

By Ken Rogers

I’m as free market a guy as I know. If I’m at Wal-mart and Target has a better deal, I’ll get in my car and shop there.
I don’t begrudge any coach or athlete their salary, even in these unusual economic times.
And I generally believe that if you’re unhappy at work or can find a better life for yourself and your family, you make a change. You marry a spouse, not a job.
Lance Thompson’s decision to leave Alabama for Tennessee may reflect that. But I’m struggling with the timing. Thompson is a recruiting machine, with names like Julio Jones and D.J. Fluker and Mark Barron and B.J. Scott on his resume. It’s easy to see why his services would be sought by other schools.
Tennessee apparently will double Thompson’s $225,000 salary. Good for them. Good for him.
It’s just that seems like pieces of silver as the Feb. 4 National Signing Day approaches. Was Tennessee’s offer good for this week only? Does Thompson become less valuable on Feb. 5? Or is part of his new job description to wreck the current commitments who will sign with Alabama in three weeks?
Several of the top names in Thompson’s area—A.J. McCarron, Fluker and Nico Johnson of Andalusia—said their commitments to Alabama are firm. Prized Pensacola running back Trent Richardson, rated by many as the best in the country, committed last summer but sounds shaky as he schedules visits to Florida, Tennessee and LSU.
Thompson has done and will continue to do a great job. But the timing of this move, three weeks before signing day, is a slap in the face to Alabama’s staff. It’s one they’ll remember.