Alabama football coach Nick Saban laments singling out schools in NIL debate, but defends comments

DESTIN, Fla. — Alabama coach Nick Saban said on Tuesday that he never should have singled out Texas A&M when he accused the Aggies of using name, image and likeness deals to buy its top-ranked recruiting class during public comments he made two weeks ago.

But Saban was quick to add that, «I didn't really say that anybody did anything wrong.»

At one point, a reporter interjected, pointing out to Saban that he'd said A&M had «bought every player.»

«I didn't say anybody did anything wrong,» Saban reiterated.

Name, image and likeness rules allow players to earn money through endorsement deals, but oversight from the NCAA has been scarce, leading to frustration among coaches.

But when Saban called out Texas A&M by name, it heated up the national conversation.

Aggies coach Jimbo Fisher took offense to Saban's earlier comments, holding a hastily set up news conference the following day in which he called what Saban said «despicable» and insisted «We never bought anybody» and that «No rules are broken.»

Fisher called Saban a «narcissist» and that when Saban called, he didn't pick up.

Fisher, who was Saban's offensive coordinator at LSU from 2000-04, said of their relationship, «We're done.»

Five of the SEC's 14 head coaches met with the media prior to the start of spring meetings in Florida, but Fisher wasn't among them.

Saban said on Tuesday, «I should have never mentioned any individual institutions.»

Saban was asked by a reporter if Fisher was lying when he said Texas A&M did nothing wrong in its use of NIL.

«I have no problem with Jimbo at all,» Saban said.

In October, for the first time in 26 attempts, Saban lost to one of his former assistants when Fisher led Texas A&M to a 41-38 win over Alabama in College Station.

Saban