Alabama News

The Atlanta Dream play against the Phoenix Mercury in a WNBA game tonight. The matchup is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. CT on CBSSN. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.

The Dream have played well this season, as they enter this matchup with a 13-10 record. However, the team is coming off a loss against the Las Vegas Aces.

In order to win tonight’s game, the Dream will need a great performance from their star player Allisha Gray. She leads the team in scoring, as she averages more than 18 points per game.

Notably, Gray is shooting nearly 44% from the field this season.

The Mercury have played at a high level this year, as they enter this matchup with a 15-7 record. In their last game, the Mercury lost 79-66 against Minnesota.

In order to bounce back tonight, the Mercury will need a great performance from their star player Alyssa Thomas. She leads the team with nearly 10 assists per game, so she will try to continue her offensive success this evening.

Fans can watch this WNBA game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV.

President Donald Trump was told by Attorney General Pam Bondi that he’s mentioned “multiple times” in files related to the probe of notorious sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, according to a new report Wednesday.

Bondi told Trump in May that his name appears alongside many other prominent people in Department of Justice documents about the Epstein case, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The crucial meeting at which Bondi briefed Trump came shortly before she released a controversial memo declaring the Trump administration wouldn’t release any more information about the bombshell investigation, the paper said.

Since being told he’s in the files, Trump, who admits once being a close friend of the notorious pedophile, has repeatedly sought to quiet the firestorm over the Epstein case and even called it a hoax hatched by his political opponents.

The White House Wednesday dodged questions about the Wall Street Journal scoop.

“This is nothing more than a continuation of the fake news stories concocted by the Democrats and the liberal media,” said White House communications director Steven Cheung.

Trump denied a specific question about whether Bondi told him he was included in the Epstein files outside the White House on July 15.

“Specifically, did she tell you at all that your name appeared in the files?” a reporter asked Trump.

“No, no. She’s given us just a very quick briefing, and in terms of the credibility of the different things that they’ve seen,” Trump responded.

Before his second inauguration in January, Trump and his MAGA allies spent years demanding the release of far more information about the Epstein case.

As public furor over the Epstein case has exploded in recent weeks, Trump has sought to deflect criticism. He ordered Bondi to seek the release of grand jury testimony in the case, which experts say is likely to be much more tame than the materials in the files.

The bombshell WSJ report dropped on a day of fast-moving developments in the Epstein case, which has divided Trump from his right-wing MAGA base.

A Florida judge on Wednesday rejected a Trump administration request to unseal transcripts from grand jury investigations of Epstein years ago in Florida.

A similar records request is pending before a Manhattan federal judge who presided over the trial of convicted Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell.

The former socialite pal of Epstein, who is appealing her 20-year prison sentence, opposes the request.

A congressional committee has issued Maxwell a subpoena for a deposition but it’s unclear if she will agree to appear.

Another Republican-controlled panel is considering demanding release of all the Epstein files, with several GOP lawmakers saying they will join Democrats to back the move.

House Speaker Mike Johnson scrapped most congressional legislative business and sent lawmakers home early for their August recess in hopes the political firestorm dies down.

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©2025 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The hit survivalist competition series Alone is in the thick of season 12, which is proving to feature one of the toughest and brutal environments ever captured on the show.

Those looking to keep up with this season of Alone can stream the hit History Channel series through Philo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

What to know about Alone season 12

Set in South Africa, this season of Alone is following the brave survivalists still in the game as the navigate the brutal and unforgiving environment of the Great Karoo Desert.

Each day, the contestants face off against searing heat, foul water, unpredictable storms and exotic, dangerous animals.

Season 12 episode 5 recap

One of the frequent, unpredictable storms struck in last week’s episode, which only gave the already battered down contestants even more to worry about going forward.

Before the storm hit though, viewers tuning in caught a few wins as some of the contestants managed to score big on some much-needed nutrients by catching fish. Nathan used his wit skillfully to secure an elephant shrew to use as bait and caught a large catfish, while Kelsey snagged a smallmouth yellowfish.

Not all contestants were successful with fishing, though, shown by Douglas who managed to make a makeshift lure, but didn’t catch a single fish before the storm ensued. With a lack of food, Douglas was left to think—which ended up leading him to missing his family back home.

When the storm hit, several of the remaining five contestants were left with more problems than solutions, but following her luck with fishing, Kelsey faced significant flooding and the possible ruin of her camp and sprung into action and moved her shelter to higher ground.

