Perhaps no Alabama defensive player turned potential into production more last season than did linebacker Jihaad Campbell.
After being a solid SEC linebacker in 2024, Campbell became a second-team All-American and first-team all-conference selection in 2025. He totaled a team-best 117 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and five sacks in the first season playing under defensive coordinator Kane Wommack.
Wommack was in Mobile Tuesday night for the annual First Light Community Football Preview Dinner and Mobile Sports Hall of Fame induction banquet. He called Campbell’s development into one of the best players in the SEC a “great story.”
“Here’s a guy that came in as an outside linebacker, moved to the inside linebacker position really the year before we got there, played, had a role in the defense,” Wommack said. “But it was very evident when we got here, here’s a young man with all the attributes physically, he’s the hardest worker on the field, there’s nobody that outworks him day-in and day-out, he plays with the highest motor.
“And he was able to play multiple positions in our defense because of the way the work structures schematically, and from a system standpoint. He maximized opportunities.”
1/19
Mobile Sports Hall of Fame
NFL teams certainly took notice of Campbell, and the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles selected him at No. 31 overall in the first round. Wommack said he believes even that might have been too low.
“I mean, he doubled his production in every area, some ways he tripled it,” Wommack said. “So it was fun to be a part of that, and it’s really rewarding when a guy that does everything the right way and plays the hardest on game day gets rewarded in the NFL draft. I’m excited. I think what the Eagles got at the 31st pick, that’s an absolute steal.”
First Light Community of Mobile (formerly known as L’Arche), states as its mission that men and women with and without intellectual disabilities share life. The organization operates six homes and an activity center in the Mobile area. For more information, visit FirstLightCommunity.org.
Alabama opens the 2025 season at Florida State on Aug. 30.
Auburn’s four most-experienced linebackers from last season are currently getting ready for NFL training camps, so adding experience at the position was one of the Tigers’ objectives in the most recent transfer portal window.
Auburn found just such a player in Maryland transfer Caleb Wheatland, who signed with the Tigers last month. The Virginia native totaled 100 tackles and 7.5 sacks in three seasons with the Terrapins, posting 42 tackles and four sacks in 2024.
Speaking to reporters prior to the First Light Community of Mobile Football Preview Dinner and Mobile Sports Hall of Fame banquet on Tuesday night, Durkin said Wheatland will fit in well in an Auburn linebacker room that lost Jalen McLeod, Dorian Mausi, Eugene Asante and Austin Keys after last season. The Tigers return young veterans Demarcus Riddick and Robert Woodyard for 2025, and added LSU transfer Xavier Atkins in December.
“We have some talent, some young talent,” Durkin said. “To me, (the key) was finding an experienced guy. Wheatland is a two-year starter, and really almost a three-year starter from where he was at playing in the Big Ten. And so just that element of, that guy’s played a lot of football, and I think there’s a calming influence when you have a veteran guy in that room, especially a middle linebacker.
“It’s kind of the quarterback of the defense, and so just having someone that’s been in the fire before, can communicate, help other guys get lined up, it provides a sense of calm to the rest of the defense when you have a guy that can do that. So I think that’s where it’ll really help us.”
Mausi, McLeod and Asante finished one, three and four on the Auburn team in tackles last season, while Keys was seventh. McLeod was a sixth-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in April, with Mausi (Minnesota Vikings), Keys (also Vikings) and Asante (Miami Dolphins) all signing free-agent deals.
First Light Community of Mobile (formerly known as L’Arche), states as its mission that men and women with and without intellectual disabilities share life. The organization operates six homes and an activity center in the Mobile area. For more information, visit FirstLightCommunity.org.
The National Weather Service issued an updated flood watch at 8:40 p.m. on Tuesday in effect until Thursday at 6 p.m. for Washington, Mobile and Baldwin counties.
The weather service states, “Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.”
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in urban areas,” explains the weather service. “You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.”
Understanding the differences between advisories, watches, and warnings
Flash flood warning: Take action!
A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area, move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
Flood warning: Take action!
A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
Flood advisory: Be aware:
A flood advisory is released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning. Nonetheless, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, without exercising caution, potentially lead to situations that threaten life and/or property.
