Auburn associate AD accused of pushing 'blatant lies' about Cal ahead of Week 2 football matchup

Auburn's associate AD, Bill Shannon, was accused by SF Gate's Alex Simon of spreading "blatant lies" about Cal's involvement with military flyovers ahead of games. Shannon's rant was meant to be aimed at California, a blue state with different values than Alabama.

It ended up called out for its inaccuracy, though. Cal has been involved with flyovers in recent years.

"In his current role, Shannon teaches courses on leadership for Auburn employees, coaches and student-athletes in addition to overseeing the fan experience. Unclear in those responsibilities is where 'pushing blatant lies about your opponent' factors in," Simon wrote.

Shannon's jokes pushed the envelope and made sweeping generalizations that were unfounded.

"I have another caution: No military flyover has taken place at a Cal game since the 50’s,” Shannon said. “Those who do stand for the National Anthem may need something to calm them down. USAF jets incoming.”

He later apologized for the remarks.

“No offense meant to Cal. Thought it was a bit of humor,” Shannon said. “I grew up in California and know the political views there or at least the stereotypical ones. We cherish our ROTC cadets here and it’s gratifying to know Cal does to California.”

Cal-Auburn represents major cultural divide

Cal and Auburn is a culture clash that fans from the Bay Area may not be prepared for. Berkley, California and Auburn, Alabama has a massive chasm in between that's nearly impossible to bridge.

There's a reason the Golden Bears ended up in the ACC. A school like Cal would never be accepted into the SEC, which has valued proximity and owns some of the highest conference standards across the country, in a million years. The Big Ten is too competitive for them, too.

Auburn has a chance to shut the Golden Bears up on the field as heavy favorites at the spread. Shannon's comments were unnecessary and potential bulletin board material for Cal.