Head coach of the University of Alabama, Nick Saban, doubled down on his call to go to college football this fall, warning Tuesday that the delay from season to spring would result in countless opt-outs among the nation’s best players .
Saban reiterated that his players have nothing to do that they are “not comfortable with” because Alabama and other SEC schools are ahead with plans for a fall season. However, he suggested that top college players with a future in the NFL could make a choice instead of risking an injury or illness so close to the beginning of their professional careers.
SABAN: ALABAMA FOOTBALL PLAYERS SAFER AT SCHOOL
“I think one of the real consequences of this is, if you’re a junior or a senior and you have an NFL class, are you going to play in the spring?” Saban said during a performance on ESPN “Get up.” “Or will that be kind of a JV season with a lot of these juniors and seniors turning away?”
Three of the NCAA’s “Power Five” conferences – the SEC, ACC and Big 12 – plan to play this fall. The other two conferences, the Big Ten and Pac-12, have already postponed all bankruptcy sports, including football, out of concerns related to the health of student-athletes during the pandemic.
Both the Big Ten and Pac-12 have suggested that seasons could be played in the spring, although it is not clear at this time if that plan is viable.
Saban is one of several prominent college football coaches who have public lobbying for the season to celebrate as planned this fall. Earlier this month, the longtime Crimson Tide coach said his players were better off under the school’s strict supervision and health guidelines than “running home.”
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Saban spoke to ESPN and said he was confident in the SEC’s current health and safety guidelines. In addition, he expressed his concern that a cancellation of the season could cost some players a chance to differentiate themselves and boost their pro prospects.
“Everyone’s circumstances and situation are a little different,” Saban said. “I actually hate it for the players who don’t get the chance to play and compete and create value for themselves.”
