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New Senior Bowl director: ‘I’m going to embrace this city; I’m going to embrace this game’

The Reese’s Senior Bowl is coming off back-to-back sellouts and had more than 100 players selected in the most-recent NFL draft, so Drew Fabianich said he knows he’s not going to be part of any rebuilding job.

The Senior Bowl’s new executive director met with the media for the first time on Thursday, a day after he was officially hired to head up the annual Mobile-based college football all-star game and NFL draft showcase. A long-time NFL scout who has also worked in front-office positions at Auburn and West Virginia in recent years, Fabianich promised to enhance and build upon what he believes to be an already strong foundation.

“The biggest thing I can tell you is I’m going to embrace this city; I’m going to embrace this game,” Fabianich said. “… I’m going to come in with some enthusiasm that you’ll see works. I mean, I roll hard. And I’m going to try to enhance this game, and build this game, and keep this tradition going, and make it even better than it has been.

“This is far from broken. I’m here to improve things. And that’s what I’m going to try to do every single day.”

Fabianich replaces Jim Nagy, who left in February to become general manager at Oklahoma. Like Fabianich, Nagy came from a scouting background, having spent nearly two decades as a talent evaluator for a number of NFL teams prior to taking over the Senior Bowl in 2019.

Fabianich began his career as a high school and college assistant coach, then worked 18 years as a scout for the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. He was general manager and director of scouting at Auburn in 2022, and held the same position at West Virginia the last two years.

“Today is an exciting day for the great City of Mobile and the great Senior Bowl,” said Scott Cooper, president of the Mobile Arts & Sports Commission, which owns and operates the Senior Bowl. “The draft starts in Mobile; we have the premier collegiate all-star football game in the country.

“And today marks an exciting new chapter in that proud tradition. We are honored to introduce a leader who brings not only deep experience in football operations and scouting, but a passion for the game and a vision for its future. … His time as a national scout and his networks across collegiate and professional sports gives him a unique perspective, one that will elevate the Senior Bowl’s mission as the premier showcase of NFL talent.”

During his time as a college coach and NFL scout, Fabianich worked for and with such legendary names as Johnny Majors at Tennessee and Bill Parcells in Dallas. Though he’s originally from Colorado and lived in Alabama only a few months during his time at Auburn, he said he and his wife, Heather, are “Southerners by proxy.”

Moreover, Fabianich added, the Senior Bowl executive director position was one he sought out the moment he learned it was open. The game’s reputation within NFL circles speaks for itself, he said.

“I think everybody in the NFL knows why,” Fabianich said. “… This is the premier all-star game in the nation. It always has been and it always will be. So why would I not want to be part of this? … This city embraces this game, and that’s important for me.

“I think my skill set is built for this. And the past that I’ve brought, anything from coaching, from recruiting, from sales, from fundraising — I know it’s all part of this. And I’m quite capable of that.”

General

Grab your tickets to Friday night’s Cavaliers-Knicks game before it sells out

Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) and Bulls forward Dalen Terry (25) battle fora loose ball during action in the NBA game between the Chicago Bulls at the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The Cavs won 135-113 and clinched the number 1 seed in the East.David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

General

Tickets to tomorrow’s Phillies-Braves game going for under $10

The Atlanta Braves are currently in a series with the Philadelphia Phillies, one of their NL East rivals. The Braves have had a rough start to the season, with a 2-8 record. They were able to take the first game of the series against the Phillies on Tuesday, 7-5.

Fans looking to attend the last game of the series on Thursday night can do so through Stubhub, Seatgeek, Vivid Seats, and Ticketmaster. The cheapest price we found started at $5 on Stubhub.

Here’s everything you need to know before the Braves and Phillies play tomorrow:

When: Thursday, April 10, 2025

Where: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA

Time: 7:15 p.m. ET

The pitching matchup has been set, as Spencer Schwellenbach will take the mound for Atlanta and Jesus Luzardo for Philadelphia.

