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Nick Saban Sends Controversial Message About Recruiting, NIL

Nick Saban recently lamented his dancing prowess when speaking on the incredibly awkward viral videos of LSU coach Brian Kelly dancing with recruits

ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 01: University of Alabama head coach Nick Saban leads his team onto the field during the first half of the Camping World Kickoff game between Alabama and Louisville on September 01, 2018, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL.(Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire)

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.”

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

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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