Jimbo Fisher calls Nick Saban a 'narcissist' after his 'despicable' comments about Texas A&M
Just hours after Alabama head coach Nick Saban’s rant accused Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher of recruiting infractions involving NIL offers to incoming players, there is a response. After calling an impromptu press conference on Thursday morning, the Aggies denied any wrongdoing.
During the press conference, Jimbo Fisher took time to address the accusations made by his former boss Nick Saban. While upset with this, and accusations made by Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin before, he continues preaching the same response.
“First, I want to say, it’s a shame that we have to do this,” said Fisher. “It’s really despicable. It’s despicable that somebody can say things about somebody, an organization, and more importantly 17-year old kids. You’re taking shots at 17-year old kids and their families. That they broke state laws, that they’re all money, that we bought every player on this group.
“We never bought anybody. No rules were broken. Nothing was done wrong. It was all – the way in which we do things, the ethics of how we do things. And these families, it’s despicable that a reputable head coach can come out and say this when he doesn’t get his way or things don’t go his way. The narcissist in him doesn’t allow those things to happen and it’s ridiculous when he’s not on top.”
After addressing his thoughts on Saban’s comment, he also took the opportunity to call his character into question.
“It’s amazing, some people think they’re God,” said Fisher. “Go dig into how God did his deal, you may find out about a lot of things you don’t want to know. We build him up to be the czar of football, go dig into his past, or anybody who’s ever coached with him. You can find out anything you want to find out. What he does and how he does it, and it’s despicable.”
The heart of the anger from other SEC coaches toward Texas A&M comes after the Aggies signed nine five-star commits from the On3 Consensus. In addition, four of those nine were five-star plus prospects who earned the high honor from all four major recruiting services.
The class is headlined by No. 1 overall player Walter Nolen, followed by defensive lineman Shemar Stewart, wide receiver Evan Stewart, defensive lineman Lebbeus Overton, defensive lineman Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, cornerback Denver Harris, wide receiver Chris Marshall, quarterback Conner Weigman and safety Jacoby Matthews.
Nick Saban accuses Jimbo Fisher
Nick Saban provided harsh criticism of recruiting efforts by Jimbo Fisher, his former assistant, while speaking about the unsustainable model of NIL rules.
“I know the consequence is going to be difficult for the people who are spending tons of money to get players,” Saban said via AL.com. “You read about it, you know who they are. We were second in recruiting last year. A&M was first. A&M bought every player on their team. Made a deal for name, image and likeness.
“We didn’t buy one player. Aight? But I don’t know if we’re going to be able to sustain that in the future, because more and more people are doing it. It’s tough.”
Saban has been one of the most vocal opponents of the direction college football recruiting has moved since NIL deals were allowed by the NCAA. Saban maintains that he approves of the system as it enables players to make money on their work, but disapproves of colleges using guaranteed money as a recruiting tool.