Nick Saban goes OFF on NIL issues 🗣️ 'EACH YEAR IT'S WORSE!' [FULL INTERVIEW] | The Pat McAfee Show

[@kylez9094]

It’s free agency with no salary cap, no contracts, and the window opens a week before the playoffs

[@Flyerman777]

Way tougher for teams (or schools) in college than the NFL

[@jameswilson7790]

That last observation is insane. Penn State found out about that the hard way.

[@clearstar8354]

@@JacobBOKC-v6f Yes, but the difference is Papa Johns doesn't silently tell the Dallas Cowboy player that they need to quit the team, or ask to be traded, or opt out of his final year of his contract in order to get the money. That's the equivalent to what NIL is basically doing, they aren't just giving a player like Caleb Downs $1MM because he's Caleb Downs, they are tell him he needs to leave Alabama and go to Ohio State in order to get the money.

[@RonTDB]

@@JacobBOKC-v6f There is a difference in getting paid for name, image, & likeness vs some booster giving them $ to come play for their team.🙄

[@gibshredcamel]

@@JacobBOKC-v6fwhat are you even talking about? The NFL absolutely has some control over player endorsement.

[@Byrd21590]

“When I was there, we were always really lucky in recruiting” Saban - “yeah luck” from Pat had me dying!

[@JK-gu3tl]

Top program in southeast does it. Eddie Jackson almost went to a smaller school, for ex. Mac Jones almost went to UK. Julio Jones being Bama born was luck.

[@BUCKStrickland-c7t]

@@JK-gu3tlhahahaha now what about Jerry jeudy who was from south FL lol and Amari cooper also from south FL

[@JK-gu3tl]

@BUCKStrickland-c7t marquise maze? Kevin Norwood? Jameis Winston turned Bama down and he's from the state!

[@stephensnyder1055]

College ball isn’t even close to the same anymore.

[@jasonshumake777]

And us non SEC fans are glad it changed give the rest a chance.

[@Basgerin]

You still don't have a chance. This isn't about you winning or losing, you were always going to lose.

[@Waitaminit-wo5er]

@@jasonshumake777 A "chance" at what? To get into the playoffs and get blown out. The big dogs are still going to be on top in the end and they're gonna eat!

[@jasonshumake777]

@@Waitaminit-wo5er have to wait and see

[@DexterLiveYT]

@@jasonshumake777mind you all the players that transfer (top players) transfer to SEC SCHOOLS dumbo😂

[@Battlegnome112]

13 starters opted out for FSUs bowl game against Georgia. THIRTEEN Thats almost 60 percent of their starters. And the kids still got paid…. It’s been a problem. It’s just now affecting the rest of the nation.

[@supersamsports1977]

The name of the game is FU-- PAY ME. Just like the NFL

[@kevinwhite3685]

Well when you win every game and still don't make the playoffs, what do you expect. Fla state is not a good example of what's going on

[@SP-mh9qw]

​@@kevinwhite3685Exactly. Bad example.

[@curtisb8557]

@Battlegnome112 I think if this was an issue, the BIG pocket money giver would demand the player plays in all bowl games... that's simply not the market right now... if you dislike it, refer to the way runningbacks felt in 2023 and before... "it's not in my financial agreement to play some silly bowl game, my career draft stock is set. you're asking me to risk my career. that isn't what was agreed upon. I like money and I am not playing in the bowl game" thats the market. kids used to make $0,000,000 and usually pay to play, meanwhile the coaches and college were making financial deals with Nike and all state insurance and tostitos and pocketing everything!

[@djangojenkins7019]

They were doing That before nil sir

[@nikivory6891]

The GOAT is making a very good point. What does happen when the main people paying for these NIL deals get tired of seeing the players they are investing in being able to just leave after one year. The transfer portal rules seems to be much more of the problem with college football than the actual NIL money.

[@alabamacountry9127]

Yep it will change. No way all these donors going to put up with it forever.

[@FSUSean2112]

i saw a article back in the summer last year where a guy wrote the possible future of college football where he said the transfer portal will soon go away and disappear and he said how it will go away is the NIL ppl will eventually say ''hey we give you this NIL deal but its only if you stay with the school, once you transfer or if you want to, the NIL deal is off''. and that will force kids to think twice about going in the portal. so that could be a option that they just havent thought of yet. i mean you will have kids saying hey im a backup or a 3rd string player but im not transfering cause im locked into this NIL deal. i mean that would be the end of the portal

[@EB-bl6cc]

@@FSUSean2112 yeah basically. They're going to start making the NIL deals be contracts where you have to stay with the team or pay back the money

[@centinelyork]

@@EB-bl6cc I don't know man... I seen colleges pay for athletes and wish they left lol because they didn't get their money's worth. Locking in a player like that can be costly as well.

[@FSUSean2112]

@EB-bl6cc good

[@stp1986]

He warned everyone and he’s been consistent with this message the entire time. People weren’t listening because they thought he was sour but he saw it coming. Folks nailed him to the cross. He has never had a problem with players getting paid. He’s a proponent for it. The system isn’t set up for success and needs to be corrected.

[@John-h3e7d]

He started it

[@MuhGlassRibs]

nick saban was paying girlfriends money for getting their boyfriend to sign. we know that money went straight to the players

[@xXdectorXxgaming]

Players deserve to be paid. Yes there’s a culture change with it but the end result the same.

[@xXdectorXxgaming]

Fine tuning and regulating nil will happen. Just gotta give it time.

[@kace1022]

He started this problem and didnt mind enriching himself off the backs of his players. 100 million and a couple car dealerships.

