THIS…THIS CAN’T BE REAL. PLEASE.
While you’re thanking your lucky stars you didn’t take that job to coach the Pakistani cricket team…please tell us this isn’t real. Because we know it has to be, and that Alabama fans would do this, and that newspapers try to tell only small lies and not egregious, fifty-ton whoppers like this would be.
The Witts of Hartselle (AL) named their first child, who is 23 months old, Tyde Timothy Witt. He’s already attended several Alabama football games.
The family will introduce Saban Witt to tailgating and to the Tide nation when Alabama plays Florida State on Sept. 29 at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla.

Tyde and Saban. Reality beats us to satire again.
You can name pets after coaches–but children? When the whole Martha Stewart “pet chicken fad” took off, we named a chicken after [NAME REDACTED.] Just like its namesake, it ran around all the time, pecking at nothing in particular and wasting precious energy in between constant crowing for no reason. It accomplished nothing, and yet acted like it owned the yard. One day we broke its neck, fried it, and ate it.
We really, really hope that’s not going to be case with this kid if Saban flops at Bama. The hat tip here goes, unsuprisingly, to AUAlum. He has no ulterior motive for finding stories making Bama fans look insane. Nope. Absolutely none.









1
doreblogger says:
Let the backwardness begin!
Alabama football…Kentucky basketball…nothing surprises me anymore.
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:12 am
2
Annonymous says:
Both of these kids are going to grow up and go to Auburn just to get back at their parents.
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:13 am
3
RedDevilEA says:
Huskers on the board, in a very soccer-mom way:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2808843
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:15 am
4
Anonymous IV says:
Might as well name someone April May June or Polly Esther.
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:18 am
5
Atlantadomer says:
Any of you want to take a guess how many kids down here are still named Herschel every year? At least he won a championship for the Dawgs. Saban hasn’t done anything but poach recruits so far at Alabama.
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:21 am
6
Will Collier says:
Red, meet Neck. No surprises here.
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:21 am
7
doubtingthomas says:
As an Alabama fan, I’m conflicted. Being rational, it’s clearly insane to name your child after a football coach of a team you cheer for. Being a football fan, it’s clearly insane to name your child after a football coach WHO HASN”T WON ANY GAMES AS YOUR FOOTBALL COACH YET!!! I strongly doubt it, but what if Saban makes us wish we had one of the 3 Mike’s still?
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:22 am
8
rusty says:
RedDevil,
Nice, but it’s news like this that makes me wish that Osbourne had stuck around till the advent of the cup. Hell, Switzer too. Imagine getting to watch the two of them battle for the Big 8 title during the season and Fulmer Cup title in the offseason. The competition would be, in a word, fantastish.
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:23 am
9
Brian says:
Tyde isnt too bad, but Saban???
This brings up the awesomeness of someone who no doubt named their sons “Hunter” and “Fisher.”
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:24 am
10
Will Collier says:
Of course, there’s no mention whatsoever of either of the redneck parents ever having actually attended a class in Tuscaloser, much less graduating.
Like I said, no real surprises here…
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:28 am
11
chris says:
shit, i’m just glad they’re not fans of pacman jones
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:30 am
12
CouchBurnin'Girl says:
So what happens when Saban gets fired in a few years? Does the kid get to change his name? I would think he’d have to in order to avoid childhood cruelty. So will he get to choose his next name? Will it be like Big Daddy where he’ll proclaim himself Frankenstein??? Because that would kind of serve his parents right. Or will he be required to take the name of the next coach?
So many questions….
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:32 am
13
rebel84 says:
You’re right. Tyde isn’t too bad, mainly because later in life he can shorten it to “Ty” and no one will know any different. It will however suck for Little Saban when he goes to kindergarten, and in his first year, Saban loses to Auburn again to move to 0-6 against the War Eagle PlainsTigers. That poor kid will get beat up just for his name.
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:32 am
14
PeterPumpkinhead says:
I went to middle school with a guy whose legal first name was Bear. Of course, he was born in the late ’70s, so they weren’t risking naming him after a loser… and face it, Bear is just a cool fucking name (unless you’re Colbert).
It’s not limited to Alabama fans, though… I have a friend who’s step-sister and husband (FSU fans in the panhandle) are naming their daughter TimPrince Shell. TimPrince because the father’s name is Tim and if it had been a boy they were naming him Prince… and Shell… because that’s where they met… a Shell station
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:39 am
15
PeterPumpkinhead says:
Orson, by the way, you should go read Saban’s press conference from yesterday, it’s classic… interesting references to a guy “making pizza” during conditioning
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:40 am
16
DC Trojan says:
Neither of those kids’ names passes Frau DC Trojan’s “4th grade playground ass-kicking invitation” test. It’s the bammer equivalent of “Willow” and “Serenity.”
