The Blazers have pulled off the seemingly impossible: They’re the only men’s college basketball team from Alabama playing in a post-season tournament.

Update: As Jeff pointed out in the comments, Troy is also headed to the NIT, playing Ole Miss in Oxford at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Our thanks to him.

In 2009, Alabama State lost in the NCAA tournament play-in game. This year, zero teams from the state are in the Big Dance. The lone bright spots are Troy and UAB in the National Invitational Tournament. UAB plays at home against Coastal Carolina 7 p.m. Tuesday. Tickets are $15. No broadcast information is available.

The 2009 NIT tourney invited UAB and Auburn, which fired coach Jeff Lebo after 6 years and a 96-93 record.

The NCAA women’s tournament teams will be announced tonight.

Update: No state women’s teams are headed to the NCAA tournament. Instead, Ole Miss will play at Samford in the first round Thursday in the NIT’s first 64-team tourney.

Also: “State of Alabama tosses another NCAA air ball.”

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 5 recap

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Video: Immunity challenge

To be a “Survivor” champ takes heart, guts, brains and nerve. But does it take knees?

One contestant goes down during the reward challenge. Meanwhile, Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. finds himself in the doghouse among the Heroes, but not for long.

Who found an idol? Who had the pivotal vote? And who turned down free chocolate? Find out, after the jump …

(more…)

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 5 preview

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Video: Preview for tonight’s episode.
Russell steps up his game; James goes lame?

The stats after four episodes: one hidden immunity idol found, one played, one still missing and one blindside.

But it looks like the Heroes are back to their losing ways on “Survivor.”

Can James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. of Mobile explain his flip-flop allegiance from last week? Is his teammate James Clement going down after a challenge injury? What won’t Villain Russell Hantz do to stay on top?

A program note: Because of NCAA men’s basketball tournament coverage, the next episode will air Wednesday, March 24.

Plus, a bonus scene from last week’s episode.

Video: J.T. before last week’s Tribal Council.

Episode 4 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• Host Jeff Probst: “The Villains are more in control of their game. They just have it more together than the Heroes.”

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42. Full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

Larry Langford will spend the next 15 years in prison.

The former Birmingham mayor was convicted in October on 60 counts of bribery, conspiracy, fraud and money laundering. U.S. District Judge Scott Coogler handed down the sentence this morning in Tuscaloosa. Langford owes $120,000 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service and $242,000 in forfeiture.

At the sentencing, Langford told Coogler, “I am sorry all of this has occurred.”

He also faces 3 years supervised release after his prison term. Langford had faced up to 30 years possible sentence. He would be eligible for early release after approximately 12 years and 9 months in prison.

Langford is ordered to report for prison on noon April 5. Until then, he will wear an electronic ankle bracelet, report twice a week to a probation officer and must remain within Jefferson County. Langford plans to file an appeal.

Langford, elected in 2007, entered office under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission for his role in providing bond business during his service on the Jefferson County Commission.

Also convicted in the scheme were Langford’s friends Bill Blount and Al LaPierre, who were sentenced to 52 months and 48 months in prison last week.

Carole Smitherman, president of the city council, became interim mayor, until succeeded by new council president Roderick Royal in November. William Bell became mayor in January following a special election and runoff.

Updates to follow.

• • •

Complete coverage: The trial of Larry Langford from Wade on Birmingham.

Illustration by Herman Henderson

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 4 recap

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Mixed blessings abound. For example, having the immunity idol can give a player power, but it can also make him a target. And being the swing vote can let a player choose her destiny, but it will almost certainly turn allies into enemies.

For one tribe, it was a bounty of mixed blessings on “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.”

Meanwhile, Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. figures out his own strategy of who to trust and who to keep in check.

Who cried whiny tears? Who went hunting for a hidden immunity idol? And who played whom? Find out, after the jump  …

(more…)

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 4 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Preview for tonight’s episode.
The immunity idol scramble is on.

Who needs challenge skills or people skills when you can have an immunity idol? Or two?

The hunt begins for the coveted idols in tonight’s episode of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.” Will Russell Hantz of the Villains tribe snag one from thin air? Will our Hero from Mobile, James “J.T.” Thomas Jr., uncover one before his teammates do?

And why on Earth is “Coach” Ben Wade bawling? The dragonslayer needs to slay the dragon of insecurity.

Plus, a bonus scene from last week’s episode.

Video: The Heroes celebrate
their first Immunity Challenge win.

