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General

April 27 tornado babies: ‘Our girls will forever be connected to that tragic day’

Twins Hattie Grace Trantham and Mary Holland Trantham were born April 27, 2011, in the midst of an historic and deadly tornado outbreak in Alabama. (Photo courtesy the Trantham family)(Photo courtesy the Trantham family)

They are beautiful and wonderful and officially teenagers — twin sisters celebrating their 13th birthdays.

They were born in the midst of the storm — April 27, 2011.

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Chris Braswell: ‘He’s trying to run through your face’

Alabama linebackers Chris Braswell and Dallas Turner competed their way into this weekend’s NFL Draft.

“At Bama, we had a production-points system,” Braswell said. “Me and him would always go back and forth who would have the most production points at the end of the season. When we got to the end of the season, it actually ended up being a tie. Me and him was both top three. It all worked out at the end of the day, but that was just competition we had within the room to keep us on our toes.”

Did Turner get a tie-breaker in the 2024 NFL Draft? He went in the first round to the Minnesota Vikings. Braswell went in the second round to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who got “just a great fit in our scheme” at No. 57, said John Spytek, the team’s assistant general manager.

“Here’s a kid that went to Alabama to compete,” Spytek said. “He wanted to go play with the best. He ends up behind Will Anderson and Dallas Turner, two really high-end players. When he came in here and visited with us, we asked him, ‘You ever think about leaving?’ ‘No, why would I leave. I picked Alabama. I love Alabama. I’m not afraid of competition. I believe in myself. This is where I want to be.’ And he got to learn from two really good guys that he considered to be really good teammates.

“And then you put the tape on, and he finally gets a chance to play this year and he produces with eight sacks. He’s our kind of guy. He’s physical. He’s trying to run through your face all the time. He’s going to make you earn it every play, and my experience in the league has been that those guys are tough to block. You get worn down after a while.”

Braswell said he kept digging during his time at Alabama.

“For me, always remaining patient and working hard and keeping my head down is one of the philosophies I live by,” Braswell said. “… I’m a really hard worker, so I just like to keep my head down, keep working hard and just take advantage of the opportunity that’s given to me.”

Although Braswell did not become a starter at Alabama until the 2023 season, Spytek wouldn’t term his game as raw.

“I think Chris is pretty far along in that,” Spytek said. “Maybe he hasn’t played as much football as a lot of guys that you would pick in the second round. He did play 62 percent of the snaps this year. But he came from Alabama. He’s competing against J.C. Latham every day. You ask him, ‘Who’s the best player you played against?’ He said, ‘Can I say J.C. Latham?’ … Those guys slug it out with really good players all the time. They’re super well-taught.”

Tampa Bay is seeking to beef up its pass rush after releasing Shaquil Barrett this offseason. Barrett led the NFL with 19.5 sacks in 2019, but he recorded 4.5 in 2023 and was let go in a salary-cap move in March.

“There’s a premium on these guys in the league,” Spytek said. “You’ve got to be able to affect the quarterback, and we think we found the one who can do that. Pass rush is always at a premium. You have to be able to affect the best quarterbacks in this league. We’ve got to be able to affect the Brock Purdys, the Jalen Hurtses, the Dak Prescotts in this league – we play them this year – otherwise you don’t have a chance. Pass rush is at a premium for us, always will be, and I know we found another guy that’s going to empty for us.”

Braswell was not surprised to be picked by the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay included him among the 30 prospects that NFL rules allowed them to bring to town.

Braswell already has played at the Bucs’ Raymond James Stadium. In Alabama’s 17-3 victory over South Florida on Sept. 16, Braswell had seven tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack and one pass breakup.

“It was great,” Braswell said. “I liked the boat, the pirate ship back there. That’s kind of amazing. I never seen anything like that in any other stadium. It’s an overall great city, a great town, a great state and great weather as well.”

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.

General

Dear Annie: I lost my son

Dear Annie: I lost my 32-year-old son (the baby of my three kids) almost two years ago to a fentanyl overdose; we all battled his addiction right along with him for more than a decade. He was in and out of jail, and actually skipped out on a court-ordered rehab (which of course led to more jail time).

