Nick Saban and Alabama appear to be sticking to their guns when it comes to players potentially leaving Tuscaloosa for another SEC program.

Former backup Crimson Tide offensive lineman Brandon Kennedy recently announced he would leave Tuscaloosa and take advantage of the graduate transfer rule, which would make him eligible to compete immediately at his next school. Kennedy has earned his undergraduate degree from Alabama and has two years left to play college football after he redshirted one season in Tuscaloosa.

Following that news, Alabama blocked Kennedy’s reported request to contact Auburn and Tennessee regarding a potential transfer. The way NCAA transfers are currently set up, players need to gain permission before reaching out to potential destinations. Kennedy appealed Alabama’s initial decision.

According to Matt Zenitz of AL.com — who also first broke the story of Alabama blocking Kennedy’s potential transfer to Auburn or Tennessee — Alabama has now blocked Kennedy’s initial appeal to seek a transfer within the conference.

Despite Alabama’s efforts, the NCAA Division I Transfer Working Group has publicly issued its support for ending the practice of student-athletes having to gain permission to contact schools before transferring. The NCAA is expected to vote on that subject in June and if it passes, Kennedy will not need Alabama’s permission to seek a transfer to Auburn or Tennessee — or any school for that matter.