Alabama fires employee over songs

Published Nov. 29, 2010 9:03 p.m. ET

foxsports

The University of Alabama has fired an employee who played songs aimed at Auburn quarterback Cam Newton before the Iron Bowl.

University spokeswoman Debbie Lane said Monday that the part-time staffer was fired for the unauthorized songs. ''Take the Money and Run'' and ''Son of a Preacher Man'' were played while Newton and the Tigers warmed up. The NCAA has been investigating allegations that Newton's father, a pastor, solicited $180,000 from Mississippi State during recruiting.

Lane said in a statement that all music and videos played in the stadium before and during games have to be approved by a senior athletic administrator. She said the staffer — who was not named — didn't get those songs cleared.

The Tuscaloosa News first reported the firing.