Say it aint so St. Nick. You were supposed to be our Santa Claus bringing us lots of toys and goodies on your sleigh. We've been waiting on Christmas here in Tuscaloosa, Alabama for a very long time at the University of Alabama. We want to Roll Tide Roll. Instead we hear that you may have been naughty, and not so nice..
The Miami Herald was able to break with a story in which Nick Saban may have violated NCAA recruiting rules. The NCAA declined to make a direct statement regarding Nick Saban, but spokesman Stacey Osburn explained the rule in question. You see, coaches may evaluate high school prospects between April 15 and May 31, but as Osburn states, "...no contact may occur in their evaluation."
So what's the deal here? What happened?
Etienne Sabino, a linebacker at Miami Krop, told the Miami Herald that Nick Saban did more than what is acceptable in a bylaw which allows a short greeting between prospective student athletes, parents, guardians, and/or institutional staff. Saban discussed defensive schemes and told Sabino he was "the big physical type of linebacker" Bama needs.
But it wasn't just Etienne Sabino who spoke up. Two Miami Northwestern High juniors Marcus Forston and Brandon Washington had a few thoughts of their own experiences with Saban of which they shared.
Orally commited to the University of Miami, Brandon Washington was asked by Nick Saban if "...my heart was in Miami." While Washington told Saban no, and that he was interested in visiting other schools; when the story appeared in the Miami Herald's Sunday edition it added fuel to the fire. While the young player believed he would sign with Miami, he was open minded.
During his greeting session with Saban, Forston said they spoke for "a few minutes" and Saban then offered about Alabama "this is a great place to get a degree."
At his time the NCAA won't even say if they're even going to investigate. It appears at this time that even if they did, it would be a secondary violation with no significant penalty. Both Nick Saban and Alabama athletic director Mal Moore have offered no comments on the matter.
Your time to rant!
What is your take. Did Nick Saban really violate the rules? Did he go above and beyond the guidelines set by the NCAA? How much is too much?
Here's a little hint St. Nick. If you're going to do something naughty over something nice, leave Rudolf at home. While his nose is indeed Bama red, it also shines real bright and you'll get busted for sure. And that, my friends, is The Human Side of Sports.
Thanks to the following sites for information and photos:
toys and goodies on your sleigh. We've been waiting on Christmas here in Tuscaloosa, Alabama for a very long time at the University of Alabama. We want to Roll Tide Roll. Instead we hear that you may have been naughty, and not so nice..
Etienne Sabino, a linebacker at Miami Krop, told the Miami Herald that Nick Saban did more than what is acceptable in a bylaw which allows a short greeting between prospective student athletes, parents, guardians, and/or institutional staff. Saban discussed defensive schemes and told Sabino he was "the big physical type of linebacker" Bama needs.
and Saban then offered about Alabama "this is a great place to get a degree."
beyond the guidelines set by the NCAA? How much is too much? 
