Nick Saban Sends Controversial Message About Recruiting, NIL

Alabama head coach Nick Saban is joining the list of coaches who aren’t too thrilled about the new NIL rules.

When speaking to the media this week, Saban opened up on how the current model that allows for schools like his to basically “buy” players is leading the sport down a slippery slope.

“I don’t think what we’re doing right now is a sustainable model,” Saban said. “The concept of name, image and likeness was for players to be able to use their name, image and likeness to create opportunities for themselves. That’s what it was. So last year on our team, our guys probably made as much or more than anybody in the country.

“But that creates a situation where you can basically buy players. You can do it in recruiting. I mean, if that’s what we want college football to be, I don’t know. And you can also get players to get in the transfer portal to see if they can get more someplace else than they can get at your place.”

Nick Saban sounded off on the current state of NIL and the transfer portal…

Read more: https://t.co/lgNxnI4Lvr pic.twitter.com/AYqXACW6GQ

— On3 (@On3sports) April 13, 2022

Fans had a mixed reaction to Nick Saban’s comments.

When are people going to learn Saban doesn't complain? He simply warns and then conquers.

— Jayde Saylor (@JaydeSaylor) April 13, 2022

Saban running the entire sport while constantly shitting on the sport will always be tough as fuck https://t.co/7r6ccqPNaC

— Mole Embiid (@BumSimm0ns) April 13, 2022

The last time Nick Saban asked “if that’s what we want college football to be,” it was a warning, not a complaint. He ditched MurderBall, adopted a hurry-up offense and won 3 national titles in 6 years.

You wanna drive up the price in an NIL War? Aight. pic.twitter.com/HsoNrjT3Uc

— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) April 13, 2022

I believe Saban warned all of CFB about this “transfer portal” and everyone claimed he couldn’t keep up. What’s everyone saying now?

— Wyatt Fulton (@FultonW_) April 12, 2022

Wonder if @usatodaysports will write a hit piece on Saban for these comments? Or is that reserved only for *some people*? https://t.co/tJu1VojdXi

— William Qualkinbush (@QualkTalk) April 13, 2022

Quick, everyone yell at Saban https://t.co/5DIWMa0Ung

— Matt Connolly (@MattOnClemson) April 13, 2022

The surest sign that Nick Saban is about to do something is if he dismisses it with disgust. pic.twitter.com/dgOedmwmMs

— Jason B. Hirschhorn (@by_JBH) April 13, 2022

Many fans were quick to jump at Nick Saban for sounding like he was against players getting paid. But it seems like he’s simply making a point that some schools will have a clear advantage in recruiting when players can make more NIL money (such as Alabama).

With this being the case, Saban is undoubtedly using the new circumstances to his advantage, but even he realizes that it might not be the best thing for the competitiveness of the sport.

Either way, Nick Saban is going to win. No matter the cost.

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