An endorsement from a celebrity can sometimes make or break a political candidate.
For Dorothy Davidson, it could break her chances.
Top photo shows the digitally-altered photo of Alabama coach Nick Saban with Bettemer councilwoman Dorothy Davidson. Bottom photo is the real photo with Saban and his wife, Terry. (Photo courtesy of The Birmingham News)
The Bessemer (Ala.) Councilwoman, who is running for mayor, claims she has the endorsement of Alabama football coach Nick Saban. She even has the photo to prove it.
Problem is University of Alabama officials say there is no endorsement and that the photo is digitally-altered.
“Coach Saban has not been contacted for a political endorsement of any kind,” Associate Athletics Director Jeff Purinton wrote in an e-mail response to questions from The Birmingham News.
When contacted about the photo, Davidson claims it is real and that it was taken several weeks ago. But the photo is actually of Saban and his wife taken in 2007. When pressed by the paper, she admits the photo was altered but that, “They said we could do it this way.”
Davidson and her campaign manager insist that despite the photo, the support for her campaign by the Crimson Tide coach is real.
Davidson is one of six candidates running for mayor. The election is Tuesday.
Something tells me that the other five candidates will use this to their advantage.
College Gridiron 365 is the home of the latest college football news and analysis and now you can find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at osplanner, twstephens, and gridiron365. Please tune in each week to listen to the latest episode of College Football Weekly, our new podcast.