Towards the end of the episode, Douglas revealed to viewers and showrunners alike that he was tapping out of the competition after thoughts of his ill father plagued him, but unfortunately for Douglas, his father passed away before he got out of South Africa.

Another significant development—and probably the biggest cliffhanger in Alone history—happened at the very end of the episode as another contestant, Dug, was showing the cameras around his new camp and suddenly collapsed after mentioning he was tired, leaving viewers to find out his fate on this week’s upcoming episode on Thursday, July 24.

How to watch Alone season 12

Those interested in keeping up with the remaining contestants as they continue to weather through the desert’s harsh conditions can stream new episodes of Alone season 12 through Philo, DirecTV or Sling.

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 the History Channel. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those who commit to a paid plan get half off the first month.

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).

A brand new episode of the hit drama Tyler Perry’s Sistas premieres on BET Wednesday, July 23 at 9/8c.

Those hoping to tune in for season nine of the hit series can stream new episodes as they release through Philo (free trial), Fubo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

Season 9 premiere episode recap

For those who may have missed the season nine premiere last week, the ladies returned in full force last week as they navigated the chaos of a citywide blackout to seek care for Karen, whose pregnancy complications became life-threatening.

Throughout the episode, Karen’s condition kept getting worse and viewers followed along as bleeding, vomiting, fever and chills became alarming symptoms as the ladies fought for Karen to receive immediate care.

With the blackout causing operations to stall at the hospital, Fatima advocated for Karen and managed to secure a room for Karen as her condition worsened.

Meanwhile, Aaron arrived at the hospital with balloons, completely oblivious to the state of Karen.

Near the end of the episode, viewers were left feeling the sense of urgency as Karen’s condition continued to take a turn for the worse, setting up for a much-needed continuation in this week’s upcoming episode.

What to expect from this week’s new episode

According to a short episode summary, this week’s episode continues to follow Karen’s troubling storyline as she begins being ignored by a dismissive doctor. With nowhere else to turn, the desperate ladies set out on a search to find a doctor who cares.

After securing a doctor with a good head on his shoulders, Karen receives the much-needed attention, which leads to a shocking discovery being made.

How to watch Tyler Perry’s Sistas season 9

Cord cutters looking to catch this season of Tyler Perry’s Sistas without traditional cable can find the series available for streaming through the streaming services listed below.

Philo: 7-day free trial ($28 a month after free trial ends)

Fubo: Free trial ($84.99 a month after free trial ends)

DirecTV: 5-day free trial ($86.99 a month after free trial ends)

Sling: 50% off first month ($45.99 a month after first month)

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 Fubo?

Although primarily known as one of the most popular sports-focused streaming platforms, Fubo offers its subscribers much more than just sports related content. Fubo users can access over 100 live TV channels through its base package for just $84.99 a month following its free trial.

Some of the most popular channels available for streaming through Fubo include ESPN, ABC, CBS, NBC, TLC, MTV and more.

Subscribers can also enjoy a plethora of on-demand content in the form of hit TV shows and blockbuster movies and gain access to useful features such as the unlimited DVR feature.

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 BET. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those who commit to a paid plan get half off the first month.

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).

A north Alabama man is now facing capital murder charges after allegedly hitting a woman with her own vehicle before attempting to burn her body.

In a press conference Wednesday, Florence Chief of Police Mike Holt and Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly updated the public on the murder case of 38-year-old Autumn Paige Strickland.

Holt thanked the Florence community and said their continued involvement in the case “made a massive difference.”

Connolly said the case was presented to a grand jury last week that decided to upgrade the charges against 28-year-old Logan Rogers.

After “a lot of consideration” prosecutors have decided to seek the death penalty, Connolly announced Wednesday.

“We don’t take that decision lightly, and we recognize the gravity of that decision,” he said.

“…We recognize the seriousness of what we are embarking on here. And that the death penalty is reserved for the most heinous of cases.”

“And I would submit to you that this is one of those cases,” Connolly continued.

Strickland, who leaves behind a young daughter, was reported missing the weekend of May 17, and her remains were found on May 20 in a burn barrel on Rogers’ property.

Charging documents against Rogers say Strickland was hit twice by a Kia Soul driven by the suspect.

“Video evidence supports that Logan Rogers struck the victim twice and that is act was intentional due to the location and manner in which it was carried out,” Det. Justin Adams wrote in his criminal complaint.

The killing happened in the 1600 block of North Wood Avenue in Florence in what investigators say was a chance meeting between the two.

