Obama honors Alabama for its 2012 BCS National Championship at Current News

Obama Honors Alabama for Title

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WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama honored the University of Alabama football team for winning the BCS championship to culminate what he called a ``deeply meaningful season for the Tide.''

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Obama's message to the Crimson Tide went beyond the team's second national title in three seasons and a 21-0 shutout of LSU in the BCS championship game in January.

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He praised the Tide coaches and players for their efforts in the Alabama community, noting their role in helping rebuild Tuscaloosa, Ala., after devastating tornadoes touched down in April 2011.

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``Now, obviously this is a team that knows something about adversity,'' Obama said. ``It was one year ago next week that an F4 tornado carved a path right through the town of Tuscaloosa. I traveled down there two days later to see the devastation with the mayor and the governor. And I've got to tell you, I'd never seen anything like it.''

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The team emerged from the second floor of the White House onto the balcony while a U.S. Marine Corps combo played the fight song ``Yea Alabama.''

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Obama emerged from the Oval Office in the West Wing with Nick Saban. Among those present were Sens. Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions and Rep. Spencer Bachus.

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Alabama offensive lineman Barrett Jones presented Obama with a crimson and white jersey with his name on the back and the No. 14 representing the total national titles the Tide counts. He also got an Alabama helmet.

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``I'm probably going to need a helmet between now and November,'' Obama joked

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The president also made reference to last weekend's accidental shattering of the $30,000 Waterford Crystal trophy from the title.

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``So this team didn't just shatter records,'' Obama said. ``I hear the championship trophy also took a bit of a spill earlier this week.''

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The combo played ``Sweet Home Alabama'' as he shook hands with the Tide contingent.

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