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Bama News
Appearing on ESPN’s College Gameday before Indiana faced Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff on Friday, comedian Shane Gillis, a Fighting Irish fan, joked about Alabama football and Nick Saban paying players. Later in the show, seated with Saban at the show’s desk, Pat McAfee reminded Gillis of the moment.
“You called him a cheater earlier,” McAfee said, pointing to the longtime Alabama football head coach.
Gillis jokingly backpedaled, making fun of Saban’s hat, which had drawn comparisons to Indiana Jones throughout the show.
“I’m joking,” Gillis said. “Is this not a fun show? It’s a serious show? Alabama Jones is very serious. Get the whip, Indy.”
Saban did not appear to be amused by the implication. The man who won six national championships with Alabama, plus another while at LSU, before retiring after the 2023 season, went on to explain his process.
“I do believe in integrity,” Saban said. “I always tried to run the program that way, so players had a better chance to be successful in life. We made more money in the NFL than any other school, 61 players in the league. That was how we cheated, we developed players.”
Saban remains on the payroll at Alabama in an advisory role after retiring in January. He also took the job at ESPN, appearing on College Gameday among other programs.
Meanwhile, his impassioned speech caused the guest comedian to back off the joking accusation.
“I’m so sorry,” Gillis said with a laugh.
“You called him a cheater earlier,” McAfee said, pointing to the longtime Alabama football head coach.
Gillis jokingly backpedaled, making fun of Saban’s hat, which had drawn comparisons to Indiana Jones throughout the show.
“I’m joking,” Gillis said. “Is this not a fun show? It’s a serious show? Alabama Jones is very serious. Get the whip, Indy.”
Saban did not appear to be amused by the implication. The man who won six national championships with Alabama, plus another while at LSU, before retiring after the 2023 season, went on to explain his process.
“I do believe in integrity,” Saban said. “I always tried to run the program that way, so players had a better chance to be successful in life. We made more money in the NFL than any other school, 61 players in the league. That was how we cheated, we developed players.”
Saban remains on the payroll at Alabama in an advisory role after retiring in January. He also took the job at ESPN, appearing on College Gameday among other programs.
Meanwhile, his impassioned speech caused the guest comedian to back off the joking accusation.
“I’m so sorry,” Gillis said with a laugh.
