During Alabama’s Pro Day, head coach Nick Saban had the opportunity to clear up one of his comments from his Monday press conference which was presumed by many outlets to be a shot at Alabama basketball head coach.
When speaking on the suspension of freshman defensive back Tony Mitchell following his arrest, Saban said “there’s no such thing as being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Last month Oats had a very similar comment when speaking about Brandon Miller and the case revolving around the death of Jamea Harris where Oats received heavy criticism.
But as he spoke with members of the media Saban made it clear that his comments were solely about his own program.
“There’s nothing to clarify,” Saban said. “I don’t watch basketball coaches’ press conferences. I haven’t watched basketball coaches’ press conferences in… how many years have I been coaching? you know? Never watched one. Never listened to what other people say.
“That was strictly about our program and what we do. It had nothing to do with anybody else. I don’t make any comments about anybody else. We hope the basketball team does really, really well.”
Nick Saban completely shuts down speculation of shade thrown towards Nate Oats in spring practice opening press conference. pic.twitter.com/Vbx812WWeX
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Oats also commented on Saban’s remarks during his own media availability ahead of Alabama’s sweet sixteen matchup against San Diego State. He shared that he had spoken with Saban and that he didn’t take his comments to be criticism and continues to have a lot of respect for the seven-time champion.
“He and I talked that night,” Oats said according to AL.com. “I didn’t take it that way at all. I got a ton of respect for coach. I said, my opening press conference when I got hired at Alabama, that he may be the best coach for team sports in modern sports history.
“I meant when I was a high school coach back in Romulus, I had a whole section of Saban quotes in our practice plan. I still have it. I probably use them a little less now that we’re here had, and they get plenty of Saban quotes just in the regular media.
“I’ve got a ton of respect for him. He has been tremendously supportive of our program since he has got here. He says it all the time. He wants the entire athletic department to do well. He has been at multiple games this year.”
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
