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Nick Saban ‘draws the line’ at using NIL for recruiting purposes
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Nick Saban isn’t a huge fan of the way some coaches and programs are using Name, Image and Likeness. The future Hall of Famer believes NIL pitches shouldn’t be used in recruiting.
On Tuesday at the Senior Bowl, Saban talked about NIL opportunities being used in recruiting. He doesn’t believe that’s how it should operate.
“When we start using name, image and likeness for a kid to come to our school, that’s where I draw the line,” Saban said, via ESPN. “Because that’s not why we did this.”
Saban also dismissed the notion that Alabama has ever crossed the line in recruiting, denying that he or his staff has ever paid a player or cheated.
“I hear these crazy people on TV who say now you’re doing it above board,” Saban said. “We never did it. We never did it. We never cheated to get a player. We never paid players to come to our school. And now that’s actually happening. People are making deals with high school players to go to their school.”
Last summer, Saban was the one who publicly spilled the beans about quarterback Bryce Young having potentially locked down seven figures through NIL opportunities. Maybe that’s not exactly the same thing, but it’s certainly a pretty nice recruiting pitch.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB