AU experts recommend not rolling the trees - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

AU experts recommend not rolling the trees, Tide fans pitch in

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By Web Staff –  email

AUBURN, AL (WTVM) - News Leader 9 has learned that faculty experts at Auburn University are strongly recommending that fans not roll the trees at Toomer's Corner.

With the health of the trees in jeopardy, experts say rolling the trees will make their recovery chances challenging.
Auburn students received an email from the vice president of student affairs Friday.

The health of the trees became an issue after test confirmed they had been poisoned by an herbicide commonly used to kill unwanted trees.

Auburn Police arrested Harvey Updyke Thursday morning after making the connection.

Updyke allegedly poured lethal amounts of Spike 80DF on the trees at Toomer's Corner, then bragged about it in a radio broadcast.

Meanwhile, the University of Alabama and Crimsom Tide fans are raising money to help save the trees.  The group is called "Tide for Toomer's". To help out check out the group's Facebook page. 

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JOINT STATEMENT FROM AUBURN'S GENE CHIZIK AND ALABAMA'S NICK SABAN REGARDING TOOMER'S TREES 

"This is an isolated incident by one individual that is not representative of what the greatest rivalry in college football is all about. The players and coaches at both schools have a tremendous amount of respect for each other on and off the field, and we encourage our fans to show that same amount of respect now and in the future. We will move beyond this regrettable incident and continue to enjoy this great rivalry."

From the University of Alabama and Auburn University Student Government

We are disappointed with the vandalism that has occurred to the famous oak trees at Toomer's Corner on the campus of Auburn University. We share this disappointment with the Auburn and Alabama alumni, students, and fans who recognize this as an insult to the longstanding and unparalleled rivalry between our two exceptional schools.

Now more than ever is a time to reflect on what this rivalry means to all the people associated with these two universities.

As collegiate students from both Auburn and Alabama prepare to take leadership roles across the state and nation, we collectively welcome our responsibility in shaping the future of our alma maters. We must ensure that the values our universities have imbued in us – values of respect, fairness, empathy, and honesty – live on for future generations.

Part of that responsibility is to make certain that the greatest rivalry in college sports goes forward in an atmosphere of honor and mutual respect.

Today, we encourage all students to act in a manner that represents the mission and values of our institutions. By committing ourselves to those values, we may look forward to a future that is marked by commonalities: the preservation of traditions, the pursuit of excellence, and the constant betterment of both Auburn University and The University of Alabama.

War Eagle, and Roll Tide,
Kurt Sasser, SGA President, Auburn University
James Fowler, SGA President, The University of Alabama