He had several broken romantic relationships because he stole from his girlfriends. I paid for rehab, which failed within 60 days of him getting out. I paid for his room at a sober living house, which he got thrown out of within two weeks because they found drugs on him.

He was homeless at times because I couldn’t let him live with me; I was not going to be stolen from, but I did buy him groceries and clothing as needed. When he was sober, he was an amazing young man — intelligent, loved to read and draw, was a wonderful musician, was funny and silly with his niece and nephew, and was very giving of his time and energy to anyone who needed help.

Unfortunately, the addiction removed that amazing young man farther and farther away from us until it took him completely. My son was cremated, and many family members got pendants with his ashes in them as a memorial. I wear mine every day, so he is always next to my heart.

Most days I still cry a little bit because I miss him so much. I, too, have guilt about everything. What more could I have done to save him? The only options that I can see would have completely torpedoed my own life, which means they weren’t really options.

I had an inscription put on my son’s urn: “If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.” My advice to parents and grandparents with an addicted child is to remember that you can’t save anyone from themselves, no matter how hard you try and no matter how much it hurts. Be kind to yourself. All we can ever do is love them and pray that someday, something will change within them to bring them away from that hell. And, if the worst happens, pray that they find the peace in heaven that they could not find here. — Probably Crying Forever

Dear Crying Forever: I am so sorry for your loss.

Your son sounded like a wonderful young man. Thank you for sharing your letter. I hope it brings comfort to others in similar situations.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].

General

Today’s daily horoscopes: April 28, 2024

When you learn about nature, you are learning about you. When you learn about history, you are learning about you. When you learn business, you are learning about you. Mars and Neptune align in Pisces to show us how we are connected to all things. Through worldly observations, we gain deeper insights into our own existence.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Loved ones bring up emotional subjects because they are trying to get closer to you. If it bothers you, that’s an emotion. The agitation might bring closeness — at least that’s what they are banking on.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). There’s not much you can do in advance to craft a memorable first impression, if only because you have no idea who is coming into your life. Nonetheless, you’ll harness the freshness of a moment. New beginnings offer prime opportunities.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ll adapt quickly to new circumstances when you don’t resist them. The less time you spend wondering if what’s coming is fair, right or fitting, the better. In circumstances where what’s coming is “inevitable,” these nuances do not matter.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Focus outward. Connect with your broader purpose. Self-absorption breeds solitude, which is useful for many important moments of your story, but not this one. Currently, you need people. They will be your mirror and support your way to vitality.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There’s grace in setting and respecting personal boundaries. Embrace the power of self-control, knowing that restraint, though less flashy, yields profound rewards.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your sportsmanship is of a noble variety. This is true whether you play sports or not. It’s the team spirit that shines through you now. You’ll have the sort of victory born of connectedness. You’re a part of something and everyone will win.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You will understand a person’s joys and sorrows without needing them to articulate. You will listen without words and hear the soul in someone’s silence. It’s a manner of being for you so natural that you don’t even see how special it is.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’re aware that it matters who you surround yourself with. You are in a circle of interesting and intense personalities, and you didn’t just get there by accident. They bring out the parts of you that you most need to know about now.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Huddled in your cozy cocoon of solitude, a gentle prod will coax you into the hall, out the door and into the social fray. Seek out your beloved companions and luxuriate in their company.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Love unfolds in its own way, by its own rules. Wouldn’t it be cool if any person knew what they actually were? Alas, love is not a “share your notes” kind of student. Love is the student that hides the papers and hopes for the best.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Integrity always. Remain steadfast in your commitment to honesty and honor. Let your actions speak louder than words, demonstrating the posture and action you want others to take with your every step.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Let passion be a signal to tread carefully. If you rush in, the details get blurred, reason obscured. Restraint is the key to enduring triumphs. Recognize when to step back so the victory is not marred by overzealousness.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (April 28). Nothing will stop you from expressing your heart. You will give your all to love, and it will splash back to you like sunlight from the ocean. More highlights: Three unforgettable events, elevated domestic life, and environment and habits that transform your physical self and your schedule in beautiful, daily ways. Sagittarius and Virgo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 1, 11, 19 and 3.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: In the thriller “Trigger Warning,” Jessica Alba plays a Special Forces commando who takes ownership of her father’s bar and finds herself in a gang war. In real life, the Taurus mom flexes her heroism with the creation of clean, safe, ethically sourced, plant-based baby products sold through her brand, The Honest Company. Alba’s moon is in Aquarius, the humanitarian sign that finds happiness promoting causes for the collective good.

