Mixed emotions for me: Thought Saban spoke with class, but also found him still wanting to ride on LSU's coattail- Some may say he has the right and I think that's valid; however, he seemed to be taking a lot of credit for JR's development/accomplishment and everyone knows Saban is a defensive guru and Jimbo should be credited for that, though, Saban never mentioned him. Here's the kicker: Saban being calm, informal, and personable on a radio talk show?? That seemed out of character for him- he must be on meds. I never watched the "Nick Saban" show- or whatever it was called when they re-played the game with the coach commenting though and maybe it's a different setting than cameras and mic's being shoved in your face.....dunno. Found the reference to "Not having to dislike who you play against" using him and Bellicheck as paralell was interesting. Sounds to me like he may be a lil bothered or even concerned about "The crowd". :hihi: Minimally, it's in his head or he wouldn't have said it. Good get red, I enjoyed it. :thumb:
It was nothing more then a PR move for recruiting. JR was in Saban's doghouse when Saban left for Miami. Saban recruited JR but Jimbo and Les deserve the lion's share of the credit for developing JR into the #1 draft pick.
You would think that, but I saw Russell do an interview in Mobile where he said most of his thanks should go to Saban. Not one mention of his current coaches. Kind of weird.
Nick was always cool, calm, and informative on his radio TV shows. It's only on the field that he gets hot and angry. It's clear to me that Nick is proud of his tenure at LSU and doesn't want an SEC football rivalry to become something personal. Me either.
It may have something to do with him feeling like he was held back the last two years. All of the scouts told him he was under used, and could have put up much better stats had they used him properly. Maybe it got into his head. If this is the case, I think he owes that blame to Jimbo, not Miles. The other thing is if you listen to the interview when Saban talks to JR's uncle Ray, Ray thanks him for making JR a man, and developing his on field leadership or something like that. I am sure they have a great deal of respect for each other. I do not see the problem with this phone call, or why people are saying it is a publicity stunt and what not. I would have more of a problem if Saban didn't make a call to the guy and wish him good luck.
I'd stated I had mixed emotions but just something to consider for those who may have stronger feelings- maybe the phone call/conversation, in itself, wouldn't be tainted without the history of Saban's under-handedness......not only with LSU but I don't want to re-open that can o worms again. :thumb:
This was clearly a PR move. Saban calling him to congratulate him is no big deal, but it was aired on the radio for a reason. JR thanked Saban, Jimbo, and Miles after he got drafted but I saw some clips where they didn't show the part that he thanked Miles. I never saw or read anything where JaMarcus said most of his thanks should go to Saban, and if so it's only from a scholarship offer standpoint - not from a developmental standpoint. From what I know, JaMarcus respected Saban but never liked him.
The problem is these teen big time athletes dont think quite like we do. All they hear is what saban did at LSU, then hear JR thanking saban but not mentioning Miles. They remember that and start to believe the recruiting hype that saban made JR. It will get alabama a recruit and may cost us one at some point. The fact is it just sucks that saban is back in college coaching in our division for a team most over 30 have grown up hating. He is a hell of a coach and coaching for a strong willed program. He and Alabama will beat us and at some point it will cost us something big. We will do the same as long as Miles keeps it together and growing. Just sucks. Wish he would have stayed at LSU or Miami.
