Nate Oats not bothered by Nick Saban’s comments

Nate Oats. Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

Nate Oats not bothered by Nick Saban’s recent comments

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 3/24/23

Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats has been repeatedly taking it on the chin for how he handled Brandon Miller’s alleged involvement in a fatal shooting involving a former teammate on Jan. 15, and now that seemingly includes Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide football coach.

But Oats stated on Thursday he was not offended by Saban’s recent comments in which he stated, “There's no such thing as being in the wrong place at the wrong time,” after suspending freshman defensive back Tony Mitchell after he was arrested on a drug charge — a presumed jab at Oats’ comment about Miller and why the Freshman All-American wasn’t suspended.

Nick Saban announces defensive back Tony Mitchell has been suspended following the freshman’s recent arrest.

Mitchell was a 5-star prospect in the 2023 class.

“There’s no such thing as the wrong place at the wrong time.” pic.twitter.com/bbXn1Q4dcc
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) March 20, 2023

“He and I talked that night and I didn’t take it that way at all,” Oats said during a news conference Thursday night. "I've got a ton of respect for him. He has been tremendously supportive of our program since he got here. He says it all the time. He wants the entire athletic department to do well. He has been at multiple games this year."

Saban told reporters Thursday at Alabama’s pro day that his comments were “strictly about the football program” and no one else, adding that he does not watch the basketball coaches press conferences.

Nick Saban completely shuts down speculation of shade thrown towards Nate Oats in spring practice opening press conference. pic.twitter.com/Vbx812WWeX
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) March 23, 2023

Though Miller has not been charged with anything related to the Jan. 15 shooting of 23-year-old Jamea Harris, he was texted to bring the gun used in the shooting to former teammate Darius Miles, according to police reports. Miller’s attorney maintains that he did know the gun would be used in the shooting and he did not touch it.

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