Paul Finebaum contends the University of Alabama missed a chance to make a statement when they honor former football coach Nick Saban this upcoming season.
“Naming a field after the greatest coach in college football is an insult,” Finebaum told me Thursday during his weekly appearance on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5.
The SEC Network analyst called the decision to name field Saban Field “underwhelming.”
“It shouldn’t be Nick Saban Field,” Finebaum said. “It should be Bryant-Saban Stadium.”
His point is that no one talks about going to Pat Dye Field at Jordan-Hare Stadium, Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium or Vince Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium.
“Fields are worthless,” Finebaum said. “... That is window dressing.
“For the life of me, I don’t understand why the University of Alabama is so stubborn. I don’t think this is that great a tribute to Saban. I think it is somewhat of an insult to put him below (Paul) Bryant and (George) Denny. Denny has Denny Chimes. It may be the most iconic thing on the Alabama campus.”
Alabama, he said, missed a chance on sending a strong message.
“You put Bryant’s and Saban’s names on the stadium, you’re telling the world we had the two greatest football coaches in the history of college football at one school.”
Check out the full interview.
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.
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