Was Nick Saban wrong to go off on ESPN’s Maria Taylor? Media members weigh in

The college football world was tuning into Alabama’s season opener against Louisville to see who would start at QB, and Tua Tagovailoa certainly did not disappoint. And while some are talking about Tagovailoa’s brilliant game, it’s not the biggest story.

Following Alabama’s 51-14 blowout win over Louisville, Nick Saban went off on ESPN’s Maria Taylor following a post-game question about the QBs. Taylor handled it well, and even responded via Twitter after the game with professionalism.

Saban can get away with a lot with respect to how he handles the media, but media members are hammering him for his response to Taylor.

excellent colleague @MariaTaylor7 asked a fair QB question of Saban – which he must have misinterpreted – and he blew his stack. Unwarranted. It’s a cumulative thing, but NO intent to “disrespect” Hurts. (May be a long, uncomfortable year of press conferences in T-town!)

— Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) September 2, 2018

Saban answered the question to Maria Taylor post game that way because he knows Tua is the guy but doesn't want locker room to be divided.

That answer was delivering a message to his team, not Maria or the audience.

Not a good look, but frankly Saban couldn't care less. https://t.co/8fSHcxHOBQ

— Peter Burns (@PeterBurnsESPN) September 2, 2018

I don’t care if u win every title for the next 5 years it gives u no right to speak to someone that way, if u don’t wanna answer the qb questions then pick a damn qb … and to think he says ‘ I respect the job the media does ‘ ?

— Booger (@ESPNBooger) September 2, 2018

The only disrespect being shown is toward Jalen Hurts by a coach who isn’t being honest about his role https://t.co/oRmyVwfpEa

— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) September 2, 2018

Nick Saban is wrong for this https://t.co/ZxqBjjIFq0

— Booger (@ESPNBooger) September 2, 2018

And for those saying stop asking the same question , it’s not. The question is what did u learn after watching them play. Totally different. He is wrong A blind man could see Tua is better so if he wants to play the game then answer the question. Simple https://t.co/6bRdDM4VDn

— Booger (@ESPNBooger) September 2, 2018

“Responded critically” …man you guys suck up.

Pure and simple…he handled this like a total jerk. He owes @MariaTaylor7 an apology which I expect he will. Privately, of course, so he doesn’t stop intimidating all the others. https://t.co/pKzUHZO39E

— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) September 2, 2018

https://twitter.com/GaryParrishCBS/status/1036099778076192768

I covered Nick Saban his last season at Michigan State. Only thing that has changed is that he’s won titles. Same dude. @MariaTaylor7 handled it well, but I could feel myself taking off my earrings and reaching for my footies watching their exchange.

— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) September 2, 2018

Watching GameDay earlier today, told my wife how much I respected @MariaTaylor7. She’s such a pro. She handled herself with pure class in the postgame. Not a surprise.

— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) September 2, 2018

Nick Saban is such a curmudgeon. Maria asked him a fair and open ended question. His typical college football coach neurosis is the issue here… not her question https://t.co/HDmv61KVmI

— Jorge Sedano (@Sedano) September 2, 2018

SDS Staff

Saturday Down South reports and comments on the news around the Southeastern Conference as well as larger college football topics.