Saban compares some agents to a ‘pimp’
July 21, 2010
HOOVER, Ala. (AP)—Nick Saban didn’t pull punches Wednesday when discussing theimproper contact with athletes by unscrupulous agents, comparing their behaviorto that of a “pimp.”
The Alabama coach was upset about the rash of recent agent-related incidentsthat have resulted in NCAA investigations at several Southeastern Conferenceschools.
“I don’t think it’s anything but greed that’s creating it right now onbehalf of the agents,” Saban said in a rant at the Southeastern Conferencemedia days. “The agents that do this—and I hate to say this, but how are theyany better than a pimp?
“I have no respect for people who do that to young people. None. How wouldyou feel if they did it to your child?”
Agents, not national titles, was the primary topic on Day 1 at the WynfreyHotel. Three SEC teams—Florida, Alabama and South Carolina—are investigatingallegations involving improper contact with an agent. Saban and SEC commissionerMike Slive both emphatically said it was time for a change to NCAA rulesgoverning agents.
Saban confirmed that Alabama is looking into a trip defensive end MarcellDareus took to an agent’s party at Miami’s South Beach. South Carolina islooking into claims from the same South Beach party with tight end WeslyeSaunders.
Florida and the NCAA are reportedly investigating whether offensive linemanMaurkice Pouncey—now an NFL rookie with the received $100,000 from a sportsagent’s representative between the SEC championship game and the Sugar Bowl.
Pouncey denied the allegation.
“I did not accept $100,000, it is an absolutely ridiculous claim,” he saidin a statement through his attorney. “I have completely cooperated with theinvestigation and answered any and all questions put to me.”
Saban said he wants the NFL Players Association to get involved and suspendagents whose dealings help cost players eligibility, sending a message throughtheir bank accounts.
“That’s the only way we’re going to stop this happening, because it’sridiculous and it’s entrapment for young people at a very difficult time intheir life,” the former Miami Dolphins coach said. “It’s very difficult forthe NCAA to control it, and it’s very unfair to college football.
“I think we should look into doing something about that.”
Slive said he wanted the NCAA to change its philosophy for dealing withagents from one based on rules enforcement to a policy that is more orientedtoward educating student-athletes.
He said the current NCAA rules “may be as much part of the problem as theyare the solution.”
It’s hardly just an SEC issue, and it appears the rest of college footballis paying attention.
At Miami, players said Wednesday they’re reminded “constantly” about therules prohibiting contact with agents. And the investigations that have come outin recent days led to a reiteration of those rules, Hurricanes wide receiverLaRon Byrd said.
“It’s kind of crazy,” Byrd said. “You look at things like that, and Ifeel like those guys are being selfish, not looking out for the team. That’ssomething we always instill. It’s all about teamwork here. I would not put myteammates in danger, in jeopardy of losing games or damaging this programbecause I want to be greedy and take gifts or take things.”
Alabama is among SEC schools who use former NFL executive Joe Mendes tocounsel players and families about dealing with agents. Heisman Trophy runningback Mark Ingram said Tide players are educated about dealing with agents ortheir representatives.
“We have a great program in our organization that teaches us how to dealwith situations like that,” said Heisman Trophy-winning tailback Mark Ingram, ajunior. “Everybody is educated on how to deal with situations and how toapproach those situations.
“My focus is on this team and this football season. Anything else isirrelevant.”
Tide junior linebacker Dont’a Hightower said he hasn’t personally beencontacted by agents.
“We try to keep away from things like that and not bring it into theteam,” Hightower said.
AP Sports Writer Tim Reynolds in Coral Gables, Fla. contributed.
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