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Alabama football GM Courtney Morgan gets a new contract Here are the details

Alabama football continued to invest in its general manager on Friday. Courtney Morgan received a new contract, his second since joining the Crimson Tide, which was approved by the UA board of trustees compensation committee.

Morgan got a fresh three-year deal, set to run through Dec. 31, 2027. He’ll make $825,000 for the 2025 calendar year, and $875,000 beginning on Jan 1, 2026.

When Kalen DeBoer arrived in Tuscaloosa National Airport after being hired to replace Nick Saban, Morgan was on the plane with him. DeBoer has emphasized how important Morgan is to the personnel and recruiting operation at Alabama.

“He’s super critical,” DeBoer said. “He’s a guy, I know it’s been said many times, but he’s the guy that came down with me when I got the opportunity to come here and we just mesh so well. I feel like there’s a trust that exists. I mean, there’s a trust that I have with all our staff members, but having worked with him now – this will be going on year four – and knowing him for longer that I understand what he’s about. I understand he’s relationship driven, that he does a great job of identifying and evaluating.”

When Morgan initially arrived at Alabama, he was making $500,000. He received his first raise after reports that Southern Cal tried to hire him for a similar role.

The first raise gave him a bump to $775,000 for 2024, $825,000 for 2025 and $875,000 for 2026. The new deal extends the highest paid portion of the contract for another year.

Morgan’s new contract includes a host of bonus incentives based on Alabama’s on-field performance. He will receive $7,500 if the Crimson Tide appears in the SEC championship game, which can stack with one bonus related to the College Football Playoff.

Should Alabama simply make the CFP field, Morgan will receive $12,500, with a $17,500 bonus for a quarterfinal appearance, $25,000 for the semifinals, $37,500 for making the national championship game, or $50,000 for a title game win. Morgan can only receive one of the CFP bonuses.

If Alabama terminates Morgan’s contract without cause, it will owe him a month’s salary, provided DeBoer remains employed at UA. If Alabama fires DeBoer and elects to also fire Morgan, it will owe the GM either the remainder of the contract’s guaranteed money, or six months guaranteed salary, whichever is smaller.

Should Morgan depart for another school in the SEC, he would need to pay 75% of the remaining amount on the contract. That amount drops to 50% if he takes a college job outside of the SEC.

Morgan’s contract was among 17 athletics deals that the compensation committee approved on Friday.

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Houston-Purdue free livestream: Where to watch NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game, TV, schedule

The No. 1 Houston Cougars play against the No. 4 Purdue Boilermakers in an NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game tonight. The matchup will begin at 9:09 p.m. CT on TBS/truTV. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trial offered by DirecTV Stream. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

The Cougars enter this matchup with a 32-4 record, and they defeated No. 8 Gonzaga 81-76 in their second-round game.

During the victory, L.J. Cryer led the Houston offense. He scored 30 points and shot 6-11 from three-point range, so he will look to continue his offensive success tonight.

Notably, Cryer leads the team in scoring this season.

The Boilermakers enter this matchup with a 24-11 record, and they defeated No. 12 McNeese 76-62 in their second-round game.

During the victory, Trey Kaufman-Renn led the Purdue offense. He scored 22 points and shot 7-12 from the field, so he will be a key player to watch this evening.

Kaufman-Renn averages more than 20 points per game, which leads the team.

Fans can watch this Sweet 16 game for free online by using the free trial offered by DirecTV Stream. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

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Suns-Timberwolves free livestream: How to watch NBA game tonight, TV, schedule

The Phoenix Suns play against the Minnesota Timberwolves in an NBA game tonight. The matchup will begin at 7 p.m. CT on NBA TV. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

The Suns enter this matchup with a 35-38 record, and they have won four of their last five games. However, the team is coming off a 132-102 loss against Boston.

In order to bounce back tonight, the Suns will need a great performance from their star forward Kevin Durant. He leads the team in scoring this season, as he averages nearly 27 points per game.

The Timberwolves enter this matchup with a 41-32 record, and they have lost three of their last four games. In their most recent game, the Timberwolves lost 119-103 against Indiana.

