NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles!
With the start of the SEC’s spring meetings on Tuesday, all of college football knew what topic would be the focal point.
The public discussion between Alabama head coach Nick Saban and Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher was the most important, with the world of college football breathlessly waiting for more fireworks.
October 12, 2019; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and Texas A&M Aggies head coach Jimbo Fisher shake hands at the end of the game at Kyle Field. (John Glaser-USA TODAY Sports)
Saban’s first question on Tuesday was about his accusation that Texas A&M “bought” his entire recruiting class with NIL money.
“I didn’t really say anyone did anything wrong,” Saban said he said when asked about his previous comments.
ALABAMA’S NICK SABAN STAYS AGAINST CURRENT NILE SYSTEM
“I’ve said everything I’m going to say about it,” Saban continued. “I should never have mentioned any individual institution, and I’ve said it before. A kind of uniform standard of name, image and likeness that supports some kind of equitable national competition, I think it’s very, very important in college athletics. And college football. “
Saban also said he is in favor of “players doing as much as they can,” but called for a more transparent way to get NIL.
Texas A&M Aggies head coach Jimbo Fisher reacts after a loss to the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images)
“I have no problem with Jimbo,” Saban added later. “I have no problem with Jimbo.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
The War of Words began on May 18 when Saban spoke about the new era of name, image, and likeness (NIL) at a conference in Birmingham, Alabama.
“I know the consequence will be difficult for people who spend tons of money to get players,” Saban said. through AL.com. “You read about it, you know who they are. We were second in recruiting last year. A&M was the first. A&M bought all the players on its team. We made a deal by name, image and likeness.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Alabama head coach Nick Saban watches the second half of the college football playoff championship game against Georgia on Monday, January 10, 2022, in Indianapolis. (Photo by AP / Darron Cummings)
The next day, Fisher convened an impromptu press conference, criticizing Saban for his comments and saying that the Alabama head coach had tried to call him, but Fisher refused to answer the call.
TEXAS JIMBO FISHER A&M EXPLODES NICK SABAN BY NIL COMMENTS: “MAYBE SOMEONE SHOULD HAVE SHOT”
“Some people think they’re God. Go find out how God dealt with you. You might find out about a boy, a lot of things you don’t want to know. We built him to be this football tsar. Go deep into his past or anyone who has trained with him. You can find out anything you want to know what he does and how he does it, “Fisher told a news conference.
BILLY NAPIER SAYS FLORIDA WILL NOT BE INVOLVED IN NIL OFFER WARS
Fisher denied any wrongdoing by Texas A&M in securing the country’s number one recruiting class.