Episode 3 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• Host Jeff Probst: “The villains made the right move. Randy was the best person to vote out.”

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42. Full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 3 recap

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When a country boy lies, he’s “tellin’ a story.” When a city gal does it, she’s innocently flirting.

But on “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,” everybody lies.

Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. of the Heroes tribe may be facing the truth sooner than he expects if his lies catch up to him. But another former champ, Parvati Shallow of the Villains tribe, may be flirting her way to an early exit.

Which team manhandled the other one? Who’s sleeping with whom? And who burned their buff? Find out, after the jump  …

(more…)

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 3 preview

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Video: Preview for tonight’s episode.
James has winner written all over him.

The Heroes have turned on each other. Is J.T.’s tribe finished before it’s barely begun?

Tune in tonight for “Survivor” as the Heroes regroup after sending a strong player packing. James Thomas Jr. of Mobile is facing tougher choices earlier in the game with two Tribal Councils in a row.

Plus, his teammate James Clement, the gravedigger from Louisiana, lashed out at his tribe last week. The preview, included above, shows him getting fired up. Or is that freaked out?

And for fun, a bonus video below.

Video: Tribute to J.T.? Check.
Lynyrd Skynyrd? Check.

Episode 2 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• Host Jeff Probst: “Voting out great players in the second week is idiotic. It almost always works against you.”
• (Mobile) Press-Register

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42. Full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 2 recap

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Video: J.T. explains the construction of the Heroes’ shelter.

With the Villains, it seems no one wants to lead. With the Heroes, it seems everyone does.

That includes Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr., who leads the Heroes through another challenge on the second episode of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.” Do they have an unfair advantage over the Villains, suffering from a physical setback?

Who fell down? Who blew up? Find out, after the jump …

(more…)

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 2 preview

survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com

Video: Preview for tonight’s episode.
Boston Rob is unconscious. Wicked unconscious.

White hats vs. black hats on a tropical island. Nope, not the last season of “Lost” but the 20th (and counting) season of “Survivor.”

While the Heroes, including Mobile’s James “J.T.” Thomas Jr., faced Tribal Council last week, they chose Jessica “Sugar” Kiper to oust first. Whew.

But it looks like Sugar has some sour grapes (see what we did there?): She claims she and J.T. had a pre-game alliance, and not just a platonic one. According to her Twitter page:

So, I was never attracted to Colby, and J.T. slept with me pregame and told me we’d stick together. That edit really confused my friends & fam.

J.T. denied any showmance, citing his girlfriend, but has he denied any pre-showmance? Hmm …

Meanwhile, it appears that “Boston Rob” Mariano passes out in the jungle. Medical emergency? Misdirection? Boston Cooler? We’ll know soon enough.

Video: Mobile’s WKRG-TV interviews J.T.

Episode 1 recaps:

• Wade on Birmingham
• Host Jeff Probst: “The Heroes are stronger but their egos get in the way. The Villains work together better.”
• Birmingham News

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42. Full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 1 recap

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Video: J.T. feels like the underdog
against these more notorious players.

The 10 biggest heroes. The 10 sneakiest villains. Place them together in Samoa and let the sparks fly.

Samson native James Thomas Jr. may have been the hero of his season in Brazil, but can he outwit, outplay and outlast the best of the best on “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”?

The 2-hour premiere revealed old and new alliances, plus a showmance or two. Who was injured after only 15 minutes? Who made fire from nothing? And who ended up in tears? Find out, after the jump …

(more…)

‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,’ episode 1 preview

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Video: Host Jeff Probst sizes up the heroes
and villains in this season of “Survivor.”

J.T. is back!

In tonight’s 2-hour premiere, James Thomas, Jr. returns to a game he conquered just 1 year ago. Can the cattle rancher from Mobile succeed again in “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”?

He faces much stronger competition this time, as the 19 other contestants are also returning players (some for their third time! some as previous champions!). What J.T. accomplished in “Survivor: Tocantins” will prove much harder to repeat.

Video: J.T. shares his favorite “Survivor” moment.

Video: J.T. on Wednesday’s “Late Show”:
“Top Ten Things You Didn’t Know About ‘Survivor.’ ”

Video: “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” preview.

Also:

• Novelty may be gone, but familiarity might help this season.
• Looking back on 10 years of “Survivor.”

“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42. Look for the full recap tonight following the show.

• • •

Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.

A look at today’s front pages showing Alabama winning the BCS National Championship Thursday night over Texas.

