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South Alabama gets football commitment from Louisiana prep receiver

South Alabama on Monday added a football verbal commitment from Louisiana high school wide receiver Jarvis Washington.

The 6-foot-5, 195-pound Washington, from The Dunham School in Baton Rouge, is the Jaguars’ 19th commitment for the Class of 2026. He was an honorable mention all-state selection in 2024, when he totaled 52 receptions for 976 yards and 10 touchdowns while leading his team to a 14-1 record and a state runner-up finish.

Washington also has scholarship offers from McNeese, Nicholls, Southeastern Louisiana and Grambling State, among other schools. He made his announcement via social media on Monday:

Washington is the fifth wide receiver among South Alabama’s 2026 commitments, a group that also includes McDonogh 35 (New Orleans) standout Heij Jackson. Another Jaguars commitment from Louisiana, offensive lineman Sami Abdelhak, announced last week he was re-opening his recruitment.

The early signing period for the Class of 2026 begins on Dec. 2.

South Alabama 2026 recruiting class (19)

Xavious Anderson, LB, 6-1, 215, Hogansville, Ga./Callaway HS

Darius Burwell, SAF, 6-2, 185, Huntsville, Ala./Mae Jemison HS

Deon Callins, CB, 6-1, 180, Pinson, Ala./Clay-Chalkville HS

Lavonte Cole, RB, 5-11, 190, Thomasville, Ga./Thomasville HS

Trakarris Collier, CB, 6-1, 180, Semmes, Ala./Mary G. Montgomery HS

Tyray Darensburg, LB, 6-1, 215, Chalmette, La./Chalmette HS

Teryn Green, SAF, 6-1, 195, Flowood, Miss./Hartfield Academy

Heij Jackson, WR, 6-3, 190, New Orleans, La./McDonogh 35 HS

Taylor Jacobs Jr., QB, 6-1, 185, Tallahassee, Fla./Lincoln HS

Brody Jones, WR, 5-10, 163, Fairhope, Ala./St. Michael Catholic School

Zech Hall, SAF, 6-2, 195, Havana, Fla./Gadsden County HS

Khatori Marion, WR, 5-11, 180, Mobile, Ala./Baker HS

Caleb Metzner, DE, 6-2, 215, Mobile, Ala./Cottage Hill Christian HS

Noah Moss, RB, 6-1, 205, Fairhope, Ala./St. Michael Catholic HS

Aaden Shamburger, QB, 6-3, 180, Spanish Fort, Ala./Spanish Fort HS

Camen Upshaw, SAF, 6-0, 180, Tallahassee, Fla./John Paul II Catholic School

Jarvis Washington, WR, 6-5, 185, Baton Rouge, La./The Dunham School

Dominic White, WR, 6-1, 180, Adamsville, Ala./Minor HS

Caleb Wynn, RB, 5-11, 205, Oxford, Ala./Oxford HS

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New ID special “A Rendezvous With Death’ details victim’s shocking double life: How you can watch free

The brand new true-crime special A Rendezvous With Death premieres on Investigation Discovery Monday, July 7 at 10/9c.

Those hoping to catch the latest true crime special to hit ID can stream the premiere through Philo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

What is A Rendezvous With Death about?

The new ID special details the tragic stabbing of a married woman in Penfield, New York. Though detectives believed it to be a routine case at first, as the investigation unfolds, noteworthy evidence leads police to uncover the truth behind the disturbing incident.

Determined to figure out a motive, the detectives dig deeper and stumble upon the truth of the victim and her life. With more secrets to count and closely hidden relationships, the investigation reveals a complex web of lies where jealousy and betrayal play a big part.

How to watch A Rendezvous With Death

Those interested in catching the premiere of A Rendezvous With Death can stream the new true-crime special through Philo, DirecTV or Sling.

Both Philo and DirecTV offer free trials for new subscribers to enjoy before committing to a paid plan while Sling offers those that commit to a paid subscription half off their first month and one month free of AMC+.