[@TEExTIMEPODCAST]

Saban called this last year. And everyone thought he was crazy or hating

[@chikushodiz91]

He is crazy and hating lol he and bama have always been spending money on recruits but now the whole field can he bitched cried and jumped ship

[@JamesEarlRayMLK]

@@chikushodiz91retard take

[@silentrage8994]

​@@chikushodiz91 you're a 🤡... If this keeps up college football will lose a lot of viewers and ticket sales.

[@05Maxima-j5q]

He is hating. Saban is just mad that other teams can now pay more than he did. You're naive if you think Saban wasn't giving these kids under the table deals before NIL became prevalent. Now they have to give them actual money instead of being able to just bribe them with cars like he used too

[@HDG_239]

@@chikushodiz91 you get it. When saban left Dodge cried no more cars to give out.

[@Clvtch22]

I hate bama but I also love college football and if you don’t think the transfer portal and NIL need tweaking and adjusting than you’re either being ignorant or dishonest. Kids should get paid but they should earn it and not be allowed to transfer EVERY YEAR I think for every time you transfer you must stay at the school for a minimum of 2 years this way you could only transfer a maximum of 2 times playing for a total of 3 college teams is more than enough

[@kickdeboll]

They need contracts like NFL

[@dba4292]

Scholarship to the school and the chance to play at the pro level not enough? Teach the kids and players to make and stick to a commitment. Bailing on the school, the fans, and the state because things doesn’t go your way teaches them that quitting is good and that you can always get a better option elsewhere. I can get on board with players leaving in their final year, but SO and JR should stay where they signed and learn that growth is important in life and not everything has a quick fix.

[@jonathanbritton1133]

Yeah also Bamas and UGAs don’t loose front line players but other schools do and they are treated as farm teams for the bigger schools with more money it has ruined college ball you can’t learn your team and be excited about where you will be the next year.

[@jermainenoneya134]

​@@dba4292 Just like the coaches right? 😂 Coaches leave players high and dry all the time while they're making millions.

[@hunter24seven]

@@jermainenoneya134 not after 1 year

[@ChristopherWest-hc3nr]

If nothing is done About the NIL it will doom college sports. Portal is also a problem it needs adjustments.

[@austinwalters3219]

I absolutely refuse to listen to Saban complain about it. Alabama has been doing the same thing they are whining about for YEARS. Now they're mad the shoe is on the other foot. Cope

[@andrewp4220]

How? College sports is better than ever.

[@diggingmystyle]

NIL and transfer portal has given the power back to the players and has eliminated the edge dirty programs have had for decades. I love it.

[@ChristopherWest-hc3nr]

@diggingmystyle will be the downfall

[@jaxsontuttle4932]

College football is better than ever people are only pissed cause the big power schools like Alabama and Ohio state and other SEC teams don’t have as much power anymore😂

[@Molasar54]

I still remember a story Coach Saban told from Miss Terry after a recruiting visit with families and recruits. She asked Coach "What are doing this for? The parents only care about how much money and playing time the child will get. They don't care about the college experience, being coached up to be a better human, nothing but the money." I think that's a large reason Coach retired.

[@mas5867]

Saban was successful convincing one group. But the mind is terrible thing to waste.

[@5minuteswithmike]

Good ole Saban left LSU because money was also top of his mind too. Let's not act like this guy was a saint while he was exploiting college players for his own good. 😮

[@ryansmith2772]

@@5minuteswithmikeif you compare coaching LSU to coaching the Dolphins then it’s not a choice. If you think going to Bama was a mistake 😂 you are also mistaken there. He’s the GOAT for a reason. Compare him to anyone. He wins

[@DGriff-ix5el]

His own players after loss to MEEchigan, sealed the deal! Exit stage right!

[@mas5867]

​ @ryansmith2772 name a coach that got to play in 4 NCs where said coach did not win his conf OR played a team that did not win their conf. Saban was a good coach but owning 7 questionable NCs does not make him great. List his on the field accomplishments that support him being a great coach. NCs are opinions. Wins and losses aren't.

[@domenicdurante966]

Nick says nobody talks about graduation and the college experience anymore at around 6:25. Dabo Sweeney has emphasized this for years.

[@jaythomaso9311]

💯☝

[@John-h3e7d]

Riiiiight...like every 5* from all corners of the country over a 10-15 year period was flocking to Alabama because they were pitching that world-renowned bama EDUCATION.....🤣🤣🤣....heard it all now. And clemson?! lol

[@JT-gt4uv]

@@John-h3e7d actually it was. Saban has always coached about preparing for life on and off the field.

[@idonthaveone7576]

@@John-h3e7d Alabama had the highest graduation rate in the SEC and one of the highest in the entire nation every year under Saban. the kids getting a degree was his number ONE priority. you're an idiot

[@ThreadAndCircuses1]

Players don't even step on campus anymore with online classes.

[@suburbangrower4050]

This duo is Gold!!! Nick and Pat are becoming the new faces of college football! 🗣️Roll Tide !

[@ADeleven]

If NCAA didn't take advantage of it kids then we wouldn't be in this situation 🤷‍♂️

[@kevinhatten33]

I agree. Just make the portal available after the season. That’s what I don’t understand.

[@StankPapii]

These players aren’t signing contracts so they’re able to get paid and dip out whenever they want. On top of that the biggest schools can just pay for the best players because there’s no salary cap. I’m all for NIL but there’s no structure at all right now

[@jab2505]

For years, they have made hundreds of millions of these kids without compensation. Now that kids have a say, the establishment is pissed.

