Saban says he intended no disrespect with comments

TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama coach Nick Saban took a few moments during his Wednesday evening press conference to respond to the harsh criticism from national media regarding his comments referring to 9/11 and Pearl Harbor.

The coach didn’t exactly apologize, but said he meant no disrespect to anyone.

“I’m sure there were better ways I could have put it,” he said. “But the message was a simple message that when people were faced with adverse situations, positive change, togetherness, a sense of spirit can result from that.

“We have circumstance and situation in our family, a former player here, Siran Stacy’s fighting for his life and we’d love for all Alabama fans and supporters to [have] thoughts and prayers for his family. This is a difficult situation, and it’s a hundred million thousand times more important than a football game.”

A van driven by Stacy was struck by a pickup truck at an intersection near Dothan late Monday and six people were killed, including Stacy’s wife Ellen and four of their children.

The controversy over the comments, if anything, has distracted talk from Saturday’s game against Auburn, Alabama’s recent setbacks, the play of starting quarterback John Parker Wilson and the return of five suspended players from the school’s inquiry into textbook disbursement, along with senior wide receiver D.J. Hall, who was suspended for the first half last Saturday. None of those players were made available to reporters this week.

Alabama will hold practice an hour early today, and players who live within an hour or two driving distance will be allowed to head home for Thanksgiving. A team meal will also be held Friday afternoon.

“We’ve had pretty spirited work this week, players have certainly responded and worked hard, “ Saban said. “Hopefully it’ll carry over into our performance for the game.”

Tide-bits

Alabama had a different look on the starting offensive line during Wednesday’s practice, with junior Antoine Caldwell at right tackle and junior Marlon Davis at left guard, with senior Justin Britt his backup. “I think those guys will make significant contribution,” Saban said, but added that the final decision on who will play and where has not been made yet. The rest of the second unit had freshman Taylor Pharr at left tackle, freshman David Ross at center, junior B.J. Stabler at right guard and senior Chris Capps at right tackle.

Also at practice, freshman Rolando McClain was still paired with senior Darren Mustin at the primary linebacker spots, and junior Lionel Mitchell was the defensive back off the bench for nickel formation at cornerback, with senior Simeon Castille back sliding back over to the star, or rover, spot.

Sophomore return specialist/defensive back Javier Arenas (ankle) has yet to rejoin teammates at pra ctice. He’s been limited to riding an exercise bike while the team goes through drills. Linebacker Demarcus Waldrop (groin) is still considered day-to-day, but has practiced.

Reach Christopher Walsh at christopher.walsh@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0196.