Nick Saban fires back at critics of Alabama using former players in practice

Some college football coaches — ahem, Brian Kelly, ahem — have complained about Alabama inviting former star players to practice with the team this season and simulate upcoming opponents. Not surprisingly, Nick Saban doesn’t want to hear it.

During his weekly radio show on Thursday, Saban spoke about the Tide using former quarterback Blake Sims to play the role of Texas A&M signal-caller Trevor Knight. Trent Richardson did the same before Alabama’s game against LSU, doing his best to mimic star running back Leonard Fournette. Rather than whining about Bama gaining an unfair advantage, Saban thinks other teams should give the practice a try.

“Now everybody’s complaining that we did it, and they want to change the rule. Well, we didn’t break any rules,” Saban said, via Marq Burnett of SEC Country. “We did what you’re allowed to do. If they want to change the rule, they can change the rule.”

Earlier this month, Kelly called Saban using former players in practice “absolutely ludicrous” and said it “doesn’t sound like college football.”

“I don’t care what rules they change, they’re the same for everybody,” Saban argued. “I just wish that people would quit complaining about what we do, that’s allowed by the rules, and why don’t they just do it?

“I go to SEC meetings and it was like ‘you’re doing something wrong,” Saban said, raising his voice a little. “‘No, I’m not doing anything wrong. You’re allowed to do this. You just don’t want to do it.’ So, why are you complaining about me doing it?”

Saban is right. NCAA rules state that ex-players can participate in practice on an “occasional basis,” though obviously that leaves some room for interpretation.

We all know Saban hates being called out, and Paul Finebaum felt that wrath earlier this year (video here). Unless he’s doing something illegal, the five-time national champion doesn’t want to be bothered.