‘Snake’ out as UA football broadcaster

Published 9:26 pm Thursday, April 16, 2009

TUSCALOOSA (AP) — Ken Stabler won’t return as the football color analyst for Alabama radio broadcasts.

The former Crimson Tide and NFL quarterback had been on leave from his duties since his arrest on a drunken-driving charge last June. He was found not guilty by a judge in Robertsdale.

Crimson Tide Sports Network General Manager Jim Carabin and Alabama athletic director Mal Moore announced the decision on Thursday.

“In talking recently with Kenny he has decided to pursue other opportunities and will not return to our radio broadcast team,” Moore said. “I appreciate Kenny’s contributions to our program over the years and I look forward to that relationship continuing in the future. Kenny’s an important part of our history and his involvement as part of our announce team over the years was tremendous.”

In a statement released by the university, Stabler said: “I will continue to support UA in any way possible and wish only the best to the entire Alabama family.”

No permanent replacement has been named. Former Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage is handling color duties for Saturday’s spring game.

A rotation of former Tide players filled in for Stabler last season.