Out of the three watch options listed above, Philo is the cheapest at just $28 a month after its 7-day free trial concludes.

What is Philo?

Philo is considered one of the most affordable streaming platforms on the market. Known as an entertainment-focused streaming service, Philo offers its subscribers access to over 70 top-rated TV channels such as TLC, MTV, BET, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more.

New users can enjoy Philo’s 7-day free trial and continue to stream top channels, hit TV shows and movies on-demand for just $28 a month once the free trial expires.

Those looking to customize their flow of content even further on Philo can consider including add-ons such as MGM+, STARZ, and AMC+ in their subscription.

What is DirecTV?

DirecTV is a top streaming service perfect for those looking to access a plethora of live TV channels and enjoy helpful features. The base package starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular TV channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNBC, BET, CNN and more.

DirecTV has also recently introduced a lineup of genre packs, which allows subscribers to choose their favorite viewing options based on what genre they watch the most. With genre packs, users can get the channels and content they want without filler channel overload. Packs start at just $34.99 a month.

Those interested in comparing all DirecTV’s channel packages and the new genre packs can check them out here.

What is Sling?

Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to access top-rated TV channels like Investigation Discovery. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those who commit to a paid plan get half off the first month and one month free of AMC+.

Both the Sling Orange plan and the Sling Blue plan are normally $45.99 a month, but with the current promotion, Sling users will pay just $23 a month for the first month.

For those who wish to access channels from both the Sling Blue and Sling Orange plans can do so by signing up for the Orange + Blue plan, which combines the best of both plans for just $60.99 a month ($30.50 for the first month).

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Judge grants lawyers more time in classified missile defense documents case

A federal judge has agreed to a two-month pause on grand jury proceedings for a missile defense worker accused of illegally removing classified documents from a secure office.

Ewa Maria Ciszak was arrested in late June after a monthslong investigation by federal agents and a search of her Huntsville residence. Federal Magistrate Judge John H. England last week granted a joint motion by her attorney and federal prosecutors for an additional 60 days before a grand jury is convened in her case.

The delay will allow attorneys to consider a possible plea agreement, according to court filings.

Ciszak’s attorney, Robert Tuten of Huntsville, described documents related to the government’s case as, “secret, sealed and voluminous.” Ciszak, in turn, waived her right to a speedy trial in light of the case’s complexity.

According to a federal complaint filed by the FBI, Ciszak knowingly removed classified documents or materials from her workplace between February and June with the intent to keep them in an unauthorized location. She was released after posting $25,000 bond in Savannah, Ga., where she was arrested, AL.com reported.

Ciszak was initially identified as a civilian Defense Department employee at the Missile Defense Agency, but court documents filed last week say she works for, “a missile defense contractor supporting NASA.”

According to the judge’s new order, grand jury proceedings will take place no sooner than Sept. 18.

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New University of Alabama president to be paid more than $800,000

The new University of Alabama campus president will begin his tenure with a paycheck that puts him among the highest-paid university employees in the state.

Peter Mohler will receive a salary of $800,000 through Sept. 30, 2026 with an annual performance bonus of $75,000 in 2025 and $150,000 in 2026. Mohler also will get $30,000 for relocation expenses, according to a contract approved today.

This is a slight increase, about 2%, from his salary of $753,324 when he served as the Ohio State University’s interim president in 2023, according to records reviewed by AL.com.

Former president Stuart Bell’s base salary was $775,842 as of July 2024. UAB President Ray Watts earns more than $1 million, according to recent AL.com reporting.

Other salaries approved by the board include seven University of Alabama athletics coaches. The lowest was $180,000 for the men’s and women’s swimming coach and the highest was $1.275 million for the baseball coach.

Football coach Kalen DeBoer’s contract is about $10 million.

Mohler joins Alabama during a critical period in the school’s history. UA administration celebrated record enrollment last year of more than 40,000 students.