Flood watch: Be prepared:
A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Weathering the storm: Flood safety guidelines from the weather service
Floods can pose a significant threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or find yourself camping in a low-lying region. To ensure your safety, the weather service offers essential flood safety guidelines:
Move to higher ground:
If you’re in a flood-prone area, or if you’re camping in a low-lying spot, move to higher ground as a first step.
Follow evacuation orders:
If local authorities issue an evacuation order, heed it promptly. Prior to leaving, secure your home by locking it.
Disconnect utilities and appliances:
If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.
Steer clear of flooded basements and submerged areas:
Avoid basements or rooms submerged in water with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.
Evacuate promptly for safety:
If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge.
Stay away from floodwaters:
Never attempt to walk through floodwaters. Even just 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.
Seek higher ground when trapped:
Should you become trapped by moving water, reach the highest point possible and dial 911 to contact emergency services.
During periods of heavy rainfall, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas, the risk of flooding escalates. Remember this crucial advice: never attempt to drive through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most vehicles. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.
Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads
When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:
Beware of rapid water flow:
In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.
Maintain safe driving distances:
The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.
Reduce speed and drive cautiously:
If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
Prioritize visibility:
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
Asia Humphrey recalledducking to the floor in the back of the Jeep Wrangler the moment she heard gunshots. She screamed. She yelled at Jamea Harris to duck, too.
But Harris, Humphrey’s cousin, died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Humphrey teared up at one point when she testified to a jury in a courtroom in downtown Tuscaloosa on Tuesday, thinking back to the moments after Harris’ death.
Humphrey was the first and only witness so far to take the stand in the capital murder trial for Michael Davis. She told the jury about what she remembered happening during the early hours of Jan. 15, 2023 near the Strip in Tuscaloosa.
Also charged with capital murder is Davis’ friend Darius Miles, who was on the Alabama men’s basketball team at the time. Davis was not affiliated with the team. Miles, who was removed from the team after his arrest, does not yet have a trial date set.
Darius Miles and Michael Davis are charged with capital murder in a deadly shooting on the Strip in Tuscaloosa on Jan. 15, 2023. (Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit)
Davis fired into the Jeep that carried Humphrey, Harris and Harris’ boyfriend, Cedric Johnson. A police investigator in 2023 testified that both Davis and Johnson fired their guns early that morning near the Strip. According to police, Davis fired first and hit Harris.
After the jury was selected Tuesday morning, prosecutors and Davis’ defense attorney gave different interpretations of what happened.
John Robbins, attorney for Davis, has argued that Johnson shot first and Davis returned fire “acting in self-defense” after a dispute that morning. Davis was shot in the shoulder and injured.
“He acted to protect himself and his friends,” Robbins told jurorsTuesday.
The gun belonged to Miles. Mary Turner, Miles’ attorney, has previouslystated in court that Miles provided the gun to Davis for protection.
Alabama Forward Darius Miles (2) dribbles the ball against Jackson State at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, AL on Tuesday, Dec 20, 2022.
Photo by Rodger ChampionCrimson Tide Photos / UA Athleti
On Tuesday, both the prosecutionand defense brought into question who was “hunting” on the night Harris was shot. Davis and Miles, or Johnson?
After Davis and Miles retrieved the gun, “now they’re hunting,” said Cristen Mejia, an assistant district attorney in Tuscaloosa County.
She also argued the shooting was an “ambush.”
Robbins blamed Harris’ boyfriend.
“This case is really about Cedric Johnson’s, I want to call it, pride, I want to call it, jealously, I want to call it, his insecurity,” Robbinstold the jury.
Johnson, Robbins said, was the one who provoked the situation.
When Johnson moved into the driver’s seat of the Jeep and turned onto University Boulevard shortly after interacting with Davis, that’s when Robbins noted a shift.
“At this point … Cedric Johnson is on the hunt,” Robbins said.
Once opening statements ended, the prosecutorscalled Humphrey to testify.
Much of the questioning was spent on what occurred at the intersection of Grace Street and University. After Humphrey, Johnson and Harris spent several hours at Twelve25 sports bar on the Strip, Johnson went to get food at Quick Grill while Harris and Humphrey went to get the Jeep. Humphrey drove the Jeep to that corner and parked it at the stop sign.
