Marcell Dareus was key in Alabama's national championship victory over Texas in January, but two trips to Miami, Florida have resulted in the junior defensive end locked on the sideline. The NCAA Thursday ruled Dareus ineligible for two games for receiving improper benefits. Dareus, out of Birmingham's Huffman High School, was under investigation as well as several other football players from other universities for breaking NCAA rules for attending a sports agent's party in Miami.

Along with the two game suspension, The NCAA also ordered Dareus to repay nearly $1800 to a charity of his choice before regaining eligibility. The NCAA says Dareus received preferential treatment and agent benefits, including airfare, transportation, lodging and meals during two trips to Miami. Mike Ward, Alabama's compliance officer says Dareus did not intentionally break rules or knowingly accept benefits from an agent. Alabama is considering an appeal.

Marcell Dareus finished the 2009 season with 33 tackles, nine tackles for loss and team-high 6½ sacks. He returned an interception 28 yards for a touchdown in the Crimson Tide's 37-21 victory over Texas in the BCS National Championship Game at the Rose Bowl.

The news of Dareus' suspension is another blow to the defending national champs roster. Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram (RB) had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Tuesday. Coach Nick Saban said Ingram would miss the Tide's home opener against San Jose State and [Ingram's] return to the playing field would be managed week to week.

In Presidential elections, something unexpected that comes up extremely hurtful to a candidate before the November election is usually called an "October Surprise." In this case, the drama that unfolded involving a candidate for Mayor of Bessemer can be referred to as simply as a "Wednesday Surprise."

With just under a week away from the Bessemer Municipal elections (Tuesday, August 24), the campaign manager for city council member Dorothy "Dot" Davidson has admitted that he lied about University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban endorsing his candidate. 35 year old Kevin Morris says he tricked Davidson into believing she had Saban's endorsement. Morris also admitted that he was responsible for a campaign flier that had a photo shopped picture of Saban and Davidson. The original picture was of Coach Saban and his wife, Terry. Morris says he told Davidson the original photograph was of Saban and his mother, but that Saban had approved the digital altering of the picture. "I lied," said Morris. [Davidson] did nothing wrong.

But wait, there's more! Davidson says he did talk with Saban and had indeed asked for his support. According to Morris, the conversation did not result in an official endorsement, but Saban did give his support. "The only way [Davidson] believed me is that my father is a close friend of Saban," said Morris.

Morris stepped down as Davidson's campaign manager today and says Davidson expressed disappointment during a brief conversation.

Read Milton McGregor's statement regarding the temporary closing of Victoryland.

...A significant heat wave will continue across central Alabama

through Friday...

.High pressure and ridging aloft will continue to be parked just

west of the area for the foreseeable future. Down right hot and

humid conditions will persist across central Alabama through at

least Friday. Some relief could come into the area for the

weekend...but temperatures will remain well above normal. high

temperatures will climb to the upper 90s to 100 plus degrees in

many locales and heat indices will jump into the 108 to

115 degree range across central Alabama. Overnight lows will not

provide much relief as lows will stay in the mid to upper 70s.

while some relief may be seen with scattered afternoon

thunderstorms...the majority of the area will see these

dangerously hot conditions.

...A significant heat wave will continue across Central Alabama
through Thursday...
.high pressure and ridging aloft will continue to be parked just
west of the area for the foreseeable future. Down right hot and
humid conditions will persist across Central Alabama through at
least Thursday and possibly into Friday. High temperatures will
climb to the upper 90s to 100 plus degrees in many locales and
heat indices will jump into the 108 to 115 degree range across
Central Alabama. Overnight lows will not provide much relief as
lows will stay in the mid to upper 70s. While some relief may be
seen with scattered afternoon thunderstorms...the majority of the
area will see these dangerous hot conditions.

A heat advisory remains in effect until 7 pm Tuesday. The combination of heat and humidity will create heat index values from 106 to 112 degrees in many locations through at least Tuesday afternoon...and possibly into Wednesday. In addition...overnight temperatures will not provide great relief as these lows will remain in the mid to upper 70s in many places. A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids...stay in an air-conditioned room...stay out of the sun...and check up on relatives and neighbors. Make sure your pets have plenty of water and shelter.

Two homes were destroyed in an early morning fire in Pratt City. The blaze touched off around 4:30 at a vacant home in the 100 block of Avenue Y. The fire was so intense it spread to the house next door where an elderly woman had to be rescued. Also, one firefighter was sent to UAB hospital after becoming overheated and dehydrated while battling the blaze. The firefighter was treated and released from the hospital.