Nick Saban, one of the most revered figures in college football history, has ignited a national reckoning with his blunt criticism of the NCAA’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era. Following Alabama’s latest matchup, the legendary Crimson Tide coach unleashed a searing critique of what he described as a “moral crisis” overtaking the sport.

“Football used to be about honor, team, and tradition,” Saban said. “Now it’s about who can pay the most. If we keep down this road, we’ll turn a game of pride into a business of greed.”

The statement hit like a thunderclap across the college football landscape. For decades, Saban has been synonymous with discipline, integrity, and excellence — values he believes are now being threatened by unchecked financial incentives and chaotic recruiting dynamics. His remarks have reignited a heated debate about the balance between athlete empowerment and the preservation of collegiate ideals.

Under current NIL regulations, student-athletes can legally profit from endorsements, sponsorships, and personal brands. While many celebrate this as long-overdue recognition of their value, Saban and other traditionalists argue that the system has spun out of control, transforming recruiting into an open marketplace where the richest programs wield disproportionate power.

“The foundation of college football is slipping,” one former SEC coach said. “When players choose schools based on contracts instead of commitment, something sacred is lost.”

Saban’s comments drew both fierce criticism and profound respect. Some accused him of resisting progress, while others saw him as the lone voice defending the purity of the game. Alumni, fans, and media outlets across the country have flooded discussion boards and talk shows, dissecting every word of his warning.

Within Alabama, players and staff stood firmly behind their coach. “Coach Saban teaches us that greatness isn’t bought — it’s built,” one senior player said. “He’s not against NIL; he’s against losing what makes football special.”

As college football barrels deeper into an era of commercial influence, Saban’s fiery speech may prove to be a defining moment — not just for the Crimson Tide, but for the sport itself. His message was clear: success built on tradition still matters, and the game’s soul is worth protecting.

For a man who has built a dynasty on principle, Nick Saban’s words aren’t just a critique — they’re a call to conscience for an entire generation of college football.

Dodgers ‘Likely’ to Make This $10M Max Muncy Decision, Per Insider

Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy is approaching a crossroads.

Muncy turned 35 on Monday, an age beyond which few succeed at the hot corner on defense. But the Dodgers also have Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani locked in at first base and designated hitter, so Muncy has to be able to continue to play third as long as he wants to remain a Dodger.

That’s especially relevant heading into the offseason, as Muncy has a $10 million club option for next year. Have the Dodgers already made up their minds as to whether that option will be picked up?

According to one baseball insider, the winds are certainly blowing toward a reunion.

On Tuesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com strongly suggested that Muncy would be back in Los Angeles next year, based on his excellent offensive season even after a sluggish start.

“Knee and oblique injuries have limited Muncy to 89 games this season, but the third baseman has been superb since starting the season with a poor April, hitting 17 home runs with 64 RBIs and an .880 OPS,” Feinsand wrote.

“Muncy has said he wants to retire as a Dodger, and while that’s still far from a certainty, it seems likely that he will be back in 2026.”

Muncy’s oblique injury is the one that’s currently holding him out of action, as he hasn’t appeared in a game since Aug. 12. Health has to be a concern at this stage in the two-time All-Star’s career, but the Dodgers do have a lot of infield depth that can help spell his potential absences.

A healthy Max Muncy in the middle of the Dodgers lineup still changes the dynamic of the National League. That should continue to be the case for at least one more full season.