Storyful
When is a win really a loss? You’re looking at it … ’cause after Alabama hoisted the national championship trophy Monday night — Tide fans packed the streets of Tuscaloosa to celebrate, and it was a COVID nightmare.
Just minutes after ‘Bama finished drubbing Ohio State, 52-24, students and fans near the school’s campus decided to flood the local roadways — many sans face coverings.
The scene was surreal — particularly after government officials have repeatedly said that any sort of large gatherings without social distancing could lead to massive spreads of the coronavirus.
The Strip in Tuscaloosa pic.twitter.com/R41YZdsoc2
— Ben Flanagan (@ThisBenFlanagan) January 12, 2021
@ThisBenFlanagan
Check out footage from the celebration — there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people within inches of each other … all hooting, hollering and yelling.
Of course, Tuscaloosa mayor Walt Maddox advised fans to do the exact opposite of this last week … explaining to Tide fans a block part of this magnitude after a championship victory could have dire consequences.
@waltmaddox / Twitter
“There will be a time and place to celebrate, but this is not the time,” Maddox said in a video posted to his social media page on Jan. 8.
“All of us have friends, family members, people that we know and love who have been impacted by COVID-19. Presently, our hospital is stretched.”
It’s all made even worse by the fact that Alabama’s cases are currently surging … the state had over 2,000 more positive COVID results on Monday — with a reported 13 people dying from the virus on Monday as well.
Goes without saying … celebrate the win — ’cause the Tide truly did earn it this season — but for everyone’s sake, please do it safely!!!