[@DJ_Cub]

@@jab2505I like people like you that think full scholarship college athletes that get kingly treatment at universities are some how slaves. Being a college athlete was a dream and I was just a tennis player lol. The football guys were Treated like Gods. It’s not such a bad gig.

[@miwolve1278]

The players are compensated by getting free college tuition, room and board, trainers, tutors and getting accepted to a University for a free education etc. They are supposed to be student athletes. This is not supposed to be a full time job or a professional sport. If they make a professional team then they are playing for money and not for their TEAM or University. I don’t support the NIL. NIL is ruining College football.

[@sixtolezcano3]

Multi millionaire coaches and schools are upset that players finally get to earn some of that money and have made their jobs harder. Same coaches have no problem stringing players along with no promise of playing time. Past players have been big names nationwide but couldnt afford a sandwich. They've earned this.

[@Craiginator21]

Nah, they’re already privileged getting a spot on the roster. Also Many highschool players are left behind and don’t get the opportunity to play at these big schools simply because they’re overlooked. The bag should be the NFL, not college kids

[@NastyNoble]

​@Craiginator21 So you're good with everyone else but the people who's actually responsible for making the "bag" for the coaches, schools, ADs, State, City, etc.., getting a bag, but not the actual players responsible for it all? Wow!! Does the NIL need adjustments? Yes. Nonetheless, the players should get paid for their Name, Image, and Likeness!

[@jonholstein2002]

What are you talking about? Most these teams have a whole nutrition departments that carefully designed each players diet for maximum performance.

[@sixtolezcano3]

@@jonholstein2002 I clearly said the past. Reading is fundamental.

[@A-a-ron111]

The dudes reign is what led us to this moment. Had he been part of the solution instead of benefiting of a broken system we might not be here.

[@livennlearn]

Thank you! He’s right the system is jacked up but it was before too and he unfairly got to keep the best “recruitment” train in the nation because of unfair practices

[@alphamalementality7105]

It was okay for coaches to not be loyal and back up the brinks truck but, when players do it then it’s a problem 💯

[@mnshws12]

You have 7 coaches, verses about 1000 players, get a clue! Coaches who do well get rewarded and stay, players who do well, leave to the highest bidder. A coach is one person on a team, now a days 75% of player starters get NIL deals, and a 1/5 or 1/8 of each team transfers every year.

[@treyurquhart4508]

College football is ruined. They'll be no loyalty. Kids will lose the skill of the ow to compete. If they don't get their way they'll hit the transfer portal. Teams will no longer be able to field a veteran team. A coach can no longer discipline a player because they'll hit the transfer portal. Some teams may loose their whole team.

[@DocNinini]

Coaches chase the bag all the time. And theyre not the one putting their bodies on the line

[@treyurquhart4508]

@DocNinini agreed but college football is still ruined.

[@Iaintbrokenomo]

Loyalty. What’s. This is about money. Fuk loyalty

[@alanmichaud7820]

It’s more popular than it’s ever been I’m sure it’s a nightmare for coaches schools donors etc but that has nothing to do with fans

[@cblack3737]

💯 💶 💯 💶 💯 💶 💯 💶 💯

[@mikemarshall422]

Most of you hate Saban cause he beat the brakes off of your team 😂😂😂😂

[@garyroenicke2102]

I guess I’m different, I never liked Alabama until about 10-12 yrs ago Only because of Coach Saban. I loved the way he coached, accountability, Do Your Job to the best of your ability, learn how to sacrifice and overcome adversity. Players come and go but coaches for the most part remain. I moved to Florida from Calif in May and attended my very first Bama game in Tuscaloosa at the Iron bowl and had the Best Sporting experience I ever witnessed other that the 98 Super Bowl. Football at night in Bryant-Denny Stadium is an Unbelievable Event. I also attended a game at the Swamp and at Ole Miss but not comparable to Bama Football. Thank You Coach Saban for turning me into an Alabama Crimson Tide fan

[@tomhurstdrums]

Preach I’m a gator and I completely agree with you. Coach Saban is the greatest to ever do it I have tons of respect for him. I don’t buy this nonsense that he was just buying players. The man developed all level of guys and put them in the NFL.

[@optimistic_giants_fan]

Not Michigan😂

[@quantumpotential7639]

But NOT in both academics (professional development OUTSIDE of football) AND football, unlike The University of Notre Awesomenss aka ND. Roll Irish 2024 National Champions 🏆 AGAIN!!

[@AcidicCreed44]

​@optimistic_giants_fan Alabama is 2-1 vs Michigan under Saban.

[@miked853]

He's mad because he can't hoard all the 4 & 5 stars destroying most of their careers. Now the kids have a choice and incentive, its more competitive now than ever.

[@anthonyguillory5976]

This is an ignorant comment.

[@ow_oso]

@@anthonyguillory5976Found the hoarder

[@ThreadAndCircuses1]

1. You still have to develop blue chip players, Saban is the best DB coach ever, and most of his hand-picked blue chip DBs didn't get drafted. 2. The portal allows coaches to not develop players and easily replace them.

[@Biggles18]

You have no idea what you are talking about

[@badboyinjordanz]

Now that the talent is being more spread around because of NIL, it’s a problem since coaches have to prove they can win without just getting the best players to choose from every year.

[@ceddie]

I’ve been saying it all season. The game of College Football will become extinct in 3-5 years if they don’t make changes to NIL and the Portal. No other sport has UNLIMITED cash and UNLIMITED movement by the players. This model of college sports cannot be sustained. Because the people who are pumping money into the system will eventually run out of money to support a school where the players stay for one year and leave. These kids transferring all over the place because they are too impatient to develop and wait their turn, are running the game for those coming behind them. I hope they are happy.

