“I thought we could have a hell of a team next year, and then maybe 70 or 80% of the players you talk to, all they want to know is two things: What assurances do I have that I’m going to play because they’re thinking about transferring, and how much are you going to pay me?” Saban said. “Our program here was always built on how much value can we create for your future and your personal development, academic success in graduating and developing an NFL career on the field.”
– Nick Saban, former head football coach of the University of Alabama
Nick Saban’s recent comments describing the current state of college football is arguably as sad as it is comical. Until recently, coaches like Saban held all the cards when it came to recruiting players, but now that NIL is leveling the playing field, Saban has offered some rather striking comments about student athletes. Be it naivete, joking, or purposely ignoring reality, for Saban to question college football players — many playing college football with the sole goal to make it to the NFL — about them looking for their best financial deal in this new NIL-era is puzzling. Each year, 98% of NCAA football players fail to go to the NFL, leaving them to start their new, non-football career (and often without a resume, work experience, or a support system). And yet Saban wonders why questions around the best NIL deal is the #1 question he receives from players? Is he serious??
The reality is NCAA student athletes should pursue ways to make money while playing, as most will lag behind their peers after college when competing against non-athletes who have been working, networking, and gaining invaluable career experience. It is important for college student athletes to take advantage of these new changes, especially those in great need of an income. Many blue-chip student athletes are steered toward “dummy” majors (or majors that generally do not lead to prosperous career opportunities or earnings) so that they can remain eligible — just how are these young men to make it when their degree (if earned) is of minimal value, their playing days are over, and there is no longer a department of advisors helping them move on in life?
No, Saban’s big issue is simply this: NIL and other favorable changes for student athletes have resulted in Saban, and coaches like him, no longer able to automatically participate in conference and national championships as they once did. Saban is also seemingly turned off by how the coach-player power dynamic has changed from an authoritarian to egalitarian relationship, resulting in players now being provided more autonomy to pursue their best interests without penalty.
What was most unfortunate about Saban’s comments might be the missed opportunity to support student athletes in this moment, rather than only reflect on how the changes have effected his legacy. Instead, Saban’s remarks sound selfish, and a bit out of touch. Times have changed, and college sports have become the #1 revenue producer for many colleges today. As universities have flourished, many student athletes have not, resulting in the changes we are seeing today. While coaches like Saban certainly have the right to be upset that they no longer have exclusive control as they once did, hopefully as time passes they will more appreciate the new ways college student athletes can begin to enjoy a very small percentage of the windfall of revenue that colleges currently enjoy from football.
drstankovich.com
