HOOVER, Ala. — Whether it was Phil Fulmer's no-show, overly-ecstatic Alabama fans or just catching the usual hum-drum of coachspeak, I have spent years watching and listening to the events of the annual SEC Media Days from Hoover, Ala., with interest.
Now I get a chance to take part.
For the first time, Jacobs Media (AccessWDUN and 1240 AM ESPN Radio) will be on hand live at the event that sometimes resembles circus, others a droning press conference on steroids. And I can't wait.
Already the building at the Wyfrey Hotel in the Birmingham suburb is thrumming with energy -- and the dripping sarcasm/occasional wit of the media throng (of which, I profess, to add little in the way of the "wit"). And with the subjects on the table of the past few months/weeks/days there are sure to be plenty of hot topics to address.
Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze is sure to be under the microscope after the various misdeeds, alleged and otherwise surrounding his program. His rival from across the state, Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen is also sure to catch a few tough questions after recent incidents involving a then-recruit now incoming freshman Jeffrey Simmons (the defensive lineman was caught on video physically attacking a woman). Meanwhile, Tennessee coach Butch Jones may also find himself in some discomfort in light of Tennessee's recent $2.48 million settlement of a sexual assault suit.
And that's just the main course. The appetizers are sure to present plenty of tasty morsels.
Les Miles is here, and that alone is worth the price of admission -- but perhaps more so considering rumors of the "mad hatter" being on the "hot seat."
New Georgia coach Kirby Smart will also take his first swing at the event, and will face some tough questions of his own after another arrest of a player -- this time rising sophomore Jonathan Ledbetter being booked for Driving Under the Influence. And while fans may be pumped about the future of the program in light of recent recruiting successes, there could be some interesting early tests for Smart. And what better place to test that than in the swarm that is SEC Media Days?
It's sure to be intriguing, and we're going to be here every step of the way, broadcasting live on 1240 AM with Game On with Katie B. Davis -- 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. -- and posting stories and pictures from throughout the circus in Hoover.
If the past is any indication, there should be plenty to keep us all entertained.