The detective wrote that Rogers struck Strickland with the car once, circled around and then hit her a second time.

Thirty minutes later, video shows, Rogers returned to the scene with a pickup truck and put what investigators believe was Strickland’s body into the vehicle.

Strickland’s cell phone was later found in the exact location that she was hit by the car, Adams wrote.

Police arrested Rogers at his home in the 2200 block of North Wood Street.

When asked by reporters if a motive had been made clear during the investigation, Connolly responded: “Well there’s pure evil.”

A trial date has not been set for the case as of July 23, Connolly said.

Court records show Rogers was arrested earlier this year in Marion County on charges of making a terrorist threat and domestic violence involving his parents.

Rogers reportedly was often violent toward his parents and threatened to kill them, records show.

His mother obtained a protection from abuse order earlier this year, chronicling the threats and fear.

“I never know from one minute til the next how he will be,” she wrote. “The least little thing set’s him off.”

“I’m physically and mentally traumatized.”

By Adelina Romero & Rebecca Raghunath | Edited by Angela Kocherga & Alfredo Corchado

EL PASO, TEXAS — Seven months into President Donald Trump’s second term, sweeping changes to federal immigration policy have escalated deportations, cut millions of dollars in federal funding to nonprofits providing legal aid for immigrants, and revoked protections for sensitive spaces, including churches.

Here in El Paso, faith leaders and organizations that have long provided resources for migrants are raising alarms over policies they say are instilling fear and undermining humanitarian efforts.

“People are afraid to go out for groceries. They’re afraid to go to church,” said El Paso’s Catholic Bishop Mark Seitz. “I really don’t believe fear adequately describes it. It’s terror.”

The issue of immigration has morphed into mass protests in Los Angeles and multiple cities across the country against sweeping ICE raids that include work sites and other locations. At least one person was on church property when they were picked up by agents, according to reports. Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native and a descendant of Sicilian immigrants, has called for the protection of immigrants, the poor, and the most vulnerable, following the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis.

“No one is exempt from ensuring the dignity of every person,” the pontiff said. “From the unborn to the elderly, from the sick to the unemployed, citizens and immigrants alike.”

In rescinding the policy, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said, “The Trump administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense.”

Sensitive locations

For Bishop Seitz, the diocese’s mission to protect the vulnerable has never been clearer as the Trump administration carries out what critics, including Seitz, have called mass deportations based on racial profiling.

“It was the intention of the administration so that people would leave — to appeal to those who don’t want anybody in this country except people that look like them,” Seitz said. “You have to be constantly worried. Constantly on guard.”

In October of 2021, the Biden administration expanded the definition of sensitive locations to “protected areas” that imposed greater restrictions for ICE to enter spaces such as schools, healthcare facilities, social services establishments, disaster relief centers, and places of worship. Now, no space is off-limits.

On his first day of his second term, President Trump rolled back the nonpartisan “sensitive locations” policy, dating back to the Clinton administration, which encouraged immigration and customs agents to use “good judgment” to engage in enforcement in sensitive areas.

The policy reversal has sparked multiple lawsuits from faith groups across the country, including the Quakers in Maryland and in Oregon, arguing that the new policies violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the First Amendment.

In January, a federal judge in Maryland blocked parts of Trump’s executive order. U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang ruled that the policy imposed a “real and substantial burden” on religious organizations that historically aid immigrants.

“The burden imposed by the policy is far from speculative,” Chuang wrote in his opinion. “It is already happening.”

In the border city of El Paso, one of the largest binational communities in the country, the immigration crackdown has sowed fear among many people of color, generating multiple protests. More than 80 percent of El Paso’s population is Hispanic.

‘A moment of hopeful resistance’

This spring, Bishop Seitz led a candlelight vigil through downtown El Paso to Sacred Heart Church, which served as a shelter for migrant families during a large influx of immigrants seeking asylum in 2022. He was joined by faith leaders from across the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Vatican.

“It was a moment of creative, hopeful resistance,” said Dylan Corbett, executive director of the grassroots community organization Hope Border Institute in El Paso. “The testimony of people affected by these policies has to be at the center of our response.”

In a militarized region, that resistance comes with growing risks, as faith-based nonprofits fear they could be swept up in a crackdown. Operation Lone Star is Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s border enforcement initiative, which included the deployment of 10,000 National Guard troops and Texas state troopers along the U.S.-Mexico border. Faith-based nonprofit organizations fear they could face consequences for providing humanitarian aid to undocumented immigrants.

