Nick Saban Breaks Silence on Beef With Shane Gillis

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.R. DeGroote | Last updated Dec 27, 2024 3:02 PM ET

Nick Saban had a viral back-and-forth with comedian Shane Gillis on "College GameDay" but the former Alabama head coach turned ESPN analyst is taking it all in stride.

Prior to the College Football Playoff first round games, Gillis joked that Alabama paid players during Saban's tenure. He also made a funny jab about Saban's outfit.

“I was just joking around. I don’t think the SEC paid players, ever,” Gillis said sarcastically. “I’m joking. Is this not a fun show? A serious show? Alabama Jones is very serious. Get the whip, Indy!”

Saban scowled and responded: “I do believe in integrity. 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 joined the "Pat McAfee Show" on Friday and spoke on his "beef" with Gillis.

“I understand he’s a comedian. Obviously, he’s much more intimidated by J.J. Watt than he was by me, which was understandable. I guess you’ve got to live with it," Saban said. "But we were trying to create value for players, and I think that’s why we were able to recruit good players. It was how many degrees they got, how many guys went to the NFL, how many guys had careers that were very productive for them. That’s why we got good players. That speaks for itself, and that’s all there is to it.

“You know, he was trying to be funny, which — I get it. My daughter Kristen loves him. So, that’s kind of — soothe the soul, a little bit, that somebody in our family likes the guy.”

Gillis is a Notre Dame fan and will watch the Fighting Irish take on Georgia in the quarterfinals.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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