Updyke trial set for tree poisoning

MONTGOMERY, Ala. --The Alabama fan accused of poisoning two oak trees that have been staging points for decades of celebrations at rival Auburn is about to go on trial.

Attorneys will begin selecting a jury Tuesday to hear the case against Harvey Updyke Jr., in a courtroom less than 10 miles from Toomer's Corner and the Auburn campus.

Updyke allegedly poisoned the trees after Auburn beat Alabama during the Tigers' 2010 national title season. The defendant, a 63-year-old fan of Alabama's Crimson Tide, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of criminal mischief and two counts of desecrating a venerable object, among other charges.

"A lot of jurors have heard about this case, so our questions are going to be centered around the question: 'Can you be fair and exclude this other... [via NCAA]