Worshipping Saban

Bob Riley may be the Governor of Alabama but I doubt heaven and earth would be moved to accommodate his wishes. Not when you have the great Saban winning football games. In the wake of textbook gate the University of Alabama is willing to do whatever they can to make jolly ole St. Nick a happy man.

First appeal the NCAA probation even as some of those vacated wins occured under Saban's watch. Check that.

Next keep the athletic director who did hire Saban but whose power has been eroded by probation under his watch. Done deal.

Now extend Saban's contract entering into his third year of an eight year deal that pays a grand total of $32 million. A contract that contains no buyout clause. Saban can leave whenever he feels like it.

Reportedly preliminary discussions are going on to extend Saban's contract to 2016 and give the message to recruits that Saban isn't jumping ship after textbook gate.

Couple that with the University President embarrassed by probation and having the Board of Trustees in the palm of his hand and Saban is gaining total and absolute power at Alabama.

Those of us at the OSG HQ acknowledge that Saban put the Crimson Tide football team back into elite status. That he is a brilliant recruiter who exploits every advantage available and gets the players he wants. Saban can flat out coach too. A few of us in the HQ have been around Saban and he can be an engaging person. We wonder to if Saban has become too powerful and if anyone at the University of Alabama, from the athletic director to the University President to the Board of Trustees has ever said the word "no" to Saban. And if anyone has if they still have their head on their shoulders.



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