Finebaum Suggests Saban And Meyer Corrupted By Power

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Oh me, oh my, this one’s gonna tick some people off.

The ever-controversial Paul Finebaum of The Mobile Press-Register writes today that the power that comes with leading “Tide Nation” and “Gator Nation” has apparently corrupted Nick Saban and Urban Meyer.

In Finebaum’s view, both coaches are paid huge sums of money to win… and that’s exactly what they do.  They win.  Big.

Because they win, Florida and Alabama fans love ‘em.  No matter what they say or how they carry themselves.

And all that power has led Saban and Meyer to run their programs with dictatorial control.

“Thou shalt not question my program!”



To an extent, there’s no denying this.  Saban and Meyer are dictators.  They certainly do come across as boorish on occasion.

But Mr. Finebaum comes across as an attack dog — as usual — in this piece.  Attack dogs need something to attack.  Saban and Meyer have made themselves easy targets. 

But to suggest that they’re running their programs any differently than Mr. Finebaum would if he were put in their million dollar sneakers? 

“Absolute power corrupts absolutely.”  That’s the point of the column. 

But if it corrups absolutely, why are we so surprised that Meyer and Saban carry themselves as kings?

Wouldn’t we all?  In other words, if you give someone millions of dollars, a huge megaphone, and a crown and scepter, shouldn’t you expect him to act like a king?



Don’t get me wrong, I believe both coaches could warm up a bit.  I also believe that their salaries should provide them with a thicker skin when it comes to questions and criticisms.

But I get the feeling reading this column that it’s author sat down at the keyboard and asked himself, “Who can I attack today?”

Just my take.