Nick Saban weighs in on Antonio Alfano situation: 'I just know the guy basically quit'
Last week, 2019 5-star DE Antonio Alfano left Alabama and entered the transfer portal.
No one really knows what’s happening with him. He was the top-rated player in Alabama’s 2019 signing class, but hasn’t played.
On Wednesday, coach Nick Saban said at his press conference that Alfano just stopped coming to practices and stopped going to class. He added that counseling is available to him should he choose to respond:
Saban on Antonio Alfano: “I just know the guy basically quit. He quit going to class, he quit coming here (the football building).”
Saban said counseling and other measures were set up for him (and still available), but Alfano has yet to respond to anything.
— Brett Hudson (@Brett_Hudson) September 18, 2019
It’s unknown if this was a dispute with the coaching staff or a mental health issue or just a bad fit for the program.
It’s unlikely we’ll ever know, but hopefully Alfano gets the help he needs.
This is shocking to say the least. It’s evident that Antonio needs counseling for this, and Saban has no choice but to suspend him due to the issue with his class attendance. I wish the Alfano family the best through this trying time.
Or perhaps it is Saban that needs counseling.
What if he just wanted to leave…and no help is necessary?
Well, why not just say that?
That’s fine too. His father said he is struggling with the loss so people were just offering assistance.. Not responding or showing up at all isn’t necessarily right either..
The man doesn’t have to say anything. It’s his right. He doesn’t owe anyone an explanation. I hope he gets help.
The young man does owe an explanation if he accepted the position on the team, if he received a scholarship that could have gone to someone who would fulfill their commitment. I don’t know what’s going on in this young mans life but if he is struggling in any way he and/or his family needs to go talk to Coach. Running or hiding from problems never helps. I hope all goes well for him and I pray he’s not throwing away an opportunity of a lifetime. Bama will be fine it’s this young man I’m worried about.