Alabama

The Anniston Star

The Birmingham News

The Decatur Daily

The (Florence) Times-Daily

The Huntsville Times

The Montgomery Advertiser

The Opelika-Auburn News

The Tuscaloosa News

Texas

The Arlington Star-Telegram

The Austin American-Statesman

The Beaumont Enterprise

The Corpus Christi Caller-Times

The Dallas Morning News

The Houston Chronicle

The Killeen Daily Herald

The (McAllen) Monitor

The San Antonio Express-News

Tide brings home first title since 1992 season

Video: Nick Saban and Mark Ingram
on Alabama’s championship victory.

Alabama ended its season tonight with a perfect 14-0 record, defeating Texas 37-21 in the BCS National Championship game. The Longhorns suffered its only defeat this season at the hands of the Crimson Tide.

Nick Saban is the first coach since 1936 to win national championships at two different schools. And Heisman winner Mark Ingram beat the trophy’s curse: Previous Heisman winners went 1-6 in BCS title games.

Ingram’s Heisman rival, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, exited the game early with a shoulder injury. Alabama’s QB Greg McElroy continued his unbeaten streak, having never lost in college or high school.

Alabama hadn’t won a national championship since the 1992 season under Gene Stallings. And it’s the first time the Tide has ever beaten the Longhorns, having gone 0-7-1 against Texas in previous matches.

Earlier in the bowl season, Auburn defeated Northwestern in overtime 38-35 New Year’s Day in the Outback Bowl in Tampa. And Troy lost to Central Michigan in overtime 44-41 Wednesday in Mobile’s GMAC Bowl.

Samson native part of 20-person, 20th-season cast

Video: James ‘J.T.’ Thomas prepares
for ‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.”

After more than a month in Brazil, James “J.T.” Thomas Jr. earned $1.1 million as the winner of “Survivor: Tocantins — The Brazilian Highlands” in 2009. He’s back for more. The cattle rancher from Samson returns to battle in Samoa in “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,” premiering Feb. 11 on CBS 42.

The reality show pits contestants against each other in distant locales for $1 million. Thomas, who will compete on the Heroes tribe, not only won the grand prize but picked up an extra $100,000 fan favorite award during May’s season finale.

This isn’t the first season with returning competitors. A previous “All-Stars” season had 18 returning players, while a “Fans vs. Favorites” edition had 10 returning players. Rumors had accurately predicted the cast list weeks before host Jeff Probst revealed it on Wednesday night during the People’s Choice Awards.

Joining Thomas, 25, on the Heroes tribe are:

• Rupert Boneham, “Pearl Islands” and “All-Stars”;
• James Clement, “China” and “Fans vs. Favorites”;
• Colby Donaldson, “Australia” and “All-Stars”;
• Cirie Fields, “Panama” and “Fans vs. Favorites”;
• Amanda Kimmel, “China” and “Fans vs. Favorites”;
• Jessica “Sugar” Kiper, “Gabon”;
• Stephenie LaGrossa, “Palau” and “Guatemala”;
• Tom Westman, “Palau”;
• and Candice Woodcock, “Cook Islands.”

The Villains tribe has:

• Tyson Apostol, “Tocantins”;
• Randy Bailey, “Gabon”;
• Sandra Diaz-Twine, “Pearl Islands”;
• Danielle DiLorenzo, “Panama”;
• Russell Hantz, “Samoa”;
• Jerri Manthey, “Australia” and “All-Stars”;
• Rob Mariano, “Marquesas” and “All-Stars”;
• Parvati Shallow, “Cook Islands” and “Fans vs. Favorites”;
• Benjamin “Coach” Wade, “Tocantins”;
• and Courtney Yates, “China.”

Thomas’ bio on the show’s Web site shares a little more insight on why he’s back …

• Residence: Mobile
• Personal claim to fame: “Being the first in my family to go to college and earn a degree.”
• Inspiration in life: “My family.”
• Favorite past moment: “Winning the final immunity challenge.”
• Previous Survivor he respects most: “Myself. I am my own hero, because of what I accomplished and how it brought my family together.”
• Previous Survivor he respects least: “Jonny Fairplay” (Jon Dalton) (“Pearl Islands,” “Fans vs. Favorites”)
• Why did he come back? : “It’s the ultimate challenge, I couldn’t pass it up.”

Video: Jeff Probst gives a sneak peek at “Heroes vs. Villains.”

• • •

Look for recaps and features from “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” on Wade on Birmingham.