As for Sam Keller, I am shocked, shocked that he would be getting into some kind of petty, beer cup throwing incident. Shocked.
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:43 am
17
alleghetor says:
living in tallahassee…i’ve come across several kids named bowden. you know i’m not joking.
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:46 am
18
Stephen says:
An Alabama fan named their second born after a guy who still smells suspiciously like corndogs? I think I would have waited until his first BCS bowlgame. By then he should have taken on that wonderful smell of hobo and old shoe that Tuscaloosa provides…
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:48 am
19
PSUgirl says:
Is this wrong? If so, please don’t tell my little ones: Knitt Annie and Patrick Erno.
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:49 am
20
Hook'em Tide says:
I’d say it depends on the beatin’ up thing. While I’d say 40% of the state fans are loyal to Auburn, they are not dispersed evenly. There are alcoves of ‘bama fans and hives of auburn fans in different areas. I’m not sure what the predominance is in “Hartselle”.\
Hey, this is bad I know. But it’s not as bad as I think two years ago, where a father SHOT at his son for “mocking him” after another loss in the Iron Bowl.
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:53 am
21
DevilGrad says:
How many Bammers went to the courthouse a couple of years ago to change their kids’ names from Fran to something else?
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:54 am
22
Doug says:
Quick poll question: When Nick Saban leaves to become the next coach of the Dallas Cowboys four years from now, will the Witts retroactively change their youngest son’s name to
a) Mike Sherman Witt
b) Jimbo Witt, or
c) Jeff Bowden Witt?
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:54 am
23
Bottagetta says:
How about Nim Witt?
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:59 am
24
Bottagetta says:
Sorry you already said Jeff Bowden….
Ohhhhh SNAP!!!
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:01 am
25
PeterPumpkinhead says:
Hook ‘em, he had a blood alco level of like .18 and he shot the kid for stealing his car… it just happened to be right after the Iron Bowl… don’t help the press
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:06 am
26
Holly says:
Orson, before the Super Bowl the News-Sentinel did a feature on Knoxville-area parents who’d named their kids Peyton in the last twelve years. There were over a hundred, and that’s just the ones that got mentioned in the paper. Go Vols and all, but…cree-pay!
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:08 am
27
WDBill says:
I find the quote: “I’m gonna make sure he continues to bleed crimson” particularly instructional. Child services, anyone?
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:09 am
28
Mark says:
I like the licensing and marketing opportunities, “Time now for Saban’s afternoon snack break, brought to you by Little Debbie”.
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:12 am
29
Gus Witgenstein says:
I have a friend who once talked about naming his son Daniel Stephen but, alas, he didn’t go through with it.
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:12 am
30
matt says:
roll tide motherfuckers…you’re all just jealous of our traditon and shit
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:17 am
31
Hook'em Tide says:
25- I thought the BAC .18 was simply “understood” after the Iron Bowl. Didn’t know about the car thing, but I’m sure the kid deserved it. wink* wink* nudge* nudge* say no more. . . .
Anybody know if there are any kids named after an aubie coach. If I was named after Tubs as a kid, I’d put a shotgun in my mouth as soon as my legs were long enough for me to toe the trigger.
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:17 am
32
spartymike says:
I notice that the article didn’t list Saban’s middle name…is that because it’s ‘Coonass’?
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:18 am
33
KT says:
I am beginning an online petition on behalf of the semi-intelligent people of this state to have the University of Alabama moved to Mississippi……
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:18 am
34
PeterPumpkinhead says:
Mark is right… someone is missing out here… if someone’s going to pay $10M to get the blue turf at Boise State named after their company, why couldn’t parents start selling their kids names???
Marketers are always trying to reach a younger audience. Think about the advantages of all the kids in school calling out “Hey Home-Depot Jones, come over here”… actually, the Witts should call Proctor and Gamble and see if they can get any money for naming their kid Tyde… maybe they can sew a patch on all his clothes…
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:19 am
35
spartymike says:
Oh my bad…it’s Hardin; thank god.
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:19 am
36
Todd says:
#6 – check your kitchen, I think your pot just picked up the phone to call my kettle.
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:21 am
37
DevilGrad says:
Then again, my kids know a number of boys named Cameron. Most of them, big surprise, have parents who went to Duke.
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:31 am
38
spartymike says:
Does this mean there was an unfortunate three or four week span where “Price” was a popular name?
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:37 am
39
ness says:
The scariest thing for me is that i’m a Hardin from Alabama and i think i am probably related to those ‘tards …so embarassed.
