TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — It’s been a rough three weeks for the Alabama football team, but coach Nick Saban doesn’t like the notion that it could provide extra motivation for the 2011 season.
The season might provide a welcome distraction, though.
“I think they’re two different things and I think we should look at them that way,” he said. “The season will be a lot of fun, and it will be an escape for a lot of people who have had a lot of heartbreak, through what they’ve been through with this storm, but we’ll still be supporting, rebuilding and trying to help those who need it.”
Saban made the comments during the special radio broadcast of “Hey Coach Helping Out,” from Bryant-Denny Stadium on Monday. The fundraiser asked Crimson Tide fans to donate to UA’s Acts of Kindness Fund and other organizations involved in relief following the April 27 tornado.
It came a night after Saban, more than 30 players and several other Alabama coaches and school officials attended the memorial service for junior tackle Aaron Douglas at Cokesbury United Methodist Church’s Epworth Hall in Knoxville, Tenn. The 21-year-old was found dead last Thursday morning in Fernandina Beach, Fla., where authorities are still investigating the cause of death.
“We’ve never, ever lost a player the whole time I’ve been coaching,” Saban said. “When you lose your parents you’re an orphan. When your husband dies you’re a widow, or your wife dies you’re a widower. There’s no word when your child dies.”
Although the football team was essentially given May off, and most players have headed home before the start of summer workouts, more than 30 drove up for the service. Also in attendance were former Tennessee coaches Phillip Fulmer and John Majors, and numerous other former teammates as Douglas won a starting job as a freshman with the Volunteers before transferring to Arizona Western College.
“These things we’re talking about are about people,” Saban continued. “It has nothing to do with where you went to school or who you’re rooting for, how much passion you have when the game starts. It has nothing to do with that, it’s about people and doing the right thing to support people regardless.
“Having great rivalries, there’s nothing wrong with that either, but this is a great opportunity to keep those in perspective and keep them on the field.”
Others participating in the radio show were Tuscaloosa mayor Walt Maddox, men’s basketball coach Anthony Grant and gymnastics coach Sarah Patterson, who recently won her fifth national championship.
Cleanup from the storm is expected to take months, if not years, to complete.
“Everything makes a difference,” athletic director Mal Moore said.
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 21
MothershipChip writes:
I have a massive amount of respect for Coach Saban after reading this; we have to remember that they are all still kids. R.I.P. Aaron may you find in heaven what you were missing on Earth.
milesofsmiles writes:
I believe most people feel for the loss of loved ones, homes and personal items that we all cherish. I salute your recovery. Also we hope to make our next meeting on Oct. 22 one we all can chat about for many seasons. Go VOLS Beat Bama. Smiles to all.
Outdated writes:
These things are about people..Coach Saban's statements indicate he has the right perspective on life and character..may we all be likewise...
BigBadVol writes:
Coach Saban is a class act. He mentored our coach who is a class act. Just sayin.
murrayvol writes:
Surely you can do better than this.
murrayvol writes:
Saban was right when he said "there's no word when your child dies". Devastated is probably a good place to start.
wigmeister writes:
So true!!
gatorhator4eva writes:
I hate alabama on the field but i will say coach saban is respected by alot of people. the reason for that is he conducts himself professionally and respectfully. Tragedy like this sucks to bring us closer, but like i said on the field is a different story. People must remember that people are people even though they might hate your football teams guts.
voloffaith writes:
Classless...defamatory..abusive....SAD....should have been removed. I hope and pray u don't have to experience what these FAMILIES have had to alone and all only have your perspective with no pity or compassion.
RollTideJoe writes:
Nice statement vol4gzus. There was incredible devastation in the area. Thankfully, there has been a huge outpouring of support, food, basics of life things, etc. Lots of the help came from Auburn (rival) fans. That's class.
TheFuj writes:
Now you see why a lot of players play for Saban.
hueypilot writes:
Very astute classy remarks by Coach Saban. Makes me want to beat him even more. I repected Bryant too, but I wanted to pin his ears back.
Witch_Doctors writes:
Witch Doctor say thats why the SEC so great. Witch Doctor say we all(vast majority)know the difference between fan and citizen and neighbor. Witch Doctor like Saban right up till 3rd Sat. in Oct. and then begin to slowly appreciate and like a few days after.
Bones never lie.
*Witch Doctor get one free punch to Spurriers belly we all could heal.
stormblast writes:
I hope sports does help Alabama get through what they've gone through over the past month. Unless its when their games are against UT or when a loss helps UT, then I'll be rooting for them next season. Most likely, it'll be only next season though. I do wish them well.
stormblast writes:
LOL.
I imagine Randy Quade from Christmas Vacation pulling up your driveway with Spurrier tied up in Christmas lights. It's the gift that keeps on giving.
voloffaith writes:
It won't go away overnight! This is an area ravaged to the core and you're tired of hearing people are still hurting? What if the shoe was on the other foot? It's out there as a reminder of the devastation to prod many to know they still need help financially and physically. I hope you don't find yourself ever like them and no one shows you pity or compassion as you appear to be showing them. I would want people to help you as they need help now. OK? Not beating you up just reminding of another perspective.
voloffaith writes:
Do you know for a fact that he hasn't helped financially? Maybe he is humble and did so as to not draw attention to himself any more than will already occur as Bama's head futbol coach.
eVOLved writes:
you are correct on all 3. we knew Saban was clever, but here he's proving himself wise also.
Witch_Doctors writes:
Witch Doctor bust gut at thought..thanks! lol
Bones never lie.
voloffaith writes:
Agree that we will disagree on relevance of reminders....
hueypilot writes:
Don't recall leaving any games in Tuscaloosa early. Most of late have been decided on the game's final play. Probably won't change much this year.
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.