As the name, image, and likeness debate rages, former Alabama head coach Nick Saban weighed in on the news of a potential presidential commission to investigate college athletics issues.
Saban has been skeptical of the commission proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, repeatedly voicing that he’s not sure it is necessary.
Nick Saban Clarifies NIL, Trump Commission Stances
Saban opened up on the topic at a charity event but clarified that he doesn’t think the current system is sustainable.
“I’m not anti-NIL. I’m all for the players making money,” Saban said. “I don’t think we have a sustainable system right now. I think a lot of people would agree with that. In terms of the future of college athletics period, not just football, how do we sustain 20 other non-revenue sports that create lots of other opportunities for people in the future?”
And while he’s not all-in on the commission, he admitted some issues must be solved.
“I know there’s been a lot of stuff out there about some commission or whatever,” Saban said. “I don’t think we need a commission. I’ve said that before. I think we know what the issues are, we just have to have people that are willing to move those and solve those, create some solutions for some of those issues.”
But change is certainly coming to the sport, so who better to consult than the greatest college football head coach ever?
“I’m all for being a consultant to anybody who would think that my experience would be beneficial to help them create some of those solutions,” Saban said. “President Trump is very interested in athletics, he’s very interested in college athletics.”
‘He’s very interested in maintaining the idea that people going to college create value for their future in terms of how they develop as people, as students, as well as having a balanced, competitive playing field.”
KEEP READING: Nick Saban Opens Up About NIL, College Football: “All the Things I’ve Believed in No Longer Exist in College Athletics”
“So if I can be a consultant to anyone to help with the future of college athletics, I’d be more than happy to do that.”
We’ll see how it all ends up shaking out.
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