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Nick Saban joined the College GameDay crew after deciding to walk away from coaching football. For years, he angered opposing fans while winning titles at the University of Alabama.
Apparently, he’s continued to do the same in his new role. The coach-turned-analyst received multiple FCC complaints from ESPN viewers in his first year on set.
A story from AL.com detailed those calls reporting profanity. The first two came on the same episode about 20 minutes apart as the show previewed the conference championship week.
Nick Saban said the word s— twice, b—– once and something else I can’t remember. I tune (in) to gain knowledge and insight on college football, not to have profanity stuffed in my face by a former coach trying to be funny. It will continue until you (fine) them a million dollars or more.
That complaint might’ve come in reference to a quip Saban said involving “mouse manure” and “elephant s—.” It was one of several instances that involved swearing on that particular episode.
Some didn’t want their children exposed to the cussing, with younger viewers often in earshot given the show’s airtime on Saturday mornings.
I continually hear profanity on College Gameday which airs on ESPN. The show comes on at 9am to 12 noon. Children are obviously awake and can be exposed to this broadcast. Today Nick Saban used the profane word “bulls—” on air. Most every show I watch Pat McAfee is using profanity. I don’t understand why the FCC is not (stopping) this. The window is 6am to 10pm for children sensitive programming. No one is able to sit down with their children and watch a football show without exposing them to the profanity.
The final FCC issue came a month later during the College Football Playoff. It referenced not only Nick Saban, but also Desmond Howard and Pat McAfee.
College Gameday announcers continue to use profanity during their primetime broadcast. During the Ohio State vs Texas game, Desmond Howard and Pat (McAfee) used inappropriate language for a family event. Nick Saban has used inappropriate language during a broadcast as well. If these men want to use this language, please schedule the games after 9pm.
Saban’s propensity for swearing is nothing new. He went viral a number of times during his coaching career for cussing out his players, the officiating crews, his coaching staff, and anyone else in his path.
Former Alabama safety Caleb Downs once said the coach racked up a $500 swear jar bill due to an inability to keep his language clean in team meetings. His wife implemented her own punishments after witnessing the sideline explosions.
As far as the recent FCC complaints go, ESPN did not receive punishment for the on-air profanity. The AL.com story states that the network refused to comment on Nick Saban’s language.