A prominent attorney called out last-minute NIL-related interventions from former Alabama football coach Nick Saban and U.S. President Donald Trump in the college sports Name Image and Likeness rights discussion.
As the NCAA nears a landmark settlement in the House v. NCAA case, attorney Steve Berman has publicly criticized Saban and Trump for their sudden push to influence NIL regulations.
NIL Settlement Leader Steve Berman Calls Out Nick Saban and Donald Trump for Last-Minute Involvement in College Sports Reform Talks
Steve Berman, who leads the $2.78 billion settlement case as co-lead counsel at Hagens Berman, has closely opposed the NIL reform discussions between Saban and Trump.
Reports indicate that Trump is considering an executive order aimed at regulating NIL deals after meeting privately with Saban, who has long expressed concerns about the impact of NIL on college athletics.
NEW: House settlement leader Steve Berman blasts Donald Trump, Nick Saban for ‘unneeded self-involvement’🫣
“College athletes are spearheading historic changes and benefitting massively from NIL deals. They don’t need this unmerited interference from a coach only seeking to… https://t.co/xgyBhzbteV pic.twitter.com/vPfcV6gLM7
— On3 (@On3sports) May 5, 2025
On3sports posted Berman’s comments on X, quoting, “College athletes are spearheading historic changes and benefitting massively from NIL deals. They don’t need this unmerited interference from a coach only seeking to protect the system that made him tens of millions.”
Berman argues that their involvement at this stage is unnecessary and disruptive. He pointed out that college athletes have been at the forefront of securing equitable payment for their contributions to sports, yet outside influences especially those who profited under the old system should remain excluded from this process.
At their recent meeting, Trump listened as Saban conveyed his worries about increasing NIL money control in college athletics despite his previous stance against payments and advocacy for strict regulations. Trump, in turn, has instructed aides to explore potential executive action to address the issue.
Berman also questioned Trump about his support for NCAA restrictions on athlete deals, considering Trump’s reputation as a business leader. He suggested that Trump should consult with coaches who support athlete rights, rather than those who have benefited from the old system.
KEEP READING: Legendary Coach Nick Saban To Appear Alongside U.S. President Donald Trump at Alabama Commencement
As the NCAA settlement moves toward final approval, the debate over NIL continues to divide fans and stakeholders. Some support Saban’s call for more regulation, while others agree with Berman. From Berman’s perspective, athletes must have full control over their financial prospects without interference from those who benefited from the old system.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Trump moves forward with an executive order and how the NCAA responds to these latest developments. But Berman has made himself clear. College athletes should be free to strike NIL deals without politicians and other public figures meddling in their affairs.
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