In order to win this evening, the Timberwolves will need to rely on their star guard Anthony Edwards. He averages more than 27 points per game, which leads the Minnesota offense.

Fans can watch this NBA game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

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Florida Panthers-Utah Hockey Club free livestream: How to watch NHL game tonight, TV, time

The Florida Panthers play against the Utah Hockey Club in an NHL game tonight. The matchup will begin at 6 p.m. CT on NHL Network. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

The Panthers enter this matchup with a 43-25-3 record, and they are coming off a 4-3 win against Pittsburgh.

During the victory, Sam Reinhart led the Florida offense. He ended the game with two goals, so he will be a key player to watch this evening.

Notably, Reinhart leads the team with 35 goals this season.

The Utah squad enters this matchup with a 32-29-11 record, and the team has lost back-to-back games. In their most recent game, Utah lost 8-0 against Tampa Bay.

In order to bounce back this evening, the Utah squad will need a great performance from their star forward Clayton Keller. He currently leads the team in points and assists this season.

Fans can watch this NHL game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

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Country music star Megan Moroney coming to Huntsville: Here’s how to find last minute tickets

Country music star Megan Moroney is making her way to the Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville on Thursday, April 3 for a stop on her “Am I Okay?” tour.

To further promote her recently released “Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine)” 2024 album, Moroney kicked off her U.S. stadium tour Wednesday, March 26. Complete with show dates all over the country and performances from some very special guests, the “Am I Okay?” tour is one you don’t want to miss.

Fellow country music artist Mackenzie Carpenter will join Moroney as special guest for the upcoming Huntsville show. Carpenter, a Georgia-born singer-songwriter, kickstarted her career as a songwriter for Lily Rose’s No. 1 hit “Villain,” and even co-wrote Moroney’s “Indifferent” and “28th of June.”

With a genuine connection between the two country female artists, the Huntsville show is sure to be electrifying.

Where can I find last minute tickets to the April 3 show?

Those interested in attending Moroney’s show date in Huntsville can still snag last minute tickets on trusted verified resell vendor sites such as Vivid Seats, StubHub, Viagogo and Seat Geek.

The cheapest tickets for the Huntsville show are available for purchase on Vivid Seats ($175 per person), StubHub ($170 per person), Viagogo ($151 per person), and Seat Geek ($170 per person).

More upcoming “Am I Okay?” tour show dates

April 4 & 5: Athens, Georgia at the Akins Ford Arena

April 9 & 10: Nashville, Tennessee at The Pinnacle

April 11 & 12: Knoxville, Tennessee at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum

April 24: Fishers, Indiana at the Fishers Event Center

April 25: St. Louis, Missouri at The Factory

April 26: Bentonville, Arkansas at The Momentary

May 2: Houston, Texas at 713 Music Hall

May 3: Austin, Texas at the Moody Center

May 15: Minneapolis, Minnesota at The Armory

May 16: Omaha, Nebraska at the Astro Amphitheater

For the complete list of show dates for the “Am I Okay?” tour, visit Moroney’s official tour website here.

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Michigan-Auburn basketball free livestream: Where to watch NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game, TV, time

The No. 1 Auburn Tigers play against the No. 5 Michigan Wolverines in an NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game tonight. The matchup will begin at 8:39 p.m. CT on CBS. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, the game can be viewed via Paramount+.

The Tigers enter this matchup with a 30-5 record, and they defeated No. 9 Creighton 82-70 in their second-round game.

During the victory, Auburn’s freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford played at a high level. He scored 23 points off the bench, and he shot 50% from the field. If Pettiford performs similarly this evening, then the Tigers will be a difficult team to beat.

The Wolverines enter this matchup with a 27-9 record, and they defeated No. 4 Texas A&M 91-79 in their second-round game.

During the victory, Vladislav Goldin and Roddy Gayle Jr. led the Michigan offense. The two players combined to score 49 points, and they shot 50% from the field. With this in mind, they will try to continue their offensive success tonight.

Fans can watch this Sweet 16 game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, the game can be viewed via Paramount+.