Jamea Jonae Harris, 23, was shot to death on the Strip in Tuscaloosa. She leaves behind a 5-year-old son, Kaine. (Special to AL.com)
Johnson got in the backseat of the car. Around that time, Davis, Miles and former Alabama basketball player Jaden Bradley left Twelve25. As they started to walk up Grace Street, Davis stopped and danced to the front left of the Jeep for about four seconds, Humphrey testified.
Then Davis approached the driver’s side rear window. That’s where Johnson was sitting.
“They’re good bro,” Johnson told Davis from the backseat, according to Humphrey‘s testimony.
“I don’t want your girl,” Davis responded, standing outside the vehicle.
That exchange happened about 10 minutes before Harris’ death.
Shortly after that interaction at the Jeep between Davis and Johnson, Harris passed Johnson’s gun to him, Humphrey testified.
A bill to regulate, tax, and restrict the sale of consumable products containing psychoactive chemicals derived from hemp won final approval Thursday in the Alabama Legislature.
The chemicals they contain, called cannabinoids, are derived from hemp, a legal form of the marijuana plant. The chemicals include THC – sometimes called Delta 8, Delta 9, or Delta 10 – and CBD.
“This is about protecting the health and safety of Alabama residents from consumable products marketed not only toward adults but toward children,” said Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, who handled the bill in the Senate.
The Legislature passed a bill two years ago, sponsored by Melson, that prohibited the sales of the products to people under 21.
But Melson said that has not stopped minors from having access to the products and the dangerous consequences. He said a stronger law and more extensive regulation is needed.
Under the bill, HB445 by Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Harvest, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board will license manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of the products.
Manufacturers and wholesalers will pay a 7% tax on their gross sales to retailers, with the revenue divided between the state, counties, and cities.
Manufacturers must submit samples of their products for testing by a certified lab. The products must have approved labels showing their contents.
The bill places restrictions on the serving size and packaging of the products and says they must be in child-resistant containers and cannot have labels that appeal to minors.
The bill prohibits inhalable products containing cannabinoids such as vapes, or cigarettes, cigars, or smokeable flowers with raw hemp.
At public hearings on the bill, supporters of the industry said they did not oppose regulation, including a ban on sales to minors, but said their products are safer than alcohol and should remain available to responsible adult users.
The association representing Alabama convenience stores objected to the bill’s prohibition on convenience stores carrying the products, arguing that the vast majority of stores have sold them responsibly, as well as other restricted merchandise like beer and tobacco.
The Senate amended the bill on Thursday to allow sales in grocery stores of a certain minimum size, but not convenience stores, with restrictions.
“What a run it’s been! Oak Mountain Amphitheatre has been the soundtrack to so many unforgettable nights in Pelham-iconic performances, first concerts, and memories that will last a lifetime.”
In fact, Oak Mountain Amphitheatre was touted for decades as the largest outdoor concert venue in Alabama — excluding, of course, the occasional shows held at stadiums such as Legion Field.
‘Today, demolition is well underway, and we’re not just looking back-we’re looking forward with excitement and anticipation. This moment marks the start of something incredible for our city.”
The former amphitheater will be transformed into an expansion of Pelham’s arts and entertainment district to potentially increase the city’s tourism appeal.
The 10,500-seat amphitheater has undergone several changes over the years — lawn expansion, upgrades, the addition of a third tier of seats and more.
“The opportunity to redevelop this site allows us to expand upon our efforts to create a thriving district that is attractive to businesses, visitors, and residents alike,” Mayor Gary Waters said previously.
“The addition of new retail, dining, and entertainment amenities, combined with inviting outdoor spaces, will further establish Pelham as a premier destination in the region.”
Artist rendering of Coca-Cola Amphitheater in Birmingham, Alabama.(Courtesy of BJCC/Live Nation)
But as the Oak Mountain property is revamped, the Coca-Cola amphitheater, managed by Live Nation, is expected to open in Birmingham on June 22.
Ten flat gravel parking lots across the venue have been proposed as a temporary solution by city officials to provide event goers with access to parking.
