So what possessed Saban to go nuclear on college athletics just now?

Probably just because those are the 3 examples where it has been the most blatant, in your face abuse of NIL so far. I'm sure he'd have included UTk buying that QB from California if he wasn't still a recruit. After listening to what he said instead of reading the quotes, it came across less as hostility towards those programs in particular and more as hostility towards the immediate exploitation of something that was meant to allow players to make money from endorsements and has turned into pay for play under the guise of buying a player's NIL rights.

I also just think Saban is in the phase of his career that Kobe Bryant got to towards the end. Where he knew his reputation and legacy was solidified and he just spoke his mind in press situations like no other player would, or could get away with. Kobe, like Saban here, was often telling the truth, but with a boldness and bluntness that nobody else was willing to do.

I think Jimbo is on shaky ground. If Jimbo has another flop season he very well could be fired. I can see A&M going after Kiffin.

As long as it's not Jim Leonhard.

I may be way off but I don't think he specifically named A&M for some sort of 4D reason. I think he just ended up talking about NIL for a while, was in a comfortable setting and just kind of let it rip after 4-5 minutes of discussing it all.

I'm not really sure if it's good or not, but I definitely don't think it was pre-planned and on purpose. He's had the same tactic discussing this for months - talk about NIL, what it's purpose should be, the issues with it, that some are using it to recruit, etc........he went another step last night.

Saban made a lot of comments in his talk last night right down to Alabama kids growing up in the state dreaming of playing for Alabama that won't commit. I think one of these prospects have directly ask him what Alabama has to offer because another school has promised this or that through NIL.

I imagine he'll say he didn't see Jimbo's conference or hear what he said, right?

Was just thinking the long drag to August would be boring. No worries about boredom now.

Because an instate recruit who has wanted to be at Bama since they were young has asked Nick to match A&M's offer. He's had enough of the bullshite and so have I tbh.

This epic instate class could amount to not much for Alabama due to NIL $$$.

Saban capitalized from his own dominance of CFB. His own success. That's how he has stayed on top...Fisher thinks it's comparable to use oil money to buy recruits right out in the open.