Alabama Fights Back, Will Appeal NCAA Ruling

Well, just as I expected, Alabama is fighting back against the NCAA.

Two weeks after the NCAA ruled that 'Bama must vacate 21 wins from the 2005, 2006 and 2007 seasons because some players illegally obtained textbooks for other students, officials at the school announced they would formally appeal the penalty, which they termed "excessive." Alabama President Robert Witt said the NCAA's ruling represented an "abuse of discretion."

The decision to file an appeal is interesting, given that, when the ruling was first announced, many in Alabama were actually relieved. Besides, the school is a repeat offender, and the NCAA didn't see fit to hand down any penalties that would hamper the program going forward. 'Bama didn't lose any scholarships and didn't receive a postseason ban. Sure, losing those 21 wins is painful, but in the end, this ruling was little more than a slap on the wrist.

So why fight it?

Well, because 'Bama has a proud football history, and to a lot of people down there, those 21 wins really do matter.

Alabama Athletic Director Mal More alluded to that recently, telling reporters that the school feels "responsible to our former players who competed so hard to win those games and for our fans and alumni who have supported us."

Moore added: "We're doing this appeal with every intention of winning."

Photo: Nick Saban and Alabama are fighting the NCAA. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)