September 27, 2010

Saban Uses Medical Scholarships to Free Roster Spots: Alabama head coach Nick Saban is pressuring some players to quit with medical scholarships so they can be replaced, several ex-players allege. The scholarships end a player's football eligibility and are intended to insure that injured athletes can get financial aid. Saban has used them 12 times since taking over the program in 2007. "It was pushed," said Chuck Kirschman, a linebacker who thought he could keep playing despite a back injury last year.

posted by rcade to football at 11:23 AM - 4 comments

I would honestly be surprised if more coaches did not do this. And I don't necessarily feel bad for the players who are being pushed out. It's not like they are being left out on the street. They are essentially being given golden parachutes...the ability to attend a top university free of charge without having to go to any practices or perform any duties. Good find though, rcade.

posted by pholcomb at 11:46 AM on September 27, 2010

Given how fussy NCAA can be I wonder if this will be punished at least now that its come to light. And if its actually happening.

posted by billsaysthis at 01:33 PM on September 27, 2010

This just in: NCAA football coach does something that skirts around the rules in order to try to win football games.

In other breaking news: Sun comes up in the morning.

posted by TheQatarian at 02:42 PM on September 27, 2010

Just wait till the NCAA goes after the lacrosse team at Johns Hopkins. Every one of those bums is on a medical scholarship.

posted by beaverboard at 03:16 PM on September 27, 2010

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