The first week of the Coca-Cola amphitheater includes the following acts Comedian Matt Rife on Sunday, June 22; concerts featuring Dave Matthews Band on Tuesday, June 24; Def Leppard on Wednesday, June 25; Thomas Rhett on Friday, June 27; and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit on Saturday, June 28.
The 90th NFL Draft on April 24-26 was the 44th in a row that the New Orleans Saints did not choose a player from Auburn.
The Saints made nine selections in the 2025 NFL Draft, including three from the SEC, but Frank Warren, the first pick of the third round of the 1981 draft, remains New Orleans’ most recent choice from Auburn.
“It’s not because we haven’t tried or haven’t wanted to or that they haven’t had good players,” Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said on Sunday night while attending the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Point Clear, “because they got a lot of good players and we’ve had a lot of good evaluations and grades on them. I get the same thing in New Orleans about LSU players. And look, there’s been a ton of great LSU players that we have coveted.
“But in that draft, you’ve got to draft what’s available to you, and it just doesn’t seem like the Auburn guys or the LSU guys have been available when we’re drafting at those spots. We get them occasionally, but I agree, not enough.”
New Orleans’ only draft pick from LSU in the past 15 drafts is center Will Clapp in 2018.
Auburn has had 174 players chosen in the NFL Draft since the Saints selected Warren. That’s the longest active draft drought for SEC players from one program for one NFL team when measured by picks.
There is a conference member with a longer pick drought with an NFL team, but it did not involve SEC players until the 2025 draft. Texas played its first season as a league member in 2024 and sent SEC players to the NFL for the first time this year.
Twelve Longhorns got picked in 2025, but none by the New York Jets. Texas has produced 199 drafted players since the Jets made their most recent selection of a Longhorn — wide receiver Lam Jones at No. 2 in 1980.
The longest draft drought in terms of years involving an SEC program and an NFL team pairs Vanderbilt and the Detroit Lions. Detroit made its most recent selection from the Commodores in 1959, when the Lions took center Ben Donnell. Since then, the other NFL teams have chosen 81 players from Vanderbilt in the draft.
One SEC member had its longest active draft drought broken in the 2025 picks. The Tennessee Titans’ fourth-round selection of wide receiver Chimere Dike was the team’s first from Florida since defensive back Ryan Smith in 2007.
The Los Angeles Chargers also had gone since 2007 without drafting a player from Florida when they took defensive back Trikweze Bridges with the next-to-last pick in 2025.
Those picks left Pittsburgh as the team that has gone the longest without choosing a player from Florida, even though with 24, the Steelers have selected more Gators than any other NFL team. Pittsburgh’s most recent pick from Florida was running back Chris Rainey in the fifth round of the 2012 draft.
The longest droughts (as measured by the number of drafted players) in the NFL Draft for each SEC team include:
· Alabama: 111 Crimson Tide players have been drafted since the Kansas City Chiefs made their most recent pick from Alabama – LB Nico Johnson in 2013.
· Arkansas: 126 Razorbacks have been drafted since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made their most recent pick from Arkansas — RB Jerry Eckwood in 1979.
· Auburn: 174 Tigers have been drafted since the New Orleans Saints made their most recent pick from Auburn — DL Frank Warren in 1981.
· Florida: 77 Gators have been drafted since the Pittsburgh Steelers made their most recent pick from Florida – RB Chris Rainey in 2012.
· Georgia: 103 Bulldogs have been drafted since the Dallas Cowboys made their most recent pick from Georgia – RB Shaun Chapas in 2011.
· Kentucky: 134 Wildcats have been drafted since the Miami Dolphins made their most recent pick from Kentucky — RB Larry Seiple in 1967.
· LSU: 102 Tigers have been drafted since the Indianapolis Colts made their most recent pick from LSU – DT Drake Nevis in 2011.
· Mississippi State: 133 Bulldogs have been drafted since the Los Angeles Chargers made their most recent pick from Mississippi State — WR Sammy Milner in 1971.
· Missouri: 87 Tigers have been drafted since the New York Giants made their most recent pick from Missouri — OT Conrad Goode in 1984.
