Since allowing a one-time transfer with no eligibility penalty as well as allowing student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness, college athletes now have more power than ever before. But Alabama head coach Nick Saban thinks it might be too much power.
During an appearance on The Joel Klatt Show this week, Nick Saban unveiled a pretty controversial plan, suggesting that student-athletes have too much control and that they should be made to sign contracts.
“I think you have to create a balance between how much do you take and how much do you give?” Saban said. “We’re giving people scholarships. We’re creating name, image and likeness opportunities. But what is their commitment? I mean, there’s no place in the world where you don’t have a contract. If you’re going to receive benefits, you have a contract and an obligation to do a certain job. So when you can opt out, transfer, do whatever you want whenever you want, I’m not sure that balance is quite right.
"I'm not sure the balance is quite right"
Nick Saban tells @JoelKlatt why he feels there needs to be a balance between how much you take and how much you give with regards to NIL, the transfer portal and other college football issues ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/zO2CH2kDDq
— The Joel Klatt Show: A CFB Pod (@JoelKlattShow) June 19, 2023
“I know there’s a lot of people out there that are much more qualified than me that are trying to figure out how do we fix this? But I think we do need to create some balance because I think at the end of the day, when you create an atmosphere where somebody’s tentatively committed to what they’re trying to accomplish, you have to evaluate is that really a good thing? Because we all need to be totally committed to whatever our goals and aspirations are, the sense of purpose that we have, if we’re going to have a chance to be successful.”
Saban’s comments certainly caused quite a few reactions from the college football world.
So the Bagman wants a contract now that everyone who can afford to “pay for play” NIL up.🤦♂️
Costing them mofos more than it used to and dudes can bounce after 1 season. ✌️ & a 🖕
Small peak of what’s to come.
Power2 making athletes employees breaking away from NCAA. https://t.co/SeXCx7dk4d— Black41FlashReverse (@Black41Reverse) June 19, 2023
Nick Saban talking about wanting more balance in college football is laughable. So can I assume he plans to retire soon then? Balance will be good when you're not around Nick?
— Craig Eoff (@craig_eoff) June 19, 2023
He's not wrong. I think they should have contracts too.
— Lindsey🅾️❗️ (@OH_lindzbreezy) June 19, 2023
Nick Saban saying he want balance in the NCAA is crazy lol
— Muggle killer (@AskForMySoul) June 19, 2023
Nick Saban saying “we need to create some balance” in college recruiting means that there is already some balance.
For ‘Bama, “balance” means they dominate the landscape and then there’s everyone else.
— GREG SMITH (@glsmith04) June 19, 2023
