Auburn Tree Poisoning Suspect Goes on Radio Show

BIRMINGHAM, ALA. (AP) � The Alabama fan accused of poisoning his rival school’s famous trees has gone a radio show, saying he is going to get what he deserves. Harvey Updyke is accused of poisoning the oak trees at Auburn’s Toomer’s Corner. Updyke is a former Lufkin resident. He also served as a state trooper in south Texas.

He told Birmingham radio show host Paul Finebaum on Thursday that he has “done a lot of good things, and undoubtedly that wasn’t one of them.” He says he doesn’t want to be remembered as “Harvey the tree poisoner.”

The 61-year-old Updyke appeared in court Wednesday for a preliminary hearing. Shortly afterward, he told police he was attacked at a gas station. Updyke told the radio show that he doesn’t blame Auburn fans for being angry with him. He ended his appearance on the show saying: “Roll Damn Tide.”