Ahead of Saturday’s game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers, the Alabama Student Government Association released a letter warning that “disruptive behavior” could lead to fans losing their reserved seats for the high-profile SEC clash.
That led many to believe Alabama was looking to avoid any protests of President Donald Trump, who is expected to attend the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
However, Alabama has since released a follow-up statement clarifying their original comments.
In the revised statement, the University of Alabama says they will not punish any fans who decide to boo Trump if/when he is shown during the game.
“The SGA strongly affirms its belief in free speech and the rights of all students to express their opinions,” the statement said, via USA Today. “Today’s report erroneously assigned a political context to a message meant only to remind students about heightened security and the consequences of altercations or other behaviors unbecoming of a University of Alabama student.”
Alabama wants student organizations to have their members be in the stadium “no later than 12:30 p.m.” local time.
President Trump previously attended the College Football Playoff National Championship Game between Alabama and the Georgia Bulldogs in January 2018 and later welcomed the Crimson Tide to the White House.
During his recent public appearances, Trump has received a tough shake from the crowd. After being booed by the fans at the World Series, Trump was later booed by the crowd at Madison Square Garden for UFC 244. The good news for Trump, however, is that Alabama is a deep red state and the crowd should be much more friendly.
Kickoff of Saturday, November 9 between No. 2 Alabama and No. 1 LSU — which will have some major College Football Playoff implications — at Bryant-Denny Stadium is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.