It is funny how I can say two words and get about half of the state of Alabama's blood boiling: Harvey Updyke. As you all know, this guy has made headlines for months for attempting and most likely killing Toomer's Oaks at Auburn.
Humans do a really good job of holding on to something and never letting it go. Forgiveness is a word that most of us forget when something really makes us mad. Updyke got to face one of these humans just two days ago.
At the TigerMart in Opelika, AL, Updyke was beaten when he got out of his car and had to go to the emergency room. Updyke's lawyer, Glennon Threatt, also stated that his tires were slashed in a Wal-Mart parking lot. Sounds like Harvey has had a rough couple days.
When all this initally happened, I wrote a column that is now the most read thing of all time on this blog. I compared Auburn fans to the Whos of Whoville and told them that nothing should allow them to lose their spirit. I am about ready to compare them to the boys of Lord of the Flies.
There are multiple Facebook groups with wonderful titles like "Auburn hates Harvey Updyke" and "**** Harvey Updyke". There are people come on Paul Finebaum's radio show and bash who he his and describe their hate on air. My favorite one is the people who judge Harvey Updyke's character based on his one foolish mistake that he has admitted he regrets. I have no clue what kind of person Harvey is, whether he was a good father or husband, but I do know God is not going to damn him to hell for killing a tree.
It was very easy to have sympathy for Auburn fans in the beginning but now it keeps getting harder and harder to do so. One of Auburn's own hurt Harvey and no one has stepped up to say this is wrong. I have a feeling that alot of people do not think it's wrong.
So to all of the Auburn fans that find some kind of sick and twisted joy in hearing about a man get beating outside of a gas station over a tree, just remember that you are acting just as foolish as he did.
From ""Who" Says the Tradition Is Over?"
As most of you know, The Grinch might have made things right with the Whos in the end, but at this point, Toomer's murderer might not want to show his face within twenty miles of the university. I can understand why they might not have the same feeling.
As I began writing this, I received a text about how Auburn students were rolling Toomer's once again. What a beautiful thing. In a sense, AU fans are like the Whos. I am not there, but I hope they all did cheers and were full of life. Because it was never about the tree or the drug store, it was about the memories and the people that each Auburn fan can take with them for the rest of their lives. Even if the tree has to be cut down or falls soon, it will always live inside of fans that truly care about Auburn and that in the end, is all that matters.
It's time to move on, folks. Toomer's Corner is a piece of Auburn's history and a big part of the football games, but no one was physically hurt by the situation except for the very man that did it. He will do some jail time soon and everyone will get the "justice" they have been seeking, but I have a feeling it will never be enough.
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