The nasty side of rivalry week is rearing its head

[RebStang]

Ole Miss officials and campus police have gotten the FBI involved in the investigation of a note threatening to poison the trees in the Grove that was signed in a way that makes it appear to have been written by a Mississippi State redneck (phrasing carefully to include the possibility that it's a hoax).

FBI Looking into Threat against Grove Trees
University Police Department forwarded threatening letter to federal investigators

OXFORD, Miss – A handwritten note threatening damage to trees and shrubs in the Grove at the University of Mississippi and signed "Hail State/Go to Hell TSUN" was turned over to the Jackson office of the FBI today (Nov. 26) by UM Police Chief Calvin Sellers.

The note, which arrived on campus late Tuesday (Nov. 25), said:

"What's going to happen to ya'll on the field Saturday Aint nothing compared to what's going to happen on your beautiful campus. You won't be one of the most pretty campus's Next year. A lot of shrubs and trees are going to die; especially in the grove. Can't stop us" (signed) "Hail State Go to Hell TSUN."

Law enforcement authorities are taking the threat seriously and are encouraging fans to report suspicious behavior, Sellers said. In addition, he said, law enforcement resources have been added to address fan safety inside and outside the stadium.

"This longtime football rivalry has separated families and friends for generations, but while it's spirited, our attention has been focused mostly on the football field," Sellers said. "We encourage everyone to remember that this is a game, after all, not a time for hate. We are hopeful that passions have not escalated to the point that someone is prepared to do damage to a landmark for which all Mississippians take great pride."

The threat revived memories of Alabama fan Harvey Updyke Jr., who pled guilty to poisoning the iconic Toomer's Corner oaks near the Auburn University campus following the 2010 Iron Bowl.

Staff Report

Copyright 2014, University of Mississippi
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[Rebel10]

State is going down.

[PonySnob]

Ole Miss certainly trying to be the spoiler this weekend. Would've really been something if both these teams had been top 5 coming into this game like they were back in October.

[mrydel]

State is going down.

You lost a lot when that receiver broke his leg. Both him as a player, but also the emotional loss. Don't know if Ole Miss can recover from that.

[RebStang]

State is going down.

I certainly hope so. Would like nothing more than to shut those dirt farmers up for the next 365 days.

One concern I have is that I feel like it's going to end up being a very nasty environment on and off the field. I won't be surprised if there are some really nasty incidents on and off the field on Saturday.

[Big12Mustang]

Mississippi State will win and so will Alabama.

[gostangs]

Agree with you big 12.

[TidePony]

Mississippi State will win and so will Alabama.

I hope so!!!

[orguy]

Hope MSU beats the OLE Miss "whiskey sipping sometimes overtly racist ignorant redneck rebels".

[gostangs]

The people at OL miss are great. If you are looking for rednecks miss state is the spot. OL miss has fun preppy whiskey sipping fans that know how to have a good time. Beats the flat brim embarrassing goofs in CA.

That said, I think miss state has the better team this year.

[Arkpony]

Go REBS