[@jvc31415]

College football is more popular now than ever

[@bryanriggins8299]

STHU. Facts: Before NIL, Bama had several star players living in a gated community off campus while they played. Bama blackmaiked and threatened many of their players to keep them from leaving. Bama is not the only team to do it. The only problem with NIL is schools inability to pay players their worth. No one is capping the coaches. Coaches get fired mid season and still get paid. So should players. Saban is still getting paid by Bama for doing absolutely nothing. He should shut up. Give the players that money

[@jeremiahpatton3485]

Nick Saban spoke nothing but truth he mentioned guys not being able to develop and it makes me think of a guy like DJ U. At Florida State who’s transferred every year and isn’t that good

[@WeknowhoUR]

Says the whiner who was making tens, if not now hundreds, of millions$$$ while the kids he coached were practically broke, and few “made it.” Saban talks about adversity, but he quit because when he knew the “top” teams & coaches couldn’t lie to top recruits and then had a stranglehold on their careers, not to mention their lives! Bunch of crocodile tears!!!!!

[@JT-gt4uv]

@@WeknowhoUR the only person I see crying is you with your delusional take like you know the guy personally or something. Saban lives rent free in your head.

[@jimsawyer6955]

I agree he has to have potential but never settled in to anything

[@jimsawyer6955]

@@WeknowhoUR He had a job to do and a contract with the university of Alabama. Can you please explain how NIL is similar in any way shape or form?

[@juanitabryant9065]

The system needs some adjustments but I like the idea of players getting paid. Schools made millions off students in the past.

[@brianpfeiff7720]

Its funny. People make comments that Saban is mad cuz the playing is even now with NIL. EVERY program played players to a point. But Saban still out recruited everyone

[@Tkenny35]

nah, he didnt have to do much recruiting. He built a successful program that was on auto pilot. The program spoke for itself. Now he realizes he met his match which is money. You can sell championships but if Ohio St. offered you 2 mil NIL deal youd now have options. It isnt so much even playing field, but now its ruled by dollar signs instead of going to the best program. Now its which program can give me the best NIL while also preparing me for the NFL.

[@JeffMadden-c3u]

He lost his huge recruiting advantage... So he took his ball & went home!

[@marinz4life]

@@brianpfeiff7720 yes….he did. And he out-coached pretty consistently too. But the whole charade about graduation and staying at school to “compete” as opposed to going wherever someone’s willing to pay you now (even if it’s a lesser team) is ridiculous hypocrisy! There’s a reason Saban went from Michigan State-to-LSU-to-Alabama; so he (and you) need to stop the cap and acknowledge these players would be FOOLS to not maximize the opportunities that the current system (that’s still a pimp game) provides.

[@SunniMerlot]

With a wallet. How do I know? My highschool had several guys get “free” condos they own from Bama….

[@brianpfeiff7720]

@marinz4life ok. Pimp

[@matthowarth4498]

Saban quit because the portal didn't allow him to take a 4 or 5 star non-starter and lock them up keeping them from going to competitors!

[@TwistedRevan]

“Those guys” didn’t have a gun to their heads to come there 😂 that’s about the dumbest thing I have seen on here all day lol

[@supersamsports1977]

Facts.... The transfer portal benefits players and their families, not multimillionaire coaches

[@asdfd3814]

​@@supersamsports1977They'll be broke in a decade or less.

[@dwight198229]

He's mad because he can no longer eat off the backs of black athletes

[@JT-gt4uv]

delusional. The guy is almost 75 years old and you act like you know him personally.

[@ABxx2011]

Man, it is so arrogant for these coaches and media people to be talking about what's best for the athletes. If they actually cared about the athletes, they wouldn't encourage them to play a sport that's likely to leave them with brain damage and shorten their lifespans. The athletes can decide for themselves what's best for them. If it turns out to be a mistake, they can learn from it.

[@composerc9896]

"It's ruining college football" In other words, Bama isn't winning like they used to 😂

[@unapologetically_masculine707]

Another person supporting a weak conference that got beat by Saban.

[@redkritter1225]

Your ignorance is showing

[@ThreadAndCircuses1]

The product is worse, most fans don't know football but teams lack chemistry, players aren't developing, etc.

[@finkejdf101]

Bama and Sec fans are real mad and it's showing.

[@XxEliteStrikerXx]

Speaking straight facts

[@turninflat]

Simply first class by the goat.

[@davidwilliams4912]

May be unpopular but my opinion is player's should sit out a year like it used to be.

[@heavygoods09]

Maybe after the first transfer. Coaches should be barred for D1 coaching until the balance of their contract.

[@supersamsports1977]

Only an NON-ATHLETE would suggest a 5-star sit out a year. Like for what??

[@Mmmmmk247]

@@supersamsports1977for a transfer school to school keep up

[@alberttaylor8189]

Tired of hearing how players shouldn't get payed from the highest paid coach during his time!

[@gregorywilson5416]

So the NCCA makes billions for the last 20 plus years and these coaches contracts worth millions and millions of $$$… These kids deserve all the money they get and some get injured and some won’t ever make it. Please stop the foolishness.

[@AK-sq1jl]

I wish people had that mentality about Walmart when I was working there in college. They were making billions off the backs of workers like me and I didn't get a whole bunch of money either. That's just how the world works. At least all they are doing is playing a child's game. The scholarships should've been more than enough because trust me having a lifetime worth of debt you'll never be able to pay back is no fun.

[@FLA813BMO]

@@AK-sq1jlthat was the worst rebuttal ever. You were getting paid at Walmart. They made money off the products sold not you.