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:38 am
40
Turf says:
#11 — Would a fan of Pacman Jones name the kid Glock if it’s a boy and Beretta if it’s a girl?
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:38 am
41
RaginCajunRebel says:
I shall name my first son Ragin.
My freshman year at Ole Miss, there was a girl there named Tyger. She also had a sister who was an Auburn cheerleader, and her middle name was War Eagle. Tyger transferred to Auburn after 2 semesters. Also, the Auburn license plate on her car, which I’m fairly sure was a MUSTANG, read TYGER.
Classy.
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:40 am
42
Stranko Montana says:
I see nothing wrong with this. My first child is Steven and my second is Orr
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:42 am
43
Brewster Crew says:
I know a Gopher Hockey fan who named his daughter Mary Ucchi (I think that’s the spelling he used). Just depressing. I think all people like this shouldn’t be allowed to watch their favorite team for a year or two.
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:46 am
44
Anonymous IV says:
Walker and Texas Ranger send their regards to this family.
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:52 am
45
Harvey Wireman says:
Gotta love ‘Bama fans.
Just when you think they are out of the fanatical stereotype of the South cliche someone names their kid Tyde or Saban and pulls them back in. hoooya!
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:58 am
46
Kenny says:
Someone will advocate this as an argument for the prevention of mini-season ticket holders in the future. They will say there should be a test, so as to keep the tailgating gene pool at a level only slightly below the university’s minimum entrance scores.
As for what Collier was saying above and what Hook’em also alluded too … go ahead and go with Hartselle as a Crimson town. They have a Stuckey’s and, to the sidewalk alumni way of thinking, what else do you need in life, my good man, beyond 3 shirts for a 10spot? And the traditional pecan log, of course.
I’m guessing they’re also cautious watchers of South Park since they decided against naming the child Big Al.
March 23rd, 2007 at 11:05 am
47
King Nick Saban says:
the real losers are people who say things like: awbarn, tuskaloser, ‘tard, and bammer. so 5th grade….
March 23rd, 2007 at 11:09 am
48
PSUgirl says:
#40 – Shut up! War Eagle? That’s awesome. Isn’t this the reason people have children? Just to name ‘em.
March 23rd, 2007 at 11:11 am
49
Because They Can says:
You just know this kid will end up a rough customer based on the whole “Boy Named Sue” effect.
March 23rd, 2007 at 11:13 am
50
PSUgirl says:
My question is why none of the names include “Bear” – or Bryant –
It was so cute when Tyde was an infant – during “tummy time” Hannah used to softly cheer “roll Tyde; Roll!”
March 23rd, 2007 at 11:15 am
51
Willet says:
33-noble idea but that will be a short petition
Next kid Toilet Paper
March 23rd, 2007 at 11:24 am
52
Mark says:
Dont be silly PSUGirl, even well-grounded parents like these know that names like Bear and Bryant are sooo cliche.
March 23rd, 2007 at 11:44 am
53
Sam says:
Short petition because they have to be able to sign their name. Or can they just make their mark– X?
March 23rd, 2007 at 11:47 am
54
Bottagetta says:
How much does anyone want to bet the mother is named after former Bammer OL and NFL HOFer, John Hannah.
Who is the hubby named after? Tim Tebow?
March 23rd, 2007 at 11:57 am
55
oc phil says:
When I did my stint at tOSU somebody there had named his daughter Scarlett Ann Gray after the school’s colors.
March 23rd, 2007 at 11:58 am
56
PSUgirl says:
I’ll bet that friends or cousins have already used the names bear & bryant – and that’s the only reason why they didn’t – Superfandom has a hierarchy – you must pay homage to the Gods before you flatter the earthly elders.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:12 pm
57
Newspaper Hack says:
#33 — Only if Auburn packs up and moves to Georgia. I’ve seen that wandering Eagle eye looking at Columbus.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:14 pm
58
bama_buck says:
My son’s middle name is Bear, but mainly because my wife is a hippy, wanted an animal name and suggested the only option I’d possibly go along with.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:31 pm
59
PSUgirl says:
Heck, people name their kids after people on television, every day – why not name them after something worthwhile (like football players on tv) -
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:41 pm
60
HFS says:
A lot of the other examples people are giving here, while obviously a bit fanatical, are reasonable because they are actual names. Cameron, Peyton, and the half million Brodies you will soon see in little leagues all over the state of Alabama are reasonable. Even Scarlett Ann Gray is OK, although it’s pushing the envelope a bit. We came real close to using Auburn as a middle name for our first daughter — it’s even a family name (with no connection to the university). “War Eagle”, OTOH, crosses the line. So where is the line? Somewhwere close to those people last name of Center that named their daughter Haley (true story).