More sports, gear and tickets

General

Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt finds familiarity, fresh challenges at Jacksonville State

Practices with Jacksonville State bring some deja vu for quarterback Gavin Wimsatt.

Just last season, he faced off against his now-head coach’s defense when Charles Kelly and Auburn traveled to Kentucky in late October.

”Tricks, pressures, he’s, he’s got it for sure,” Wimsatt said of the defense under Kelly, who is now at Jax State after a season coordinating Auburn’s defense. “It’s funny, I’m starting to see some of those things here in practice and I see it better because we’re practicing it.

“You see it all the time, but it’s definitely a tough defense.”

It was in that game and others when Kelly saw potential in Wimsatt, who entered against Auburn in relief of starting quarterback Brock Vandagriff.

New Jax State defensive coordinator Brian Williams — previously at Maryland — also had familiarity with Wimsatt from his time at Rutgers.

“I remember seeing him, seeing some of the games he played in,” Kelly said. “Brian Williams actually coordinated against him, and then I played against him last year when we played Kentucky. He actually didn’t start the game, and they brought him in. We were playing pretty good early, and when he comes into the game, it’s just a dual threat.”

Wimsatt committed to play for Kelly at Jax State this offseason after serving last season as a backup at Kentucky; he was the first announced signee under Kelly.

“Jacksonville has been treating me great,” Wimsatt said. “It’s just been great to come here. It’s a smaller town, which is nice, very aesthetically pleasing, and the people here are great: it’s all love around here. All the guys are close and I’m really excited to grow closer to these guys here and help them accomplish what we want to accomplish.”

Before his time at Kentucky, Wimsatt spent three seasons at Rutgers and served as the starter in 2023; he threw for 1,735 yards and nine touchdowns while running for 497 yards and 11 touchdowns as Rutgers posted a winning record for the first time since 2014.

Kelly and offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Clint Trickett were the difference makers for Wimsatt, who added that he quickly learned from one conversation with Trickett “how much he cares and loves the game.”

“They’re coming off a conference championship too, so it was a chance to get to do some winning and really compete,” Wimsatt said. “From talking with coach Kelly and coach Trickett, they wanted to compete and wanted to get rings. That’s what I wanted to do, especially for my last year.”

The new Jax State coach praised Wimsatt for his leadership and humility in learning the system, noting the quarterback’s work ethic has drawn the attention of many within the team.

“He’s got a good arm, he can throw the ball, but when he tucks and runs, he’s hard to handle,” Kelly said. “One thing I’ll say about him, he’s done a good job of trying to stay in the pocket and stay, stay, stay, and taking what the defense gives.”

Among the positives for this year’s Jax State group is a veteran wide receiver group, which includes returners Brock Rechsteiner, Jordan McCants, Carter Lambert and sixth-year senior Michael Pettway, who Wimsatt said was quick to jump in and make him feel welcome.

Jax State will open the season at UCF before its home opener against Conference USA foe Liberty on Sept. 6.

“One of the biggest things when I came here was that everything happens for a reason,” Wimsatt said. “God put me here to be able to make an impact. They’re helping me, Pett’s been helping me transition, and the other guys in the locker room. It’s just amazing, honestly, we’re bringing winning here.

“We get to bring the community together and they get to watch us play the game we love.”

General

North Alabama under a severe thunderstorm watch until Thursday night

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch at 3:37 p.m. on Thursday in effect until 11 p.m. for Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall and Morgan counties.

Staying safe as lightning approaches: Expert advice

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest 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’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

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 without 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 forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

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

Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads

Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to ensure safety during heavy rainfall:

Beware of swollen waterways:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

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 drive with care:

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:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Visibility matters:

Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture 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:

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.

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.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.

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.

General

Severe thunderstorm watch in place for Alabama until Thursday night

On Thursday at 3:37 p.m. the National Weather Service released a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 11 p.m. for Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Etowah, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Lamar, Marion, Perry, Pickens, Randolph, St. Clair, Shelby, Sumter, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Walker and Winston counties.