[@alabamacountry9127]

​@@AK-sq1jl I agree with that. Years ago they should of had profit sharing. Would of helped. Insurance was freaking high too in the 80's. Horrible.

[@AK-sq1jl]

​@FLA813BMO The players were getting paid in free scholarships too and the schools were not getting paid off the players. They were getting paid off of ticket sales and merchandise sold. Literally the same exact thing.

[@AK-sq1jl]

​@@alabamacountry9127Thank you.

[@JBNO78]

It's only a problem when the kids can finally demand a piece of the billion dollar pie.

[@andrewsebree4333]

The truest definition of , "Its okay if I do it."🤣🤣

[@StankPapii]

These players aren’t signing contracts so they’re able to get paid and dip out whenever they want. On top of that the biggest schools can just pay for the best players because there’s no salary cap. I’m all for NIL but there’s no structure at all right now

[@BOBSMITH-YouTubeStoleMyHandle]

Saban is mad that Alabama isn't just one of 10 teams that paid players anymore. Now all teams can do it, and it means Alabama won't have a monopoly on recruits in the SEC.

[@joeschepis]

Everybody is making money in college football. The players should too! Nick Sagan earns was payed millions and millions. These young athlete's have the courage to put themselves first.

[@stephengrahn9361]

Because there's so much money in the game now you're right it isn't fair not to pay them, but this is not going to end well. Plus, these new rules extending eligibility is going to hurt the high school players soon.. oh well let's enjoy the playoffs. Go Big Orange

[@5minuteswithmike]

Facts

[@toddjohnson271]

He's mad because Bama is losing players and parity is happening among many different teams.

[@StankPapii]

These players aren’t signing contracts so they’re able to get paid and dip out whenever they want. On top of that the biggest schools can just pay for the best players because there’s no salary cap. I’m all for NIL but there’s no structure at all right now

[@elmerfudd931]

Hogwash

[@toddjohnson271]

@@elmerfudd931 Thats why he retired lol

[@jamespatterson9005]

Im sure all of you that dont complain about whats going on dont donate to your favorite schools !!!

[@tmoneybands]

Nick Saban you made probably over 100 Million dollars in your coaching career’s by convincing 5 star players to play for you over the years. Yes these kids deserve money if that’s the case why didn’t you coach for free and love of the game???

[@trekaychris6263]

Sounds good, but some of the athletes have already beaten the odds and overcame adversity. So to think they won’t continue to fight is just noise. There will outliers, but most of them will stay hungry.

[@kevinmccart3169]

So you're telling me you didn't pay players before the nil?

[@JeffHorne-n5d]

Saban never personally paid players!

[@beantown4life]

No lol

[@DMT_Zel]

Yall gotta stop saying this. Everybody didn't get paid in those times. You had to be ELITE for them to risk sanctions and probation to pay you.

[@austinwalters3219]

@@JeffHorne-n5d the university for sure did.

[@diggingmystyle]

Why do you think he bought all those dealerships? There's a lot of favorite uncles in the South.

[@derekbanks7377]

He’s just mad that other college programs can compete now! You old guys are not fooling anybody!

[@BattousaiOP]

What a hypocrite. Guys like Saban and Urban Meyer will never coach again because now they're not the only ones flat out buying their teams. They hate an even playing field.

[@vgshwk]

Saban liked the old days when money was paid under the table.

[@MezterpieceTheater]

What a treat to hear Saban now that he isn’t a coach and we have more access to his knowledge.

[@massivedynamic2339]

Alabama was paying players for 20+ yrs before NIL. Haters don't mind coaches using free labor to make millions, but when the people who generate the revenue get paid, it's a problem. Go figure!

[@Lilhoova]

No they weren’t

[@massivedynamic2339]

@Lilhoova ok. Keep lying to yourself

[@JT-gt4uv]

he literally said he has no problem with players being paid. You might want to go back and listen. They are obvious things that need to tweaked.

[@massivedynamic2339]

@JT-gt4uv he quit because he doesn't like players getting paid. Like he's really going to say something to ruin his new media career

[@idonthaveone7576]

@@massivedynamic2339 college football fans really be the most braindead people on earth man. He quit because nobody plays for loyalty, love the the university and its culture, development or education anymore, its 100% only about the money. also, "free labor" as a kid gets a free ride through a major university and a degree along with a guaranteed job out of college if the NFL doesn't call.

[@DETCREATURE]

The solution is simple. Power 4 schools set a salary cap every few years. Players can sign contracts out of high school, with the standard being a 3 year contract with a 4th year option depending on their draft stock. If they want a 1 or 2 year contract they can sign one, but it will be significantly less than the 3 year. If they void their contracts and transfer to another power 4 school, they must either sit out a year or play for no pay from the school. They can however transfer to a non power 4 school with no repercussions. Problem solved.

[@FLA813BMO]

The law you forget about the law

[@brett8532]

College football is the best it’s ever been. Evolve or die. Saban is a dying breed

[@jimsawyer6955]

Its great but the playoff selection is horrible - theyre def gunna have to change that. Nobody wants to see Penn State get a free pass to the semifinals for being the 6 seed

[@tomneff7030]

The best it's ever been!!!! You couldn't be more wrong. Because of NIL and Portal....the interest is waning. It's the beginning of the end.

[@lomarsweed6604]

College football is turning into a joke. All you're rooting for at this point is a uniform.

[@tomneff7030]

@lomarsweed6604 That's obvious. Anybody that can't see it....doesn't WANT to see it.They are oblivious. Ignorance is bliss.

