This story starts on November 26, 2010. That is when the Alabama Crimson Tide took on the Auburn Tigers in the "Iron Bowl". This is arguably the greatest rivalry in football, possibly in all of American sports. It has gotten to a "crazy" level. Alabama was on their way to a sure victory leading 24 - 0, but the Tigers roared back and beat the Crimson Tide 28 - 27. A great win for Auburn - but a humiliating and devastating defeat for the Alabama fans. This article is about one of those "crazy" fans.
Harvey Updike, a retired Texas state trooper, grew up in Mississippi, went to college in Florida (FU), and later resided in Alabama, living between the two teams he hates and loves. He was so distraught after that game that he wanted "payback". Two old, enormous, oak trees have always been part of Auburn's tradition, so Harvey poisoned them. It was a huge scandal. The two icons finally died after a vigorous attempt to save them.
Harvey confessed to everything and went to jail. He was released this past June, now a humbled man. He is on supervised probation with a 7 pm curfew and banned from all college sporting events.
But one matter was still to be decided. How much did he have to pay in restitution and court costs? Well, the judge in the case ruled on that this November... Over $800,000. There is no way he can pay that, having little money to his name. But the judge gave him an easy payment schedule... $500 a month for life. That would take him about 133 years to pay it all off! Since Harvey is 65, he would be, oh, about 198 years old at that time. On top of that, he is struggling with his health. I'm going to go out on a limb and say he's not going to make it!
Harvey Updike, a retired Texas state trooper, grew up in Mississippi, went to college in Florida (FU), and later resided in Alabama, living between the two teams he hates and loves. He was so distraught after that game that he wanted "payback". Two old, enormous, oak trees have always been part of Auburn's tradition, so Harvey poisoned them. It was a huge scandal. The two icons finally died after a vigorous attempt to save them.
Harvey confessed to everything and went to jail. He was released this past June, now a humbled man. He is on supervised probation with a 7 pm curfew and banned from all college sporting events.
But one matter was still to be decided. How much did he have to pay in restitution and court costs? Well, the judge in the case ruled on that this November... Over $800,000. There is no way he can pay that, having little money to his name. But the judge gave him an easy payment schedule... $500 a month for life. That would take him about 133 years to pay it all off! Since Harvey is 65, he would be, oh, about 198 years old at that time. On top of that, he is struggling with his health. I'm going to go out on a limb and say he's not going to make it!
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