HOOVER, Ala. – Nick Saban didn’t pull punches Wednesday when discussing the improper contact with athletes by unscrupulous agents, comparing their behavior to that of a “pimp.”
The Alabama coach was upset about a rash of recent agent-related incidents that have resulted in NCAA investigations at several Southeastern Conference schools.
“I don’t think it’s anything but greed that’s creating it right now on behalf of the agents,” Saban said in a rant at the SEC media days. “The agents that do this, and I hate to say this, but how are they any better than a pimp?”
“I have no respect for people who do that to young people. None,” he added. “How would you feel if they did it to your child?”
Agents, not national titles, was the primary topic on Day 1 at the Wynfrey Hotel. Three SEC teams—Florida, Alabama and South Carolina—are investigating allegations involving improper contact with an agent. Saban and SEC commissioner Mike Slive both emphatically said it was time for a change to NCAA rules governing agents.
Saban confirmed that Alabama is looking into a trip that defensive end Marcell Dareus took to an agent’s party at Miami’s South Beach. South Carolina is looking into claims from the same South Beach party with tight end Weslye Saunders.
Florida and the NCAA are reportedly investigating whether offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey, now an NFL rookie, received $100,000 from a sports agent’s representative between the SEC championship game and the Sugar Bowl.
