In light of recent statements from both coaches criticizing their respective programs, the South-Eastern Conference (SEC) issued public reprimands to Jimbo Fisher and Nick Saban on Thursday.
The Athletic’s Nicole Auerbach got the statement, which includes comments from SEC commissioner Greg Sankey on the board’s criticism of Fisher and Saban’s actions.
Less than 24 hours after Alabama coach Nick Saban said the Aggies “purchased every player on their team” through name, image, and likeness arrangements, the Texas A&M coach set the collegiate football world on fire with a slew of blistering accusations aimed at Saban.
“The Southeastern Conference membership has established conduct and sportsmanship objectives that were not satisfied last night or today,” Sankey said.
“Intense competition within a collaborative environment is a hallmark of the SEC. Public criticism of any form does not solve problems and serves as a deterrent to finding answers to the problems that collegiate athletics faces today.”
Saban was sanctioned by the SEC for “comments he made in violation of SEC Bylaws 10.2.3 and 10.5.2 pertaining to Ethical Conduct for disparaging statements and public criticism of another institution’s athletics program.”
Meanwhile, Fisher received his punishment for “public criticism of another member institution’s employees in violation of SEC Bylaw 10.5.2 relating to Ethical Conduct.”
During his lengthy press conference on Thursday, Fisher slammed Saban on a number of fronts, calling the Crimson Tide coach’s statements “despicable” and “disgusting.”
He also urged reporters to “investigate” Saban’s past, going so far as to label him a “narcissist” who needed more than a severe talking to.
Saban later apologized for his recent accusations against Fisher and Jackson State coach Deion Sanders, whom he also accused of pay-for-play.
“I should never have singled someone out,” Saban stated. “I apologize for that part of it; it was a mistake.”
Sankey, who has served as the SEC’s commissioner since 2015, also expressed “tremendous displeasure” with the lack of set NIL standards in each state before expressing the conference’s commitment to finding answers before the spring meetings.
“The lack of clear standards on name, image, and likeness from state to state causes a great deal of frustration.”
“At the next SEC Spring Meetings, we will focus on working together to develop answers.”
