As administrators and coaches descend upon the annual SEC Spring Meetings in Destin, FL, there is no shortage of topics on the agenda. From the debate between an eight-game versus nine-game schedule to the upcoming expansion of the College Football Playoff, you can expect plenty of soundbites to make waves in the coming days.
But those subjects pale in comparison to the discussion around the ever-evolving name, image, and likeness (NIL) landscape and the need for uniform legislation. Coaches everywhere have chimed in on the matter, not only because of the gravity of the situation but also for the opportunity to take a (playful) shot at another program.
Take, for example, Alabama’s own Nick Saban.
In comments from Tuesday’s SEC Spring Meetings, and shared through Saturday Down South, Saban offered an interesting perspective on the argument that college football’s embrace of NIL is hurtling toward an NFL-like “pay-for-play” model:
“You think (parity) is here? I think the way Southern Cal, Texas, and Texas A&M are spending money … it hasn’t hit yet. What are you willing to spend?”
Could there be a more accurate example of “the pot calling the kettle black?”
Saban playing the NIL card has slowly become one of the great traditions in college football, and doing so at the expense of Texas A&M isn’t unique to the Crimson Tide coach either. Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin has a bonafide addiction to taking playful shots at the Maroon and White when comparing respective donor bases.
More donors equal more money, crucial for success in a competitive NIL landscape. But hearing Saban gripe about the way other programs are spending money is particularly amusing, given Alabama’s track record of emptying its pockets.
Does anyone remember when he was bragging about Bryce Young’s NIL value? Or how about when he highlighted the total amount of NIL money his players had received?
By no means was that message meant to be relayed to potential recruits and transfer targets, right?
As the discussion around the NIL landscape and future legislation continues to heat up, there won’t be a lack of comical one-off comments like Saban’s. Instead, it’s just perplexing that after all these years of him stockpiling talent, suddenly “parity” becomes an issue of concern.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Pete on Twitter: @PeteThreee.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=5]