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Paul Finebaum calls ‘Saban Field’ naming ‘somewhat of an insult’ to Nick Saban
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Paul Finebaum says Alabama did not properly honor Nick Saban by naming the Bryant-Denny Stadium playing surface “Saban Field.”
Finebaum discussed the topic with AL.com’s Mark Heim during a Thursday appearance on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5.
“Naming a field after the greatest coach in college football is an insult,” Finebaum said on the show.
“It shouldn’t be Nick Saban Field,” the SEC Network host added. “It should be Bryant-Saban Stadium.”
Other SEC coaches, including Steve Spurrier, Pat Dye and Vince Dooley, have fields named after them. Finebaum, though, sees the field naming as “worthless,” since the venue is still referred to by its stadium name or nickname.
Finebaum called it “stubborn” of Alabama to go with “Saban Field” while keeping the Bryant-Denny Stadium name.
“I don’t think this is that great a tribute to Saban. I think it is somewhat of an insult to put him below (Paul) Bryant and (George) Denny.”
Finebaum reiterated his call for renaming the stadium to Bryant-Saban Stadium, arguing that former UA President Denny is properly recognized without having his name on the stadium.
“Denny has Denny Chimes. It may be the most iconic thing on the Alabama campus,” Finebaum said.
“You put Bryant’s and Saban’s names on the stadium, you’re telling the world we had the two greatest football coaches in the history of college football at one school,” he added.
Alabama announced the naming of Saban Field last week. In a statement released by the program, Saban said he and his wife Terry were “humbled” by the honor and “grateful” for the naming.
Finebaum has a point about Saban’s name being “below” Bryant and Denny at the home stadium of his legendary tenure in which he went 206-29 overall and 108-9 at home. While Finebaum is all for renaming the stadium, others might be reluctant about changing the name of a venue rich in tradition as the site of many historic victories.
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Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