Holiday Mathis’ debut novel, “How To Fail Epically in Hollywood,” is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com. COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

General

Trio of former Troy players sign rookie free-agent NFL deals

After leading Troy to back-to-back Sun Belt Conference championships, linebacker Richard Jibunor, safety Dell Pettus and cornerback Reddy Steward will all get shots at the next level.

The trio of former Trojans all signed with NFL teams as undrafted free agents on Saturday. Jibunor inked with the Seattle Seahawks, Pettus with the New England Patriots and Steward with the Chicago Bears.

The moves come on the same day two former Troy players were selected in the 2024 NFL draft. Outside linebacker Javon Solomon was taken in the fifth round by the Buffalo Bills, while running back Kimani Vidal went in the sixth round to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Jibunor, a 6-foot-3, 232-pound native of Nigeria who originally signed with Auburn out of a Georgia high school, totaled 59 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in 2023. He finished his Troy career with 172 tackles, 44.5 tackles for loss and 29.5 sacks.

Former Troy cornerback Reddy Steward signed Saturday as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)AP

Steward (5-11, 173) was a two-time All-Sun Belt Conference pick for the Trojans. The Decatur native totaled 181 tackles, 32 pass breakups and nine interceptions (three of which he returned for touchdowns) in five seasons at Troy.

Pettus (6-0, 200) was Troy’s second-leading tackler with 74 stops in 2023. The Harvest native was a five-year starter in the secondary for the Troy, finishing with 314 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 13 pass breakups and an interception in 60 career games.

Former Troy safety Dell Pettus signed Saturday with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)AP

In addition, quarterback Gunnar Watson, wide receiver Marcus Rogers and cornerback Don Callis all received invitations to rookie tryout camps. Watson will seek to make the team with the Buffalo Bills, Rogers with the Chicago Bears and Callis with the Green Bay Packers.

Watson (6-3, 214) had a breakout season for the Trojans in 2023, passing for 3,569 yards and 27 touchdowns with just six interceptions. Rogers (6-3, 211) caught just 25 passes in four seasons at Troy, but impressed NFL scouts with an excelling showing on Pro Day.

Callis (6-0, 184) played three seasons at Troy after transferring from junior college. He totaled 67 tackles, 19 pass breakups, two interceptions and four forced fumbles.

General

South Alabama’s Carter Bradley, Lincoln Sefcik sign free-agent NFL deals

Former South Alabama quarterback Carter Bradley went undrafted on Saturday, but quickly signed a rookie free-agent deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Bradley, the Jaguars’ all-time leading passer, was among two former USA players to sign undrafted free-agent contracts. Tight end Lincoln Sefcik inked with the New York Jets.

Bradley (6-foot-3, 216 pounds) was a two-year starter for the Jaguars after transferring from Toledo, and passed for a total of 5,955 yards and 47 touchdowns with 19 interceptions in his South Alabama career. He is the son of longtime NFL coach Gus Bradley, currently the defensive coordinator with the Indianapolis Colts.

Sefcik (6-3, 235) played three seasons at South Alabama after transferring from junior college, catching a total of 62 passes for 494 yards with seven touchdowns. He sat out the final four games of the 2023 season after being suspended for what was termed an institutional rules violation.

Southeastern Louisiana defensive back Ian Goodly, left, dives for South Alabama tight end Lincoln Sefcik in the second half of a college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Ala. (Mike Kittrell/AL.com)

In addition, defensive end Jamie Sheriff and linebacker Quentin Wilfawn received invitations to tryout camps with NFL teams. Sheriff will try to make the team with the Seattle Seahawks, while Wilfawn will look to catch on with the Indianapolis Colts.

Wilfawn (6-1, 245) was South Alabama’s leading tackler in 2023, when he totaled 84 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Sheriff (6-2, 270) compiled 17.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in three years with the Jaguars.

The path of an undrafted free agent to NFL glory is a difficult, but not impossible one. Former South Alabama star Jeremy Reaves went unselected in the 2017 draft, but was named an All-Pro on special teams with the Washington Commanders in 2022 and recently signed a multi-year extension with the club.