Meanwhile, the University of Alabama System board of trustees faces a lawsuit from two professors and the student chapter of the NAACP for its interpretation of the state’s anti-DEI law.

President Donald Trump’s administration has invoked an immigration crackdown that swept up one of UA’s international graduate students. He self-deported.

A Trump executive order also triggered terminations of National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation grants, including millions of dollars in funding for UA researchers working on computer science, COVID-19 and kidney disease.

Mohler served as Ohio State’s vice president for research and was acting president in 2023.

He will begin his term July 21.

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Thunderstorms with pea-sized hail in Mobile County Monday – winds gusting up to 40 mph

A report from the National Weather Service was issued on Monday at 2:44 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 3:30 p.m. for Mobile County.

The storms are foreseen to bring pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 2:43 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Mobile Regional Airport, or near Midtown Mobile. This storm was nearly stationary,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Midtown Mobile, Tillmans Corner, Tanner Williams, I10 And I65 and Mobile Regional Airport.

The weather service comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice

Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.

To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:

Lightning safety plan:

  • When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
  • Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
  • Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

  • Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
  • These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

  • After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
  • Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

  • Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
  • Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
  • If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
  • Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
  • Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures 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 swollen waterways:

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:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Slow down and stay cautious:

On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.

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:

Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

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:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.

If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on 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.

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BetMGM Casino bonus code ALCOM dishes out up to $1,025 in bonuses to new players

If a full deposit match and a no deposit casino bonus catches your attention, look no further than our BetMGM Casino bonus code ALCOM for new players.

BetMGM Casino bonus code ALCOM | Quick notes

BetMGM Casino bonus code ALCOM
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As for the deposit match of up to $1,000 in bonus funds, you have 30 days after signup to make your qualifying deposit of $10 or more. This deposit will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $1,000.

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BetMGM Casino promos for existing users

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How to use BetMGM Casino bonus code ALCOM

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Learn more about our gaming editorial staff.

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North Alabama man confessed in 911 call to killing a ‘loving mother,’ court documents say

A man accused of shooting a Morgan County woman last week told a 911 dispatcher he killed her moments before police arrived to arrest him, according to court documents.

Wyatt Braxton Young, 25, of Falkville, is being held in the Morgan County Jail without bond, charged with capital murder.

He is accused of killing Nancy Deanne Sandlin Fox, 59, of Hartselle, who was found dead at the scene at a Stage Road residence in Hartselle Thursday.

Court documents filed against Young say that he drove to the home on Thursday before 9 a.m. armed with a .45 pistol, intending to kill Fox.

Once he exited his vehicle, he saw her inside the home. She saw him and dialed 911, saying there was a man with a gun outside her house.

As Young walked toward the house, he fired into it, according to investigators.

He broke the front door’s glass, entered, and fired at Fox as she ran toward her bedroom. There he shot her, then struck her in the head with the weapon after it ran out of ammunition. He also kicked her with his steel-toed boots, authorities say.

Once Young called 911, the document stated, he told dispatchers his name and location and said that he had killed Fox.

He waited for officers, who took him into custody at the scene. He also told an officer that he was responsible for her death.

Fox was pronounced dead in the home.

In a statement in her obituary, Fox’s family called her “a loving mother, grandmother, and sister and she loved taking care of people.”

“In the words of her children, ‘Our mom was the most kind, caring and trusting person we know. She never met a stranger, and she would give the shirt off her back for anyone even if it was the only thing she had to give. If you knew her, you were her family, friend, or unofficial adopted child. She is loved and missed by many. We just ask for all your prayers as we go through this difficult time of grief and healing.’”

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Looking for new places to eat in Huntsville? Two new restaurants open

Huntsville residents now have more options for Asian food and sub sandwiches.

Parkway Hibachi Buffet opened Saturday at Parkway Place Mall, while Jersey Mike’s will open on Memorial Parkway on Wednesday.

