Although Alabama had 10 players drafted in the NFL Draft, including the No. 1 overall draft choice Bryce Young, one noticeable player who wasn’t drafted was cornerback Eli Ricks.
Ricks was an LSU transfer who joined Alabama last year, but didn’t see much playing time on the field because of injuries and other issues.
But one former NFL star blames Nick Saban for why Ricks wasn’t drafted. Former NFL wideout T.J. Houshmandzadeh called out Saban on social media.
“With Elias Ricks not being drafted yet, absolutely no way Nick Saban didn’t bad mouth him! I hope these parents/kids are noticing the BS these coaches do that truly affect ur future.”
With Elias Ricks not being drafted yet, absolutely no way Nick Saban didn’t bad mouth him! I hope these parents/kids are noticing the BS these coaches do that truly affect ur future
— T.J. Houshmandzadeh (@housh84) April 29, 2023
At no point has Ricks come out and blamed Saban or Alabama for not being drafted higher. So why is Houshmandzadeh coming for Saban? Who knows. Unless he talked to Ricks himself, this is all just hearsay.
Why would Saban come out and criticize a former player? It’s not productive for him or his program if he were to come out and talk negatively about a former player, even one-on-one with coaches.
Saban (seen at top ahead of an Oct. 8 game) has been known to help his players with their decision on whether or not they should join the draft. He wants to make sure that they make the correct decision for their future. And clearly for a lot of them, it has paid off.
Many on social media added their two cents to Houshmandzadeh’s comments. And most weren’t kind to the former Bengals wide receiver.
Nick Saban has much better things to do than bad mouth a player that is representing his Team. You really know nothing about the Coach who has more players drafted than anyone else.
— BamaGal (@docbleux) April 30, 2023
Bad take. You have zero evidence of this and the dude has hardly any tape.
— Bama_1055- Coach Debo loyalist (@m4_bama) April 30, 2023
Wow, you really know nothing at all. This is proof. Haha. The kid is a problem, has been since HS, has had injuries in his short college career, was arrested, AND had a pretty difficult time learning Bama's playbook. This is all on HIM. Not Saban. Would've been a waste of a pick
— CADPL04083 (@CAMonarch4L05) April 30, 2023
[TJ Houshmandzadeh on Twitter; photo from Marvin Gentry/USA Today Sports]