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New documentary ‘Number One on the Call Sheet’ premieres on Apple TV+: How to stream on-demand

The brand new two-part documentary Number One on the Call Sheet premieres exclusively on Apple TV+ Friday, March 28.

The new documentary follows some of Hollywood’s biggest stars as they reveal their journeys to game-changing leading roles. In candid interviews, they shine a light on the highs and lows of their craft, breakthrough moments, blueprints for success, and the next generation’s huge potential.

Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart, Halle Berry, Denzel Washington and Octavia Spencer are just a few of the celebrities featured in the new original Apple TV+ documentary. To help bring the platform’s vision of celebrating groundbreaking Black artists of Hollywood come to life, other notable celebrities Angela Bassett, John Boyega, Reuben Cannon, Morris Chestnut, Ice Cube, Viola Davis and more are set to make appearances.

How can I stream Number One on the Call Sheet?

Those interested in this unprecedented documentary celebrating Black excellence in Hollywood can stream the two-part film for free through a 7-day free trial offered by Apple TV+.

Those who enjoy the documentary and care to explore more of what Apple TV+ has to offer content-wise can commit to a paid subscription for just $9.99 a month or $99.99 annually.

What is Apple TV+?

Apple TV+ is a popular streaming service perfect for those looking to ditch basic cable. Users can enjoy top Apple TV+ originals, such as Number One on the Call Sheet, and others. New content arrives monthly from some of the industry’s top talent.

Apple TV+ offers a plethora of content from Emmy-winning shows such as Ted Lasso, critically acclaimed series like The Morning Show, and even dark comedies like Bad Sisters.

Subscribers can also enjoy popular Apple TV+ original shows such as Severance, Slow Horses, and For All Mankind as well as hit films like Greyhound, Swan Song, Wolfwalkers and more.

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5 men reach plea deals in Nigerian sextortion plot with Alabama link tied to teen suicide

Five U.S. residents have reached plea agreements in connection with a Nigerian-based sextortion scheme that led to a Michigan teen’s death by suicide.

Kendall Ormond London, Jr., 32, Lithonia, Georgia, pleaded guilty Wednesday, March 26, in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids, to conspiracy to launder money tied to the scheme.

In January, Dinsimore Guyton Robinson, 30, of Huntsville, also pleaded guilty as charged to conspiracy.

Related: Alabama man pleads guilty in Nigeria-based sextortion case tied to teen’s suicide

Three other U.S. residents are set to enter guilty pleas in coming days, court records show.

Federal prosecutors say sextortionists in Nigeria bought multiple hacked social media accounts to exploit young male victims from February 2021 through May 2022.

An Instagram profile pretending to be a woman named Dani Roberts would convince boys and young men to provide nude images of themselves then blackmail them for money.

Related: ‘We will track you down:’ Prosecutor blames Nigerian sextortion plot for Michigan teen’s death

London, Robinson and the three other U.S. defendants collected proceeds through online payment systems, kept about 20 percent for themselves, then converted the rest to bitcoin and sent it to Nigeria, prosecutors said.

Brothers Samuel Ogoshi, 24, and Samson Ogoshi, 21, both of Lagos, Nigeria, are serving 17 ½-year prison sentences. The U.S. is seeking extradition of another Nigerian defendant.

Jordan DeMay, a high school student in Marquette, died by suicide after he was sexually exploited by the brothers, federal prosecutors said.

Related: 5 men in U.S. allegedly tied to Nigerian sextortion that led to Michigan teen’s death by suicide

On March 25, 2022, Samuel Ogoshi, who had posed as a woman, threatened to share the teen’s photo if he did not pay $1,000. Demay said he had only $300, which he had sent through an online cash application.

Ogoshi wrote: “Enjoy your miserable life.”

Demay responded that he was going to kill himself because of the threat.

Ogoshi responded, “Good” and “do that fast,” court records said.

Demay died by suicide later that day.

Related: Victim’s mom gives emotional statement at deadly sextortion plot sentencing

Prosecutors say over 100 victims paid $179,000 in the sextortion plot. Typically, schemers posed as young women on social media and convinced teens and young men to send sexually explicit photographs.