Parkway Hibachi Buffet is the first Alabama location for the restaurant franchise. Located on the lower level of the mall near Belk, it offers a selection of Chinese, Japanese and American food items, including fresh seafood.

The menu includes sushi, stir-fry, hibachi and burgers.

Parkway Place Marketing Director Amanda Homelvig said diners are welcomed into a clean modern, upscale interior, designed to provide a relaxed and stylish environment that elevates the overall experience, and is perfect for a casual lunch, special occasion, or night out.

“The community’s response has been incredible,” she said. “They kept the restaurant buzzing all weekend. It’s clear everyone was excited for this new dining option, and we’re so happy to see that energy.”

It is open 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The restaurant has more than 9,000 square feet, with four different dining areas.

Jersey Mike’s grand opening fundraiser

Jersey Mike’s Subs is opening Wednesday on Memorial Parkway in Huntsville.Jersey Mike’s Subs

Jersey Mike’s Subs known for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs, will open at 9070 Memorial Parkway SW on Wednesday.

Franchise owners Matea Cox, Andrew Curde and Chris Daniels will hold a grand opening and fundraiser from Wednesday to Sunday support the Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund. Customers who receive a special fundraising coupon distributed through a grassroots effort prior to the opening can make a minimum $2 contribution to the Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund in exchange for a regular sub. Customers must have a coupon to be eligible.

Guests can place orders in-store or for pickup through the website or through the Jersey Mike’s app. Additionally, delivery is available in most areas through the Jersey Mike’s app or through third-party delivery partners. Curbside pickup is available for orders placed in Jersey Mike’s app.

Jersey Mike’s meats and cheeses are sliced on the spot and piled on in-store baked bread. Jersey Mike’s guests can have their subs made Mike’s Way® with vegetables – onions, lettuce and tomatoes – topped off with red wine vinegar and an olive oil blend. Cheesesteaks – both beef and chicken – are also grilled fresh.

The restaurant’s hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.

Jersey Mike’s Subs has more than 4,000 locations open and in development, including restaurants in Athens and Madison. The chain started in 1956.

Other openings

  • In addition to Parkway Hibachi Grill, jewelry store Lovisa opened at Parkway Place on June 27. It is on the lower level, across from Victoria’s Secret and PINK. According to the Lovisa website, the store will offer earrings, necklaces, rings and wristwear, as well as accessories. It will also offer in-store body piercing services.
  • FirstBank celebrated the grand opening of its newest Huntsville location at 401 Franklin Street with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 24 and a public grand opening on June 27. The new branch serves as a retail location, executive office, and mortgage office. The opening expands the bank’s footprint in the area. It has another location in Providence. FirstBank is partnering with Free 2 Teach for a school supply drive, with donation drop-offs accepted at both the new Twickenham branch, as well as its Providence location.
FirstBank ribbon cutting
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle speaks at FirstBank’s ribbon cutting on June 24, 2025.FirstBank

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Appeals court rules against North Dakota tribes in voting rights case that could go to Supreme Court

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A federal appeals court won’t reconsider its decision in a redistricting case that went against two Native American tribes that challenged North Dakota’s legislative redistricting map, and the dispute could be headed for the U.S. Supreme Court.

The case has drawn national interest because of a 2-1 ruling issued in May by a three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that erased a path through the federal Voting Rights Act for people in seven states to sue under a key provision of the landmark federal civil rights law. The tribes argued that the 2021 map violated the act by diluting their voting strength and ability to elect their own candidates.

The panel said only the U.S. Department of Justice can bring such lawsuits. That followed a 2023 ruling out of Arkansas in the same circuit that also said private individuals can’t sue under Section 2 of the law.

Those rulings conflict with decades of rulings by appellate courts in other federal circuits that have affirmed the rights of private individuals to sue under Section 2, creating a split that the Supreme Court may be asked to resolve. However, several of the high court’s conservative justices recently have indicated interest in making it harder, if not impossible, to bring redistricting lawsuits under the Voting Rights Act.

