Nick Saban on That Trump College Sports Commission: “I Don’t Really Know Much About It”
Nick Saban didn’t exactly shut down the rumor that he’ll be co-chairing Donald Trump’s proposed commission on college sports—but he didn’t confirm it either.
While playing in the Regions Tradition Celebrity Pro-Am golf tournament on Wednesday (yes, with Charles Barkley), Saban chatted briefly with reporters about the commission—and made it clear he’s still in the dark on the details.
“To be honest with you, I don’t really know much about this commission,” Saban said. “I don’t really know what this commission would do. I think we know what needs to be done. I just think we’ve got to figure out who’s got the will to do it.”
He added that when it comes to complicated stuff like this, it’s better not to speak off the cuff—so he’s going to wait and learn more before weighing in.
Still, Saban made one thing clear: if there’s a way he can help college football improve, he’s in.
“If there’s something I can do to help college football be better, I’m always going to be committed to that,” he said. “I was committed to do that as a coach, to help players be more successful in life. And I would continue to do the same thing now.”
Last week, The Athletic reported that Saban would be co-chairing the commission alongside Texas Tech Board of Regents member Cody Campbell. According to the report, Saban met with Trump during his recent visit to Tuscaloosa for Alabama’s commencement ceremony.
Reportedly, Saban told Trump that NIL money has messed with the balance of college sports and encouraged the former president to get involved. The Wall Street Journal backed that up, saying Saban “urged” Trump to take action.
But when asked if he’s concerned about the current state of college football, Saban didn’t seem too worried.
“There’s always things we could do to improve it,” he said. “And I know there’s a lot of people concerned about where it’s headed. But there are also a lot of good people who can do what’s needed to move it in the right direction.”
