By By MICHELE GERLACH – Publisher
It's not unusual for former University of Alabama assistant coach and Brewton native Ronnie Cottrell to make the state's sports pages.
As a matter of fact, Cottrell has gotten lots of press since a Tuscaloosa jury awarded him $300 million last week in his suit against recruiting analyst Tom Culpepper.
But this week, his brother, Brewton pharmacist Danny Cottrell, made the state's – and region's – sports pages when sports columnist Paul Finebaum wrote about him.
Summing up the winners and losers in the Ronnie Cottrell – Culpepper case, Finebaum cited Ronnie Cottrell as one of the winners, then added, "A man who gets little credit but deserves a lion's share is Cottrell's brother, Danny, the Brewton pharmacist, who introduced the coach to lawyer/ringmaster Tommy Gallion, encouraged him along the way and helped defray the bulging costs."
Sunday, The Huntsville Times wrote about Danny Cottrell's role in his brother's case in an article headlined "How Cottrell's burden was lifted." The article is accessible at www.al.com, and details how Danny Cottrell pushed his brother to file the initial lawsuit.
Working out of town Tuesday, Danny Cottrell said he hasn't gotten much feedback on the Finebaum column. He explained that he got to know Gallion while serving as president of the Alabama Pharmaceutical Association.
Danny Cottrell was so involved in the case that the media began referring to the brothers and the attorney as "Team Cottrell."
Of all the media attention, Cottrell said, the Birmingham Post-Herald's coverage of the verdict was the sweetest. Prior to the verdict, the Cottrells felt the Post Herald's coverage had been the least favorable, he said.
Already, the other side is lining up appeals in the case and Gallion is still looking for a way to get the NCAA in a courtroom. Originally listed as defendants in the case, the NCAA was dismissed from the case by Judge Steve Wilson. Wilson also is protecting an indemnity agreement that Culpepper had with the NCAA; Gallion is expected to challenge that decision as well.