Stabler Officially Out At Bama

Ian Rapoport of the Birmingham News shares a secret that's not really a secret...

Ken "Snake" Stabler ((pictured, thanks al.com)) is officially out as the color analyst for Alabama football. It looks like, when Phil Savage was hired to do the A-Day game, that was the last thought for the change...

When Ken Stabler took a leave of absence from Alabama's radio broadcast booth before last season following an arrest for a DUI, it was one sign this was coming. When he declined to say he would return at the Sugar Bowl, it was another sign.

And the release from Bama is below:

TUSCALOOSA -- Crimson Tide Sports Network General Manager Jim Carabin and University of Alabama Director of Athletics Mal Moore announced today that former Crimson Tide quarterback Ken Stabler will not return to his former position as a color analyst on CTSM's radio broadcasts of Alabama football.

Gentry Estes from the Mobile Press-Register adds:

Former Alabama radio color analyst Ken Stabler won't be back on the air this season.

Stabler, the former Crimson Tide and NFL quarterback, announced his permanent departure today, saying in a statement, "I will continue to support UA in any way possible and wish only the best to the entire Alabama family."


He served 10 years on the UA radio team before stepping down last summer in the wake of a highly publicized arrest on a charge of driving under the influence. Stabler was ultimately acquitted of the charge.


Sources close to Stabler said he originally planned to return to the booth, but he eventually opted against it. UA athletics director Mal Moore said Stabler "has decided to pursue other opportunities."


"I appreciate Kenny's contributions to our program over the years and I look forward to that relationship continuing in the future," Moore said. "Kenny's an important part of our history and his involvement as part of our announce team over the years was tremendous."

Crimson Tide Sports Network general manager Jim Carabin said he hopes to decide on Stabler's replacement "very soon." The obvious lead candidate is former Cleveland Browns GM Phil Savage, who will call Saturday's A-Day Game and has indicated his interest in serving as Alabama's color analyst in the fall.