×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Player's dad breaks team trophy

Oh no! This an 'oops moment' to make one cringe

The championship dream is intact, but the $30,000 crystal football trophy has been shattered at the University of Alabama.

A player's father accidentally broke the Waterford crystal football awarded to the Crimson Tide after the team defeated Louisiana State University in January for the national collegiate title.

On Saturday the team was celebrating A-Day, an intra-squad scrimmage that marks the end of spring training, and trophies were on special display to allow people to take photographs with them.

The player's father, who is not being named, bumped the table holding the trophy. The motion yanked the tablecloth, sending the crystal piece to the floor.

"He feels really bad about it," said Jeff Purinton, spokesman for the university's football programme.

The university has contacted the American Football Coaches Association, which owns the pricey crystal ball. A new one will be made for permanent display at the school in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, according to AFCA spokesman Vince Thompson.

This isn't the first crystal football mishap. The University of Florida's 2006 championship ball was accidentally shattered in 2008, and two were stolen from Florida State University in 2004, Thompson said.

"One little slip and it can bust. You have to keep two hands on it," he said.

Before going on permanent display at the winning schools, the championship crystal footballs travel around the country for events at shopping centres, fan rallies and games.

A crystal ball has never been broken at a public stop.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.