[Bamabeachlivin]

The SEC held its annual end-of-spring teleconference with all 12 coaches this morning and a popular topic was the elimination of head coaches going on the road during the May evaluation period.
In some circles, it's been deemed "the Saban rule" because Saban likes to go recruiting in May and be heavily involved in the recruiting process. But the rules also say that coaches aren't supposed to have conversations with prospects or aren't supposed to "bump" into prospects -- leading to the so-called "bump rule."
But for the big-name coaches in the SEC -- not just Saban -- it's almost impossible to make a stealth visit to a school to talk to coaches, principals, guidance counselors, etc.

So now that possibility has been eliminated with the elimination of coaches going on the road. Couple that with the ban on text messaging and coaches start to feel they are recruiting blindfolded.
"I don't think there's any question about it," Saban said. "I think it's ridiculous that we're doing what we're doing. Basically when you break it down, a head coach can go out in December, which is about two weeks if you're going to a bowl game. And after all the dead periods in January, you get to go out about two or three weeks and then it's signing day.
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[Stoney]

Okay here is the problem as I see it. Everybody wants to hold these coaches responsible for the actions of these players right? Just look at any press corps when a player gets into trouble. So exactly how are these coaches supposed to judge moral character and develop relationships with these highschool kids? This new "rule" is just plain stupid. The SEC needs to readjust thier philosiphy to putting the student first. Some of these kids are bad eggs and some are on the edge. If some of the kids can be saved from certain disaster then the schools need to be more lenient. Coaches play the role of mentor and Father Figure to many of these young men. That role is based upon a relationship of knowing the person and thier needs not just thier physical stats. The NCAA needs to place more latitude in the hands of the coaches rather than letting probation officers get the kids.

[JRL]

Amazing - Saban acts as if this rule only applies to him He is well know for bending the "bump" rule and now complains when the SEC does something to reel him in - Amazing.

[Stoney]

Originally Posted by JRL

Amazing - Saban acts as if this rule only applies to him He is well know for bending the "bump" rule and now complains when the SEC does something to reel him in - Amazing.

Is the complaint justified? After all a relationship with the player is not just showing up one time to sign paperwork. As far as the bump rule the others complain but you know what Saban just outworks them and out recruits them isn't that his job? Saban has a knack for working the fringes of the boundries that is what it takes to be the best. If you expect the coaches to truly know thier players then the coaches need to have the opportunity to build those relationships. JRL would you rather see a kid go to Athens to play ball or sit in Fulton County jail? Especially if all the kid needed was a mentor to help him with his decisions. Come on give it some real thought.

[JRL]

Stoney what in the world are you talking about? The rule stated NO recruiting in May - Saban cheated by recruiting in May. Now he will be forced to follow his fellow SEC coaches - good for all.

Coaches have plenty of time to "get to know" players. Your analogy of jail time versues college holds water like a bucket made of screen. H.S. coaches are responsible for getting kids headed in the right direction not college coaches. It is likely to late, for most of them, if they haven't developed scocial skills in H.S.

[Stoney]

First off let's be real about something. Alabama has very little popular people like movie stars or music stars or professional athletes. As a matter of fact there are very,very few recogonizable people in the whole entire state. Saban is like a rock star so when he goes to these schools to see the coaches he is instantly a celebrity and word passes quickly that he is there. It isn't like recruiting in Atlanta or Knoxville or Jacksonville Florida or Miami it is freaking Mobile Alabama. The whole area has known him for years and naturally when he goes to a school people are going to try and see him. I would be willing to bet more highschool students know who Saban is than who is the Governor of the State or who is running for president of the USA. It really is still small town America the other coaches can grumble and complain but Saban isn't in thier backyard is he?

[JRL]

Originally Posted by Stoney

First off let's be real about something. Alabama has very little popular people like movie stars or music stars or professional athletes. As a matter of fact there are very,very few recogonizable people in the whole entire state. Saban is like a rock star so when he goes to these schools to see the coaches he is instantly a celebrity and word passes quickly that he is there. It isn't like recruiting in Atlanta or Knoxville or Jacksonville Florida or Miami it is freaking Mobile Alabama. The whole area has known him for years and naturally when he goes to a school people are going to try and see him. I would be willing to bet more highschool students know who Saban is than who is the Governor of the State or who is running for president of the USA. It really is still small town America the other coaches can grumble and complain but Saban isn't in thier backyard is he?

Hey watch it - I was born in "freaking Mobile Alabama"

[Stoney]

Originally Posted by JRL

Hey watch it - I was born in "freaking Mobile Alabama"

I knew you were a freak!

[JRL]

It took decades to get that paper mill smell out of my clothes and hair Plus Georgia had running water and electricity in the 50's when we moved.

[Stoney]

Originally Posted by JRL

It took decades to get that paper mill smell out of my clothes and hair Plus Georgia had running water and electricity in the 50's when we moved.

Now look at you... you still can't get that sand from between your toes I bet you still have a yearning to move back.. yeah somewhere off Orange Beach... wait a second your real name isn't Forest Gump is it?

[Bamabeachlivin]

I don't see it being a huge deal I am sure Saban will just use the summer months more for his personal visits and the assistant coaches will get more miles logged in to take up the slack. We all know the SEC and NCAA have it in for Alabama and will try everything to stop the Tide from Rising.

[Stoney]

Originally Posted by Bamabeachlivin

I don't see it being a huge deal I am sure Saban will just use the summer months more for his personal visits and the assistant coaches will get more miles logged in to take up the slack. We all know the SEC and NCAA have it in for Alabama and will try everything to stop the Tide from Rising.

Amen Brother Lee Preach on Brother! Us faithful have seen how the media has done the Crimson Tide. Preach on man...