Staying safe as lightning approaches: Expert 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 ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:

Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
Seek a safe place to shelter, 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.
It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have 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, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to ensure safety during heavy rainfall:

Beware of swollen waterways:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

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.

Slow down and stay cautious:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator 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 turning on your headlights. Watch out 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:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

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.

General

Could Auburn add another wide receiver during spring transfer portal window?

On the outside looking in, Auburn football’s wide receiver room seems to already be set for a big season in 2025.

The Tigers added Eric Singleton Jr. and Horatio Fields out of the transfer portal, signed freshmen Derick Smith, Erick Smith and Sam Turner and brought back young receivers such as Cam Coleman, Malcolm Simmons and Perry Thompson.

Despite the talent Auburn already has, head coach Hugh Freeze still isn’t satisfied with the numbers he has in the room.

“We’re really not as deep as we’d like to be,” Freeze said. “We’re talented and deep. We just wish we had more legs in that room right now, maybe to save some wear and tear on those guys.”

The receiver room still isn’t complete yet — the Smith brothers won’t arrive until the summer — but Freeze isn’t ruling out the idea of adding another wide receiver out of the transfer portal.

He said Auburn has two more sports remaining on offense should the staff choose to utilize the portal during the spring window.

Even if Auburn does add another receiver, Freeze has been satisfied with how the current group has played during spring practice. Singleton and Fields have both earned praise, but Turner has arguably been the standout.

He was rated as a three-star recruit, according to 247Sports, but has more than held his own this spring. He had an especially productive practice on Thursday, highlighted by a circus catch he made along the sidelines.

“He’s going to be dynamic,” Freeze said. “He’s added great depth to us on the outside. Able to give some breaks to Cam and Perry and Horatio, for sure. For a freshman, he’s sharp.”

He hasn’t run with the first team much yet, but his play helps with depth at a position Freeze wants to add more bodies to.

Auburn will wrap up spring practice on Saturday with its A-Day open practice. Jordan-Hare Stadium will open its doors to fans at 11 a.m. Saturday and the hour-long practice is scheduled to begin at noon.

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at [email protected]m

General

Arrest warrant issued for Alabama magistrate who pulled gun at city hall after dispute

An arrest warrant was issued today for a town magistrate who was caught on video brandishing a gun outside city hall after a clash with a resident in traffic court.

Now, both women involved in the March 28 altercation have changes against them.

Tarrant City Magistrate Tanilya Jackson, 43, is charged with possession of a firearm in a building in violation of a state code that prohibits weapons inside certain public buildings.

Jackson’s case is a Class C misdemeanor, among the lesser of all misdemeanor charges, according to Alabama Code 13A-11-61.2.

If found guilty, the maximum penalty for a Class C misdemeanor is a fine of up to $500 and up to three months in jail.

Jackson’s bond was set at $1,000 by a Jefferson County magistrate.

Jackson’s arrest stems from an altercation in traffic court in Tarrant between Jackson and Raven Shearer, a local resident, which escalated in the lobby before the proceeding. Shearer was in court for a traffic citation originally but was later arrested for disorderly conduct.

The conflict continued outside when Shearer returned to get her car and words were exchanged with Jackson, who brandished a gun before sending her minor son inside the building.

“You think you got it going on with that gun, b****,” Shearer shouted on the video.

Jackson, who was walking to her car with her son, instructed him to go back into the building after taking a gun from her handbag. The other woman is not visible on camera.

“Let’s go,” Jackson said standing alone while holding the weapon in one hand and a cell phone in the other.

The problem for Jackson, according to Tarrant Police Chief Wendell Major, is the city’s policy and state law that prohibit firearms at certain public buildings that include city halls, police departments and courthouses.

Major said the charges came soon after Tarrant Police were made aware of the video. Major said their report and video was then presented to the Jefferson County District Court Magistrate, who decided on the warrant.

Jackson has declined to comment on the issue and Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton has said he could not discuss personnel matters.