“We’ve got a target on our back now,” Corbett said. “They may go after us for smuggling or trafficking charges.”

That threat became real last June when Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton attempted to shut down Annunciation House, which provides temporary shelter to migrants in El Paso. Paxton called the Catholic organization a “stash house” and requested records detailing those who received services. Annunciation House pushed back, arguing that disclosing those records, which include medical files and sensitive personal information, would violate clients’ privacy rights and the organization’s religious freedom.

In late May, the Texas Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Paxton has the authority to demand records needed to proceed with his lawsuit targeting the shelter. The court, however, did not address the merits of the case.

Meanwhile, advocates say that some migrants, including asylum seekers with pending cases, are increasingly choosing to go back to their home countries rather than risk arrest.

“What they are returning to may be worse in terms of the actual danger to their lives, but somehow to be in a place like the United States today feels more dangerous,” said Seitz.

As the threat of mass deportation looms, Corbett’s Hope Border Institute has pivoted to help migrants plan voluntary returns to their home countries.

“We helped a family get back to Venezuela safely,” said Corbett. “That’s where we are now, not just defending people’s right to stay, but helping them leave with dignity when they no longer feel safe here.”

Legal aid in crisis

Estrella del Paso, the legal aid ministry of the Catholic Diocese, holds “know-your-rights” workshops, which are now conducted with caution since many are afraid to attend in person.

“If people need to know your rights presentation remotely or they need to do a consultation remotely ‘cause they’re scared, we can make those accommodations,” said Melissa Lopez, Estrella’s executive director.

At a time when their services are in high demand, the nonprofit organization lost $5 million in federal funding and had to furlough nearly half its staff.

“We were a team of 78,” Lopez added. “Now, 30 of those positions are on furlough.”

In early May, the organization received a $25,000 emergency grant from the Border Refugee Assistance Fund, a joint initiative of Bishop Seitz and the Hope Border Institute, to help sustain workshops and pay for legal representation for asylum seekers.

“This grant is a lifeline — not just for our organization, but for the thousands of vulnerable people we serve,” said Lopez in announcing the funding.

Calling this an urgent time of unprecedented demand for legal representation, Seitz said the gospel challenges the faithful to “stand with the vulnerable and ensure that hope and justice remain alive at our border.”

“I don’t think I’m speaking about politics. I’m speaking about faith. Politicians are messing with my faith,” he added.

Family members of people locked away in Alabama’s prisons told lawmakers on Wednesday horror stories from parole hearings.

They said the lack of parole — and the new parole guidelines — take away hope and create dangerous conditions inside a dangerously overcrowded prison system.

“Our prisons’ rising violence, staffing shortages, and our massive growing legal costs are all predictable consequences for reducing the primary incentive for rehabilitation,” said Laura Click, who teaches life skills classes to recently released inmates. “The hope of release for prisoners is the strongest driver of change we have.”

She said last month, there were 21 people at work release facilities — people deemed safe to work in fast food and warehouse jobs by day — who were denied parole and saw their next hearing put off for the maximum amount of time of five years.

“That’s not corrections, that’s warehousing,” said Click.

The speakers at Wednesday morning’s Joint Prison Oversight Committee hearing once again spoke largely about the state’s parole system. The last several meetings of the committee, including a contentious one last fall, have devolved into criticism of the three-member parole board.

Ten people — most of them parents or spouses of people incarcerated — spoke to the four lawmakers who attended the hearing and one who attended virtually.

Colleen Howell said she and her husband went to her son’s parole hearing in May. Her son, Corey, had been locked up for possessing marijuana and Xanax. Howell said she was describing her son’s accomplishments in prison and the classes he was taking, when former parole board chairperson Leigh Gwathney “accused my son of lying to us.”

She said Gwathney dismissed her son’s enrollment in his classes and said those programs were not even offered at the facility where her son was being held.

“No one took the time to verify what he had actually accomplished,” Howell told the committee. “They made a ruling based on misinformation and assumptions.”

Howell said she showed proof from her phone about the achievements, but she was still questioned and her son was denied parole. He was not set for another parole hearing and would have served out the rest of his sentence behind bars.

It wasn’t until she and her family were almost to their cars when someone from the building asked them to come back inside. There, Howell told AL.com, Gwathney “immediately started apologizing.”

“Evidently, after we left the building, she just knew that he was lying,” said Howell. “She started calling, doing whatever she had to do to verify that what we said was true. And she was told that in fact, he was (in the programs he claimed.)”