[@brett8532]

@@tomneff7030 interest is waning? Maybe for Alabama fans lmao

[@richwos6218]

Funny how he retires when nil came around nil evens out the playing field for every team😂

[@setalight7290]

Exactly hes a hypocrite 😂

[@Biggles18]

Moronic take

[@Chupacabra_4]

SEC fans mad they don’t get the best players everytime anymore😂

[@rodneysparks6442]

How did you come to that conclusion? Just said it because you thought it? Doesn't even compute.

[@setalight7290]

​@@rodneysparks6442well saban quit as soon as there's more parody 😂

[@nuraby_9228]

@@rodneysparks6442 remember how mad SEC schools got at satellite camps? SEC fans are still mad over the civil war, integration, and obama being elected despite their teams being 95% black

[@OperationPitbull]

The stats say otherwise. The SEC has had the most CFP appearances, CFP winners, and teams in the top 25 since NIL began. Out of the three close favorites to win the CFP, two of them are SEC teams--Oregon is #1 though. Out of the top 10 2025 recruiting classes, 7 of them are SEC schools. Out of the top 30 recruiting classes of 2025, 97% of the SEC is represented. The BIG 10 comes in second with only 50% of their colleges being represented in the data. If anything, since NIL became a thing, the SEC has gotten stronger and it's definitely looking like they're getting the best players every time. Think about it.. what team in another conference would have a Manning sitting on the bench as their second string QB? There isn't one.

[@Just_Some_Dude_Geez]

Good point!

[@ZOMBIE_STOMP]

Saban has been paying players for years, he retired because now other teams can legally do the same thing

[@markford7217]

Saban is a POS now the players have the power and the $$ is out in the open and on a even playing field he quits!

[@JayDeeiNHD]

so he was the ONLY coach just paying players lol?

[@d0m3ll0tt4]

Other teams have been doing this for years with donors and alumni prior to NIL not the head coaches. What are y'all talking about 🙄

[@JayDeeiNHD]

@@d0m3ll0tt4 mannnne.! they're completely clueless

[@ZOMBIE_STOMP]

@@JayDeeiNHD no, but he was the best coach doing it for sure

[@chevyjr1862]

I dont understand why people dislike the portal its almost like they are mad that a player wants to play and makes the best decision for there college career why would a 5 star want to ride the bench for a yr or 2 when he can play elsewhere

[@AK-sq1jl]

Thats not always the best thing for the players. It's a very immature mindset. If you're at a place where there is a lot of talent and you can't get on the field even though you are very talented yourself then it may benefit you to sit behind those other players and learn and be able to go up against them in practice everyday to get better and more prepared for the NFL. Now a days everyone is looking for instant gratification and who can give them the most money. I don't blame anyone for going for the money as it can be very enticing but greed isn't always the best option.

[@StankPapii]

it’s not better.. these players aren’t signing contracts so they’re able to get paid and dip out whenever they want. On top of that the biggest schools can just pay for the best players because there’s no salary cap. I’m all for NIL but there’s no structure at all right now

[@stupickles1]

If you receive NIL moneys. You should have to pay your tuition!!! Why should I have to pay for mine and yours!!!!

[@derontaybell3242]

To be honest what the make off the players, your year of tuition might not even feed the team for a week

[@stupickles1]

@ i dont care about my tuition feeding the players. If they pay their own way, maybe students will go down. Naaaaa what am I thinking. Tenured professors and their free healthcare and pensions will take it all.

[@derontaybell3242]

@@stupickles1 they are because do you think they would be giving some of them full ride is the were not benefiting , college is a business not a charity. They are making millions of the athletes.

[@austinshannon4197]

Join the U.S. Army!

[@30jersey478]

Army, Navy and Air Force receive stipends but I'm sure they earn that.

[@Joseph-t5b4n]

Lol

[@SilFord-o9f]

I am all for players getting compensated, but there need to be a different system format in NIL & transfer portal

[@brianc8754]

It hasn't been Student-Athlete in a long time. Saban needs to chill tf out here.

[@twomorningsbackfromyesterd1240]

For decades. He knows better..at least he should. He knows the deal just like everyone else.

[@stayfly-bb4po]

Never was

[@twomorningsbackfromyesterd1240]

@@stayfly-bb4po I don't know where these jokers are coming from not knowing about the college athletic performance 'incentives '. Those folks can't be that slow..

[@jamelmoore4679]

Hypocritical Saban quit on Bama while he was still under contract. All these guys need to put on a period pad

[@pravadonisproductions6399]

Coming from someone who really dove into college football these past few years. I love NIL. It’s good for the young men. Coaches hate it yes I get it, but it Alabama was dominating college football for so long it was dumb. No other school could pull the recruits they could. Now this evens the playing field.

[@Ijeomabbq95]

Saban been throwing money under the table before all this. along with most of them lol

[@u00jjsl18]

Saban had NIL before NIL existed.

[@JK-gu3tl]

Yeah top facilities will do that.

[@TexasGI47life]

It is like half-time adjustments. The best coaches and programs will adapt to the realities of the game.

[@michaellundy8337]

The GOAT is a Myth! When the game changed and got tough, the GOAT ran. Thanks for the championship guidance, GOAT!

[@bradpattillo8912]

The GOAT is also 73 years old, so it’s not running. He’s old and wants to live out the rest of his life on his terms. He’s coached his whole life and longer than most coaches ever do

[@Coachkmac1]

😂 he’s been paying players for years! They want control players should be able to leave the university like any other student.