After the May decision, the Spirit Lake Tribe and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians asked the appeals court for a rehearing before all 11 judges. Attorneys general of 19 states, numerous former U.S. Justice Department attorneys, several voting rights historians and others also asked for a rehearing.

But in a ruling Thursday, the full court denied the request, which was filed by the Native American Rights Fund and other groups representing the tribes. Three judges said they would have granted it, including Circuit Chief Judge Steven Colloton, who had dissented in the previous ruling.

The majority opinion in May said that for the tribes to sue under the Voting Rights Act, the law would have had to “unambiguously” give private persons or groups the right to do so.

Lenny Powell, a staff attorney for the fund, said in a statement that the refusal to reconsider “wrongly restricts voters disenfranchised by a gerrymandered redistricting map” from challenging that map.

Powell said Monday that the tribes are now considering their legal options.

Another group representing the tribes, the Campaign Legal Center, said the ruling is “contrary to both the intent of Congress in enacting the law and to decades of Supreme Court precedent affirming voters’ power to enforce the law in court.”

The office of North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.

The groups said they will continue to fight to ensure fair maps. The North Dakota and Arkansas rulings apply only in the states of the 8th Circuit: Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. In the wake of the Arkansas decision, Minnesota and other states have moved to shore up voting rights with state-level protections to plug the growing gaps in the federal law.

The North Dakota tribes filed their lawsuit in 2022. The three-judge panel heard appeal arguments last October after Republican Secretary of State Michael Howe appealed a lower court’s November 2023 decision in favor of the tribes.

In that ruling, U.S. District Judge Peter Welte ordered creation of a new district that encompassed both tribes’ reservations, which are about 60 miles (97 kilometers) apart. In 2024, voters elected members from both tribes, all Democrats, to the district’s Senate seat and two House seats.

Republicans hold supermajority control of North Dakota’s Legislature.

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7 Alabama coaches get new contracts approved: Here are the salary details

Seven Alabama coaches got new contracts approved Monday, including baseball coach Rob Vaughn and women’s basketball coach Kristy Curry.

The compensation committee for the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees met virtually Monday and approved all athletics employment contacts. The list of seven included Vaughn, Curry, men’s basketball assistants Brian Adams and Chris Fleming, women’s tennis coach Jonatan Berhane, swimming coach Margo Geer and women’s rowing coach Kumari Lewis.

Vaughn’s new deal is for $1.275 million annually on a new five-year deal through June 30, 2030. Vaughn was making $900,000 annually on his five-year deal signed in 2023. Vaughn is heading into his third season with the Crimson Tide. During the first two, each of his Alabama teams have made it to the NCAA Tournament. Neither made it past a regional.

Curry received a raise to $700,000 on a new five-year deal through June 30, 2030. Under Curry’s previous deal agreed to in 2024, she was making $650,000 annually. Alabama has reached the NCAA Tournament in each of the past three seasons under Curry with four appearances in the past five seasons. None of those teams has made it past the first weekend, but the Crimson Tide earned its highest seed yet under Curry this past spring as a No. 5 seed.

Adams is heading into his second season as an assistant coach on Nate Oats’ Alabama men’s basketball coaching staff. Adams ran the defense for the team that reached the Elite Eight. Fleming is a new addition to the staff. He replaced Ryan Pannone, who took the Arkansas State head coaching job.

Both of Adams and Fleming’s new deals go through April 30, 2027. Each will make $400,000 annually. As part of Fleming’s deal, Alabama athletics director Greg Byrne explained “there will be a slight offset for his remaining term with the Portland Trailblazers.” But Fleming’s average salary will be $400,000 nonetheless.

Berhane’s new deal is a three-year contract through June 30, 2028 for $150,000 annually. Geer’s deal will be for $180,000 annually, running through April 30, 2028. Meanwhile, Lewis’ deal as a new hire has a deal for four years running through June 30, 2029 for $180,000 annually.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.

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