Nick Saban offers strong opinion on flag planting after Rivalry Week controversy: ‘Up to the ears of the elephant s—t’
Last week, several incidents of road teams planting their school’s flag in the middle of their opponents’ stadium were not well received.
It all started after Michigan’s upset of Ohio State in Columbus. There was a huge argument, and pepper spray had to be used on the players.
Two more battles ensued: one between Florida and Florida State, and the other between UNC and NC State.
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Nick Saban walks off the field after it was renamed in his honor at Bryant-Denny Stadium during halftime of Alabama’s win over South Florida. (Gary Cosby Jr.-USA Today Network via Magn Images)
The Big Ten fined the Wolverines and Buckeyes $100,000 each.
“Fining these schools $100,000 is like worrying about rat droppings when you already know elephant s–t,” Saban said on “College GameDay.”
The seven-time national champion remained tight-lipped, avoiding the act of planting the flag.
Players jeer at midfield following Saturday’s NCAA Division I football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines. (MAGN)
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“I would be upset if my team tried to plant the flag, because I think that is disrespectful and does not show sportsmanship. You want to beat the other team, but this disdain that everyone wants to show is probably not a good part of the game. And I think you have to protect the product If the college players they want to get paid now, they have to do something to protect their brand, something like this is bad for the game, you have to learn to protect the brand, show bravery so that people can see the game in a positive way.”
“I would be upset if my team planted the flag, because I think the coaches can control that,” added Saban.
Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Miles Lockhart (13) tries to grab the Michigan Wolverines flag as the teams scramble following an NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Michigan won 13-10. (MAGN)
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The fourth fight happened during the Arizona State-Arizona game because Sun Devils players trying to plant a fork in the middle of the field. However, that was more subdued.
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