They then threatened to share images with victims’ family, friends and classmates if they did not pay the ransom.

The U.S. defendants face up to 20 years in prison.

Robinson is scheduled to be sentenced April 24, while London is to be sentenced on July 21.

Johnathan Demetrius Green, 33, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, Jarell Daivon Williams, 32, of McDonough, Georgia, and Brian Keith Coldmon, Jr., 31, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, have reached plea agreements.

Green is scheduled to plea on Friday, March 28, while the other two have court appearances early next week.

The FBI has noted a “huge increase” in sextortion cases targeting young victims. The FBI said those being exploited should contact their local FBI field office, call 800-CALL-FBI or report it online at tips.fbi.gov.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

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Hollywood icon battling Alzheimer’s, ‘fighting for his life’

Drew Struzan, best known for his iconic work on movie posters for some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters, is battling Alzheimer’s and “fighting for his life.”

His wife Dylan shared the news on social media.

“Some doctors believe this disease is reversible,” she posted. “For years, Drew and I have used the protocols that are supposed to, at the very least, arrest the forward momentum of the disease to no avail. His body has continued to decline. He is ‘still in there’, as they say. It seems that specialised brains have an advantage as their knowledge is part of the structure of the brain, not just an add-on stored in the brain.”

Struzan is known for his illustration work for the “Star Wars” franchise, “E.T.,” “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Back to the Future,” “Indiana Jones” and more.

He was also responsible for creating the cover art for the “Harry Potter” films.

“Nevertheless, the loss of coordination of moving the information from the brain to a functional expression short-changes abilities,” she continued. “Drew can no longer paint or sign things for you. He is not enjoying a well-deserved retirement but rather fighting for his life.

“He hears all the comments you have left here on these pages. It encourages him. At first he was able to express his thoughts but as time progressed it became infinitely more difficult.”

Dylan Struzan asked fans to continue to keep Drew Struzan in their prayers, adding his “aim was to make the earth a better place,” but went on: “Like a flower, his season is ending.”

The support was immediate on social media.

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.

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Atlanta Braves’ home stadium to feature a taste of Alabama cuisine

New dining options at the Atlanta Braves’ home field include a sweet taste of Alabama.

Truist Park, a ball field known for its dining options, is opening a new food feature called the Outfield Market. It’s described as being located “just inside the Chop House Gate,” an entrance named for the Coors Light Chop House restaurant. Earlier this month, Braves officials announced the roster of vendors that will serve Outfield Market customers, a lineup that includes purveyors of bleacher-friendly food such as tacos, hot dogs, wings and sandwiches.

Most of the eight “culinary experiences” draw on the talents of Atlanta-area businesses. But the “Sweet Spot,” billed as “the ultimate dessert destination,” offers a mix of vendors, including Mo’Bay Beignet Co. Mo’Bay’s beignets will be served alongside Mayfield ice cream and other treats.

Mo’Bay was founded in Mobile by Jaclyn Bailey Robinson in February 2020. It has locations in downtown Mobile, west Mobile, Orange Beach and Hattiesburg, Miss.; the company website says a food trailer will come to Huntsville this year. Mo’Bay is known for fresh beignets augmented with a variety of proprietary syrups.

Robinson has always had an interest in baseball, and that has been reflected in the baseball-themed décor at Bay Town Burger Co., a sister company to Mo’Bay. “We’re a big baseball family,” she told AL.com in 2022. (Among other things, the corporate synergy has resulted in the creation of a Beignet Burger.)

According to a Garden and Gun report on an Outfield Market preview, getting into Truist Field was a particular thrill for Robinson.

“I grew up watching the Braves with my grandparents — that was way back in the day, yelling for Chipper Jones and John Smoltz and Tom Glavine, the glory days,” she said in the Garden and Gun story. “Since I opened five years ago, being in an MLB stadium was always in my mind, a pipe dream, a big goal. The fact that it’s happened, and it’s come together organically, that’s pretty incredible.”

The Braves’ home opener is coming up on April 4.

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