The SEC lost arguably its most influential figure on Wednesday as former league commissioner Mike Slive died at the age of 77.
Among those issuing their thoughts and prayers to Slive and his family following the news was Nick Saban.
The Alabama coach issued the following statement following the news:
“Commissioner Slive was truly one of the great leaders college athletics has ever seen & an even better person. He was a wonderful friend to me and someone who I respected tremendously. Mike changed the landscape of the Southeastern Conference and helped build our league into what you see today. He was instrumental in growing college football and in the creation of the College Football Playoff. The professionalism he displayed throughout his career was second to none. He was an advocate for all of our Universities and placed the utmost importance on the well-being of student-athletes. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this difficult time.”
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