Surveillance cameras mounted in offices throughout the Tarrant City Hall continue to chronicle a series of political arguments, personnel disputes and even a punch delivered by a longtime councilman against the mayor in 2022.

General

A 24 hour a day, 7 day a week work club is coming soon to Birmingham

A national co-working space chain is opening a Birmingham location next month.

Switchyards describes itself as a neighborhood work club.

Its newest location will be at 3606 6th Ave. S. near Avondale Park.

The workspace is open 24/7, with free locally sourced coffee and organic tea.

Founder and CEO Michael Tavani started Switchyards in 2019 with the stated goal of creating “a place in your neighborhood purpose-built to sit with your laptop, grab a coffee, and get some good work done.”

Memberships are $100, but members may visit any of franchise’s locations in seven states. Team memberships are also available.

Memberships will be available May 15, beginning at 10 a.m.

For one day before memberships drop, the club will be open for a sneak peek tour with coffee during the day, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. A party – with stronger drinks – will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.

Anyone interested can link here for early access. According to Switchyards, its last eight clubs have sold out memberships on drop morning.

Members can also reserve rooms for meetings, as well as book phone booths.

In 2024, Switchyards announced plans to open 200 new clubs within the next five years, fueled by a $5 million investment by Bullpen Capital, Cercano, Overline and others.

General

Our kids are afraid of each other. It doesn’t have to be this way: op-ed

This is a guest opinion column

Our kids are afraid of each other. As a result, they’re growing more violent and less trusting as time passes.

My own son, CJ, was fatally shot at a gas station just down the road from where we lived. I was changing out of church clothes when I got the call. I’ll never forget the shock and grief of walking into the room where they’d been trying to save his life, only to discover that they’d failed.

But through that terrible loss, God equipped me to begin helping families in our community recover from the loss of loved ones.

It’s how I began my work with the Woodson Center project Voices of Black Mothers United, which will soon be hosting a youth summit for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

It’s also how I met the other members of the Mothers Consortium here in Birmingham: Sheree Kennon, who leads “What About Us,” and Carolyn Johnson, who leads “Parents Against Violence,” have both changed my life and the community alike.

Together, we are able to cover all the aspects of crime victims’ assistance: their immediate post-tragedy needs and stresses, applications for assistance with the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission, and good long-term outcomes for family survivors of violent crime. Lots of people are losing children and grandchildren repeatedly to violence, and it takes every single one of these mothers to help these families.

The loss of my son made me sensitive to the fear and hurt our children and their families suffer through every day. It made me realize just how much we need each other, and how much we need to work together to help break the cycle of violence, anger, fear and retaliation.

That’s why we’re bringing together members of local law enforcement, neighborhood officials and a therapist at our Alive in 25 Youth Summit this week to help elevate the voices and needs of the youth among us. Our children desperately need our help, attention and support — from every part of the community.

And if we’re going to give them the support they need, we need to start trusting and talking to each other.

We also need to empower and educate parents. They’re the first line of defense against community violence, and they’re the ones who really have the attention of their child.

Parents have the ability to help teach children healthy emotional coping skills, conflict resolution skills and a sense of self-respect that are indispensable when navigating a potentially violent situation.

Parents also have the chance to invest in their kids when others won’t, or don’t want to. I remember one high school student in particular, the attendee of an anti-violence event I had hosted, had been written off by his teachers and counselors.

“Oh, he’s just a clown,” they told me.

But I saw a lot in him. I saw poise, intelligence. I knew he was paying attention. And when I asked about him a year later, they told me he’d joined the Army. He graduated. He even made a difference for the better in his own neighborhood.

He wasn’t a clown at all. He was a tremendous force for good.

All of our kids need us to help them realize their potential as forces for good in our own neighborhoods. All of our kids have the ability to escape the vicious cycle of fear, anger and violence in which so many of them are trapped — but they need our help.

They need us to listen, to take them seriously. Most importantly, they need us to work tirelessly together to help make their present and future safer.

Jessica Barnes is the Alabama State Lead for Voices of Black Mothers United, a project of The Woodson Center.