South Alabama did not have a player selected in the 2024 NFL draft, snapping a three-year streak for the Jaguars. Wide receiver Kawaan Baker went in the seventh round to the New Orleans Saints in 2021, then wide receiver Jalen Tolbert was taken in the third round by the Dallas Cowboys in 2022 and cornerback Darrell Luter was selected in the fifth round by the San Francisco 49ers in 2023.

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Adrian Martinez leads unbeaten Stallions past Roughnecks

Adrian Martinez got another turn at quarterback for the Birmingham Stallions on Saturday night, and did he ever make the most of it.

While Martinez’s passing numbers were modest in the Stallions’ 32-9 victory over the Houston Roughnecks, the quarterback ran for 138 yards on nine carries and directed the Stallions to scores on six of their eight full possessions at Rice Stadium in Houston.

At 5-0, Birmingham has the only undefeated record in the United Football League. The Stallions extended their winning streak to 12 games. Birmingham’s last loss was so long ago that Houston was called the Gamblers when it defeated the Stallions 27-20 on May 13, 2023.

Martinez had three runs that gained at least 30 yards on Saturday night. The biggest might have been the first.

With Birmingham facing third-and-14 at the Houston 40-yard line on its opening possession, Martinez scrambled for 31 yards to set up the first of running back Ricky Person Jr.’s two touchdowns runs. He scored from 6 yards out with 8:44 left in the first half.

Martinez had runs of 30 yards and 34 yards on drives that ended in field goals by Ramiz Ahmed for the only points of the second half.

Birmingham punted on its second possession, then had three straight touchdown drives before halftime, with Larry Rountree III scoring on a 5-yard run and Person scoring on a 2-yard run 8:20 apart in the second quarter.

In between, Martinez threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jace Sternberger. Martinez completed 11-of-20 passes for 155 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. He had a pass dropped in the end zone on the first possession of the second half.

Birmingham alternated Martinez and Matt Corral at quarterback in two-possession increments during its first two games. Martinez took over the offense during a 33-14 victory over the Memphis Showboats in Week 3. Corral was back under center for Week 4′s 20-18 victory over the D.C. Defenders.

Former South Alabama tight end Braedon Bowman scored Houston’s touchdown on a 1-yard pass from quarterback Reid Sinnett with 11 seconds left in the first half.

The outcome might have been more competitive looking, but Nevelle Clarke intercepted Sinnett in the end zone and the Birmingham defense stopped the Roughnecks on downs twice.

JoJo Tillery also had an interception for the Stallions, but the safety’s sprint down the sideline toward a touchdown was cut short when he sustained what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

The loss left Houston at 1-4.

Birmingham plays the Memphis Showboats at 11 a.m. CDT Saturday at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis in its next game. ABC will televise the contest.

Birmingham Stallions running back Larry Rountree III runs for a touchdown during a United Football League game against the Houston Roughnecks on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Rice Stadium in Houston.(Photo by Kevin M. Cox/UFL/Getty Images)

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.

General

36-year-old killed in Center Point shooting

A Saturday night shooting in a Jefferson County neighborhood left one man dead.

Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched just before 7 p.m. to a report of a person down in the 400 block of 16th Court N.W. in the Center Point area.

They arrived to find a 36-year-old man wounded by gunfire, according to sheriff’s officials. Center Point Fire and Rescue responded to the scene and pronounced the victim dead.

No additional details surrounding the fatal shooting have been released, and no arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is asked to call sheriff’s investigators at 205-325-1450, option 2 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

General

Tracking Auburn football’s 2024 undrafted free agents

After Auburn had five players selected during the 2024 NFL Draft, several others now await their fate as potential undrafted free agents. The following Auburn players were selected into the NFL during the seven rounds of the draft.

Below, AL.com will keep a tracker of where Auburn’s remaining NFL-eligible players sign UDFA contracts. This will be updated frequently as new reports become available.

4/27/24, 8:39 p.m.: OL Kam Stutts to the Baltimore Ravens on a rookie minicamp invite

4/27/24, 6:31 p.m.: OL Gunner Britton signs a free agent deal with the Buffalo Bills

Matt Cohen covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @Matt_Cohen_ or email him at [email protected]