Nick Saban didn’t hold back.
He ripped Michigan and Ohio State for their brawl after the Wolverines’ 13-10 win last Saturday but also blasted the NCAA for fining each program.
The legendary former coach wasn’t happy with anyone involved.
“I think we need guidelines but I think to fine these schools $100K is like worrying about mouse manure when you’re up to ears in elephant s–t,” Saban said on ESPN’s “College GameDay” on Saturday.
Moments after Michigan’s win over Ohio State — their fourth straight in the famed rivalry — Wolverines players began celebrating with their flag near midfield and the Buckeyes’ logo.
A brawl subsequently broke out as Ohio State players prevented Michigan players from planting their flag.
It resulted in police on the field using pepper spray on players.
The incident was one of a few similar skirmishes that occurred across the country during rivalry week.
“I would be more upset with my team trying to plant the flag, because I think that’s disrespectful and doesn’t show much sportsmanship,” Saban said. “You want to defeat the other team but this disrespect that everybody wants to show is probably not a good part of the game.
“And I think that you have to protect the brand. If college football players want to be paid, which they’re getting paid now, then they have to do something to protect the brand. The NFL protects their brand. When you do do something like this that is bad for the game, you gotta learn how to protect the brand. Show sportsmanship so people can identify to the game in a positive way.”
Saban believes head coaches should control the behavior.
“I think coaches can control that,” Saban said. “If you tell your team, ‘We’re not doing this,’ we’re not gonna do it. It’s no different than faking injuries. Coaches can stop that, they can stop this. And I think it’s good for the game if we do stop it.”