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:48 pm
61
Nick Saban says:
Wow. I don’t know what to say. I’m honored. A little weirded out, but honored.
This going to get out of hand after I deliver a couple of National Championships isn’t it?
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:00 pm
62
Major Onions says:
Bottagetta,
If one parent is “Nim”, the other must be “DIM”, the question is which gender is which?
So Matt #30, I guess you and the Bama faithful just claimed ANOTHER Nat’l Champ, due to the birth of Saban? Doesn’t that bring Bama’s total to something close to 1,257 NCs?
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:06 pm
63
IJ says:
My six week old son’s middle name is Bryant. But my wife picked it out. I was actually against it. She hails from Texas and that’s a family name.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:10 pm
64
OldCloverdale says:
http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/060926/bride.shtml
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:12 pm
65
Pants McPants says:
These people sound like total idiots….
Signed,
Frank Zappa
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:14 pm
66
BamaTaxMan says:
Once again, in-duh-viduals who couldn’t find the library on campus are somewhat embarrassing my alma mater.
I’d really like to go back about 35 years, and explain to Coach Bryant why a pro football team in Birmingham (it was possible then) would be a good idea.
Why can’t they just watch NASCAR and WWE and leave my university out of it.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:29 pm
67
KT says:
#57……
I didn’t know EDSBS was so popular.
I just recieved a threat of legal action from the Attorney General of Mississippi if I continue my on-line petition…..
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:51 pm
68
T. Kyle King says:
Naming kids after active coaches?
Didn’t we cover this already?
March 23rd, 2007 at 2:27 pm
69
Paterno Jones says:
Can’t wait for daughter “Crimson”.
March 23rd, 2007 at 2:48 pm
70
rocket screen says:
Wow. Damn good thing Rich Rodriguez turned ‘Bama down. The 4th grade playground beat-down possibilities would be endless for a kit named “Rodriguez Witt”.
March 23rd, 2007 at 2:55 pm
71
BamaCPA says:
There’s a kid in my son’s class named after Tuberville – Smug Bastard sits right behind my kid.
March 23rd, 2007 at 4:40 pm
72
J.J. says:
You know what bothers me the most about this? It’s T-y-d-e with a ‘y’.
Other things:
Taking a French name like André and insisting on spelling it (in English) with an accent.
JaJuan. So I’m supposed to pronounce the first ‘J’ the English way and the second one like it’s Spanish.
McKenzie = not a first name.
Brady = slow.
March 23rd, 2007 at 4:47 pm
73
MCab says:
#55 – I thought It was scarlet and primer? (does like Diceman) *OWWWWW*
March 23rd, 2007 at 7:38 pm
74
Less is More says:
#10 …. You might be a redneck if you spend your day calling other people rednecks and you spend your whole life obsessed with Bama instead of your own team.
March 23rd, 2007 at 11:52 pm
75
socalirish says:
But I bet your chicken thought it was correctable, that he saw improvement, and that he was getting better and better…
March 24th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
76
swear true says:
I know two girls from Birmingham with the following middle names- “War Eagle” and “Bluer”, which was legally changed to “Tiger” after the Bo Jackson years. “War Eagle” went ot Georgia and it made national news, she was also featured on ESPN’s Gameday. Never knew what happened to “Tiger”- swear on my life this is true!
March 24th, 2007 at 9:50 pm
77
Boclive says:
My little (325lb) brother had a LARGE black Labrador named “Jay Barker” back in the middle 90’s.
Sweet animal. Only came in from the wild once or twice a week.
March 25th, 2007 at 7:11 am
78
Gurn says:
Paterno Jones: What you may not know is that many Alabama sidewalk alumni spell phonetically.
The future waste of oxygen’s name, therefore, would be “Crimpsun.”
March 25th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
79
OldCloverdale says:
Please click the link and feel free to comment:
http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/060926/bride.shtml
March 26th, 2007 at 10:22 am
80
Mike says:
Hear the radio interview with the Dad on Finebaum:
http://www.finebaum.com/media/interviews/20070323Tim_Witt.wax
March 26th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
81
Loren says:
Nick Saban has a history of leaving teams. They’ll be pissed off when he leaves Bama in 2 years.
March 27th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
82
John in Hsv says:
Will Collier whacks off livestock.
Roll Tide.
April 2nd, 2007 at 4:05 pm
83
binoba says:
the reason nascar and wwe can’t be exclusive to inbred swine is that row tahd university is sammiched between nascar and wwe for their favorite 3 things to mouth breathe for.
May 26th, 2009 at 5:21 pm