Former Alabama coach Nick Saban voiced his strong disapproval of quarterback Diego Pavia practicing victory formation kneel-downs during pre-game warmups.
Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Saban remarked that if one of his players had done that, it would have created a “catastrophic player-coach relationship moment before the game.”
The incident occurred prior to Alabama’s recent matchup against Vanderbilt. Saban elaborated on his coaching philosophy, which strictly forbids providing opponents with bulletin board material.
“I never wanted our players to ever do anything that was going to affect the other team’s motivation to beat us,” Saban explained. “Don’t ever say anything. Don’t ever give anyone a reason. They got enough reason to beat us. Don’t give them anymore.”
In the game that followed, No. 10 Alabama defeated No. 16 Vanderbilt 30-14.
Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson overcame an early interception to complete 23-of-30 passes for 340 yards, throwing touchdowns to Germie Bernard and Ryan Williams. Running back Jam Miller contributed 136 yards and a touchdown for Alabama.
For Vanderbilt, Pavia threw for 183 yards and rushed for 58, but he also had an interception and a lost fumble. The team’s scoring included a 65-yard touchdown run by Sedrick Alexander.