[@PaulVisionLee]

Nobody going to talk about the hundreds of coaches that left their teams right before their bowl game lol. All these teams have coordinators taking over with the other coordinator leaving with the coach 😂

[@AK-sq1jl]

Coaching and being a player are 2 different things though. Coaching in college football is very much like a job and has a lot of responsibilities that aren't very fun just like you or me would experience in our jobs. Being a player on the other hand is just showing up and playing a child's game. The hardest work you do is putting time into the gym which many people do for free on a daily basis.

[@PaulVisionLee]

@ the players are also doing a job which both create lucrative sums of money for the progrum. That’s why the “students” spend way more time in football related meetings/practices/activities than actual school. Regardless there are kids that stay for the right reasons but then their coach just bounces when that big progrum comes calling. Deboerr took his team to the natty and Saban helped recruit him to ditch that school for more money and power at bama. It’s the same thing and I have no problem with either of them doing what’s best for themselves

[@AK-sq1jl]

​@PaulVisionLee I don't see playing football as work at all I really don't. I wouldve played football just for the free scholarships and not complained one bit. It would've beat what I had to do which is work a 3rd shift job at Walmart while still taking on a lifetime worth of debt I'll never be able to pay back. Coaching on the other hand is fun in some aspects but it's also like being a teacher and the recruiting and all that other stuff you gotta do too.

[@PaulVisionLee]

@@AK-sq1jl i don’t disagree with you as I love football but it’s a physical job regardless that can come and go with one wrong hit. Not to mention the brain damage that most of them get etc. but I get it, college footballs the best sport in the world but I think we will be alright in the end

[@LOUISSTEPHENSJR]

Nick Saban paid players for years...and now he blasting the system he made MILLIONS of dollars off...NIL needs to be regulated...and some dates need to be changed...But SABAN IS A HYPOCRITE...him and Coach K quit because they cannot BUY all of best players ONLY anymore. The playing field has been LEVELED!!

[@Spartan-301st]

Thank you ESPN for providing a platform for little ol’ Alabama. I really hope they can scrape together some couch cushion change and turn things around.

[@florida1289]

Nick Saban is mad because Alabama and a few others are no longer the only schools paying players. Saban recruited with a duffle bag now everyone is paying playerd its got him beside himself. What a terrible look to not omly quit because your cheating will no longer give you an advantage but to then parade aroung like a cry baby is beyond arrogant. It truly unbelievable.

[@LeftyZay334]

Most def needs to get ahold of the NIL and the Transfer portal….one transfer limit

[@WeknowhoUR]

And teams like Nevada, Rutgers, UConn, Tulsa, New Mexico State, should get secured access to top 4 & 5 star recruits & portal hoppers .

[@davidsthoughts60]

I'm an Auburn fan so am glad Saban is on ESPN instead of still coaching. I love it when Pat and Desmond get into it with him on Gameday.

[@frantzgermain6193]

The players deserves the NIL deal.

[@Drifter_13]

They get a free college scholarship, 18-22-year-olds have no business with that kind of money.

[@FLA813BMO]

@@Drifter_13you hate America, why?

[@kennethmardis2132]

NIL is what made Saban retire.

[@Jasmine-jl9kb]

Saban just triggered about NIL bc it forced him to retire 😂

[@JT-gt4uv]

the dude is almost 75 years old. How long you expect him to coach for? He has nothing left to accomplish.

[@Jasmine-jl9kb]

@ He’s got nothing left bc he knew he couldn’t win against Michigan and NIL, so he retired 🤣

[@jstewlly4747]

Also betting started this lol you cant bet on kids why dont people see that.....blame Vegas for NIL smh

[@jjgreen5206]

NIL sent Saban packing. He couldn’t rig the system anymore. That’s why he’s complaining now

[@joecass87]

It's admirable Arch M is sitting for 2 years to learn. On the flipside, there are politics with players in a sense a coach may keep you and promise you'll start "next year", but may be lying or hiding information.

[@op1240]

He just got too accustomed to that free labor. No issue he could state is as big an issue as the old slave labor policy he fabulously succeeded under.

[@MrTG00757]

Nick Saban, sounds like an old man that’s out of touch. The times have changed and he doesn’t like it cause now you have to keep your word to these kids or they leave.

[@erichill7603]

Rich guy with a lot of money upset that kids who are looking to support themselves and their loved ones upset young black men can get money. Insane world we live in

[@mnshws12]

But ruining the game of college football, all for the money, no loyalty to anything, new generation of instant gratification. Real college football is gone and ruined, thanks to the NIL and transfer portal

[@erichill7603]

@ lol loyalty? This isn’t the United States military. You sound like someone who gives his job a 2 week notice when they would just fire you on the dot. You sound goofy. College sports is more popular than it has ever been and at least interesting. Do I think it’s perfect God no. The transfer portal hurts everyone cause the calendar sucks. NIL should have been a collective bargain not just a FA. But the sports is far from hurt yet. Will it be? Eh maybe but best they try and fix parts of it now before it gets worse

[@Nehph]

When has he ever said that? You don't even understand the problems that they're talking about, you're too busy crying out against your own delusion.

[@Alphasports576]

Yeah but this is the problem with what you said he played college football and baseball and decided to make a living be a professional coach when he graduated so it became his job and he didn't have to go to school anymore these guys still have to go to school make a grade point average passed class and do all that they're still in school they haven't fully made this their lifelong job until they're out of college so what you're saying makes no sense

[@mcahtme2977]

Him & the rest of the sec can’t pay players under the table anymore he’s mad it’s a faire game now

[@JayRoberts244]

This the guy that retired after the NIL leveled the playing field. Nick left with Alabamas competitive edge

[@Themikelawry]

You think college is leveled????😂😂😂

[@JayRoberts244]

@ completely, no. More than it was, definitely.