The board reversed the decision and granted Corey Howell parole. He attended the Wednesday meeting with an ankle monitor, covered by his pants and boots.

Gwathney’s term as the chair of the three-member parole board expired last month. Gov. Kay Ivey did not reappoint her to the seat, and replaced her with Jackson County lawman Hal Nash. Nash started the job last week.

When Howell finished telling her story to the lawmakers, Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, clarified that he had confirmed her story about the parole hearing.

Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, said the issues Howell described are a feature of the system, and he’s hoping for more transparency and oversight of the parole board.

“What we see as a constant right now in our communication is all the work, all the investment that is made on the Department of Corrections side to rehabilitate someone is just almost ignored in less than five minutes in front of the parole board.”

He said he thinks allowing parole applicants to send in video statements will help some of that information sharing.

“I know how this has been painted that it’s just me and others talking about trying to get as many people out as possible,” said England. “Which is furthest from the truth. What it is trying to make a fair system that gives both sides the opportunity to present information so the board can make a well-informed decision about denial or not. That’s the whole point.”

Click, whose husband is serving a life sentence, also complained about the proposal to make the maximum wait between parole hearings for those serving life sentences 10 years instead of the current five. She said it’s unfair and arbitrary.

Some people are sentenced to 1,000 years — although that still amounts to a life sentence – instead of ‘life’ in prison. Under the proposed rule, the person with the thousand-year sentence would get a five-year maximum between hearings instead of a ten-year gap for those sentenced under ‘life.’

Chambliss sponsored that bill. “I can see how that’s an issue,” he said, and vowed to speak with Click.

England also asked several speakers their thoughts on the newly issued state guidelines for who should be granted parole. Carla Crowder, the executive director of Alabama Appleseed, said a portion of the new guidelines could punish people who aren’t able to get a job or find housing while still behind bars, an “extremely difficult” feat.

Three others talked about their loved one’s experiences in Alabama’s lockups. Tim Mathis described losing his son, who was killed in prison after being denied parole last year, and said the measures to reduce violence in the prisons are “wholly inadequate.”

“There’s too many people dying,” he said. “It demands more action than what’s being given.”

Alabama’s prisons are facing several lawsuits, including a federal investigation into prison conditions and the rampant physical and sexual violence that happens inside. The system has been in the federal crosshairs for years, and the latest lawsuit from the Department of Justice is headed toward a trial next spring.

Yolanda Williams, a 20-year Army veteran, told stories of her husband’s life at Fountain Correctional Facility and the “inhabitable” conditions.

“If those were dogs, we would be calling the police.”

In closing remarks, Chambliss said the public’s input has helped the committee create change. “We are listening,” he said. “We are trying to make things better.”

If Howell had already been in her car leaving the parking deck before the parole workers found her in May, “who knows what would have happened,” she said.

“I’d probably still be there,” Corey Howell told AL.com.

“We were there to fight for him,” said Howell, sitting next to her son. “So many people he knows, there is absolutely no family that cares about him. So all they have is what’s in that file in front of them and if… that paperwork isn’t right, there’s people sitting in prison that should not be in prison.”

While there are plenty of storylines at ACC Kickoff, including taking shots at the SEC, Bill Belichick and North Carolina is a popular topic.

Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi offered an animated response to a question about the former New England Patriots coach.

“I expect him to be in the championship game against Pitt this year,” Narduzzi said Wednesday. “You got Bill Belichick, you better be, right?

Of course, Narduzzi said it with a bit of sarcasm and a smile on his face.

For full context, he talked about how it takes so many different pieces to put together a successful puzzle.

“I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t have success,” Narduzzi said. “I don’t have a crystal ball. I’m no genius over here, but he’s a heck of a football coach. But it takes players and it takes coaches, OK? It takes a program together. It takes everybody moving in the same direction. I’m sure with the president there at North Carolina, the new AD now coming in and Belichick and his entire staff, they’ll do a helluva job.”

It wasn’t the only time he was asked about the Super Bowl-winning coach.

He was also asked about what it meant for the league to have Belichick in the league.

“Is this a Pitt question, or is this a North Carolina question?” he replied. “Bill Belichick, one of the greatest coaches to ever coach the game. Won six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots. I’ve enjoyed conversations with him, whether it be at Amelia Island or in Zoom calls with ACC coaches. He’s a tremendous football coach, really smart.

“Again, he adds a lot of flavor and excitement to the ACC. When you look at Bill Belichick coming to the Atlantic Coast Conference, it just tells you how attractive our conference is.”

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.