Not sure exactly how that played out but there should be enough evidence that Saban knows what he is talking about. For Saban to mislead kids does not make sense to me.
The pundits like Cowherd seem to be implying Saban is doing just that. I completely disagree. His reputation and credibility is what he has to keep intact or it would catch up with him. He would do his program more harm long term if he misled kids for short term gain.