[@Themikelawry]

Huh Do ppl realize nil started in 2021??? And Saban just retired last year? So where did the narrative come from that he left soon as NIL started ?

[@JayRoberts244]

@@Themikelawry because back then, just as he is now, he’s been very outspoken fighting against it , that’s where it came from. Nobody claimed he retired the very day it started.

[@Themikelawry]

@@JayRoberts244 he’s right though. Nil makes the big schools even richer cause they have the donors with the biggest pockets. Now the small schools who don’t just gonna lose their best players

[@PrinceTae]

I’m not saying my boys don’t get paid, but this needs to be Regulated

[@MichaelBarbush]

Saban ranting in because Bama can't hoard and keep all those high 4stars and 5stars anymore he left when the field leveled he got the best talent and held them hostage i could win 9 games as coach with talent he had Roll Tears Roll

[@ronwhiteleo3352]

Only ranting about NIL because Bama bag man was never found…

[@Isaacr90]

Who cares, glad the players are getting paid. Maybe they should put contingencies on the money to keep them around

[@DThimself]

If you make a player either have to sit or lose a year of eligibility if they transfer then maybe that helps with the large amount of transfers. I like the players getting paid but the transfer portal is a little wild

[@Iamhimbutyouarenot]

Yeah. They should bring that back. The only players that should be immediately eligible are graduate transfers.

[@BlindVeganRescue]

What about the coaches?

[@chevyjr1862]

I love it whats wrong with a player wanting to compete u can't do that on the bench

[@BlindVeganRescue]

@chevyjr1862 there's nothing wrong with it. Nick doesn't like when they players can act like the coach and leave and go get more money.

[@jboogs49]

Well when you tie athletics to education and start making billions she tell the athletes nope you can't earn any money during this time then you end up with this. The college football games are exactly the same the athletes, the plays the schemes and mistakes. It's just the fans mindset of some of these guys are making lots of money and can move to other teams for more money that causes the negativity.. if you turn on s have 15 years ago and game today no difference just the narrative. Which can be powerful

[@jellyjq1035]

College Athletes need to be paid tho. NCAA does not deserve to scam them anymore

[@timleineke1997]

Hes just mad that everyone pays now not just the sec

[@frankmcclellan9506]

Nil stuff is ugly ,colledge football is going around the toilet going down quickly

[@TheTyree901]

So the guy who used all these tricks and cheats to his advantage over the years is upset that the playing field was just leveled... Got it!

[@TalkingAboutNothingWithJ]

I need these Alabama affiliates and fans to stop crying about NIL and the transfer portal.

[@b10highlights13]

I hate to break it to you, AJ, but far more affiliates and fans beyond those in Tuscaloosa think NIL and the portal are in a terrible place…

[@austinwalters3219]

I absolutely refuse to listen to Saban complain about it. Alabama has been doing the same thing they are whining about for YEARS. Now they're mad the shoe is on the other foot. Nothing but cope from some frauds

[@deontecallaway4026]

The transfer portal is insane honestly even just following it as a fan.

[@jasonshumake777]

Exactly their just mad because they can’t Tie up all the five stars on their bench

[@b10highlights13]

@@austinwalters3219i don’t think you listened to this video at all… Saban has no issue with players being paid… I have absolutely no clue what you’re talking about

[@travbrunet6950]

Tom was 4th string in Michigan 4th string at the Pariots . Learning to really outwork the competition

[@chadchadchadchadchad]

It's cuz he eats at Subway

[@mas5867]

He was 1-0 vs AL.

[@TheeMelloMan]

As long as the games are good, I'm good.

[@dariusewing6962]

The days of holdin these players hostage is over....NO LONGER will u threaten there scholarship over there head....NO longer can the big school pay players under the table and get away with it!! College sports is a business MAN and for a long time these over paid coaches have taken advantage of these young men and now the players are able to control situations for them better!!! OLD MAN GET OFF MY LAWN GUY...great coach but hes a hater plain and simple

[@warrenrobinson8532]

The guy that has been paying kids for years is now upset that kids don't have to take alumni pennies anymore to get by in school 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@PVC-ic7jp]

Still can’t get over how great Coach Saban & Pat ate together. Their Chemistry is soothing.

[@Dee-O]

Saban bailed before he couldn’t cherry pick a 5 star roster anymore. It wasn’t coaching, it was recruiting.

[@joveonlightbringer9684]

It was both. Saban was so successful at recruiting because he built an experience that attracted disciplined kids who were committed to competing against the best to get better. He also recruited great coaches too, by creating an environment where they saw his program as a pathway to success. As for Xs and Os? Just listen to him now; it's obvious he knows his stuff.

[@jasonboney9389]

Old man rant. I like him but it’s a new era. And yes I’m getting old myself.

[@FloridaPanhandleDualsports]

All you Alabama Haters telling us to be quiet about the N.I.L now. If next season Alabama buys the table and threw $200 million dollars at players all you would be crying and screaming about NIL then 😂 best hope that doesn't happen. Fact is it needs structure.

[@cperkins5050]

No one complained when backup QB Bryce Young made 800k at Bama. Now it’s a problem

[@DocNinini]

If yall would still be out of the playoffs

[@John-h3e7d]

If you had 200 you'd be spending 200. Fact is others have more than you and other sec schools which was fine with sec fans when your 3 car dealerships were enough to buy up every 5* in the country because others were trying to play by the rules. Now that the big dawgs have entered the fray and it's "legal" under "NIL", you want structure...hilarious really.