Alabama football fans can’t help but notice the irony in what’s being called the “beginning of the end” for Hugh Freeze.

Alabama Fans Shouldn’t Gloat—This Situation Is No Joke

There’s nothing funny about what’s happening at Auburn, and Alabama fans would be wise to resist the urge to mock their rival over this. A domestic violence charge is neither trivial nor a punchline.

In mid-July, Auburn wide receiver Malcom Simmons was arrested on a serious charge: felony domestic assault involving strangulation or suffocation. According to AL.com, Opelika police responded to a domestic violence call and observed bruising on the neck of Simmons’ girlfriend. Simmons has denied the charge.

More recently, Yahoo Sports reported that Auburn appears to be slow-walking its response, prompting criticism. The site Fly War Eagle didn’t hold back: “Auburn Tigers football coach Hugh Freeze and AD John Cohen are in serious hot water for their handling—or lack thereof—of Malcom Simmons’ domestic violence charges. Freeze and Cohen have yet to remove Simmons from the roster, despite mounting pressure from across the college football world, including Auburn supporters.”

Simmons had a standout freshman season, recording 40 receptions for 451 yards. But his value on the field should have no influence on the legal process—or Auburn’s decision on how to respond.

Fly War Eagle went even further: “This charge could be what sinks this era of Auburn athletics… The school may be forced to move on from Freeze and Cohen… This feels like the beginning of the end for Freeze.”

Freeze Has No Friends in Tuscaloosa

If Simmons is found guilty, Alabama fans’ sympathy will be directed toward the victim—none toward Freeze. In fact, many Tide fans would relish Freeze remaining at Auburn, viewing him as a long-term liability.

Longtime observers of Freeze’s career, dating back to his scandal-ridden tenure at Ole Miss, are asking the obvious question: Did anyone at Auburn really expect different results? Hiring a coach with a well-documented history of personal misconduct and ethical red flags was always a gamble.

Now, Auburn is facing the consequences of that gamble. Whether they truly care—or ever did—remains to be seen.