· Oklahoma: 119 Sooners have been drafted since the Houston Texans made their first pick in an NFL Draft in 2002, and the team has never selected a player from Oklahoma.
· Ole Miss: 115 Rebels have been drafted since the Cleveland Browns made their most recent pick from Ole Miss – LB Curtis Weathers in 1979.
· South Carolina: 128 Gamecocks have been drafted since the Pittsburgh Steelers made their most recent pick from South Carolina – G Steve Courson in 1977.
· Tennessee: 85 Volunteers have been drafted since the Jacksonville Jaguars made their most recent pick from Tennessee – DT John Henderson in 2002.
· Texas: 199 Longhorns have been drafted since the New York Jets made their most recent pick from Texas – WR Lam Jones in 1980.
· Texas A&M: 104 Aggies have been drafted since the Tennessee Titans (as the Houston Oilers) made their most recent pick from Texas A&M – RB Rodney Thomas in 1995.
· Vanderbilt: 81 Commodores have been drafted since the Detroit Lions made their most recent pick from Vanderbilt — C Ben Donnell in 1959.
The draft streaks for Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, South Carolina and Texas A&M also extend to before they became SEC members.
FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE SEC, GO TO OUR SEC PAGE
Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.
Smokey Robinson has been sued by former female employees alleging sexual battery, assault and false imprisonment. The women are asking for a trial with general damages for several allegations of no less than $50 million.
Four Jane Does filed a suit against Robinson and his wife Frances in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday, all making similar claims that Robinson sexually assaulted them during their employment as housekeepers at his Chatsworth, CA, residence.
The women also said that Frances created a hostile work environment by using “ethnically pejorative words and language” while screaming at Robinson, and that she did not take proper action to prevent misconduct despite knowledge that he’d settled cases from previous women alleging similar assaults.
Representatives for Robinson, the founder of Motown group the Miracles, did not immediately respond to Variety‘s request for comment.
The lawsuit, reviewed by Variety, details four Doe’s experiences working for Robinson. The first Doe was employed from Jan. 2023 through Feb. 2024 before she was forced to resign due to repeated assault and harassment.
The suit claims that she worked on weekends, when Robinson typically took Frances to the nail salon and would speed home to be alone with Doe.
Once there, he called her into his bedroom and locked the door, and after showering began sexually assaulting her despite her protests. The suit claims he assaulted her at least seven times.
The second Doe worked for Robinson from May 2014 until Feb. 2020 and was assaulted on at least 23 different occasions.
The alleged assaults began in the latter part of 2016, when he texted her to meet her at areas of his residence where closed-circuit cameras were not placed. Upon arrival, he would “immediately grab her and begin to penetrate her vagina with his fingers, causing her excruciating pain, and then would proceed to rape her.”
The suit also says that he “would enjoy ejaculating all over [her] face, much to his satisfaction and her abject humiliation.”
Robinson employed the third Doe from Feb. 2012 until April 2024, who claimed similar allegations as the first Doe and says she was repeatedly raped at least 20 times. In one instance, when she resisted his advances, he offered her $500 for oral sex, which she refused.
The fourth Doe worked as Frances’ personal assistant and chef from Oct. 2006 through April 2024, and says she was first assaulted in 2007 when she accompanied Robinson to his Las Vegas home.
All Does state that they did not take action against Robinson for fear of losing their livelihood, familial reprisal or embarrassment. Some of them were fearful it could affect their immigration status.
Two people have been arrested for their alleged role in a south Alabama apartment shooting that left two people critically injured last week.
According to the Daphne Police Department, Skylar Jemison, 18, and an unidentified 17-year-old were arrested for the April 29 shooting at the 10x Audubon Apartment complex.
The victims were previously identified as Matthew Barnes, 18, and Demond Walker, 20.
Daphne Police Department Chief Brian Gulsby said the alleged perpetrators met with the victims to purchase marijuana but “movie money” instead of real money was offered.
This allegedly led to an altercation resulting in Jemison shooting the victims.
Jemison was charged with two counts of attempted murder and two counts of first degree robbery. The 17-year-old has been charged with two counts of first degree robbery.
The two were arrested on Monday at about 4:00 p.m. and could be facing more charges as the investigation continues, the department said.
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.
