Is Saban's big deal really such a BIG deal? Not exactly
The other is Saban, a dictatorial sourpuss who changes jobs like I change shirts.
They do not represent the NCAA. They represent themselves. 'Bama had to pay Saban. Alabama became the first college to essentially outbid an NFL team for its coach. At least that's the way Saban and his agent played it by getting every penny of the $32 million guaranteed.
What did you expect Alabama to do? It did to Saban what it should have done to Rich Rodriguez -- make the man an offer he couldn't refuse. It was a painful process, but AD Mal Moore learned in less than a month that you have to outbid the school before you get his coach.
In this case, it wasn't a school. Miami was ready to say good riddance to Saban. By Miami we mean the media, fans, Dolphins employees and probably some players (read Pete Prisco's blog).
Saban's dictator act will play better at Alabama -- because it's Alabama. After affairs with secretaries, dalliances with strippers and hiring guys based on their last name, the school needs some discipline.
After watching Saban deny, deny, deny these past weeks, what did you expect him to do? Sure, he could have handled it better. He uttered just about the exact denials two years ago when he was leaving LSU for the Dolphins. Some people are personally offended. Get over it. The real story here is that Alabama will win under Saban. Don't be surprised if it competes for a national championship sometime soon.
The real fun will be watching to see if this marriage lasts a lifetime instead of a lunch time.
