According to a TV reporter in the state of Alabama, people who don't know Nick Saban personally are supposed to address him as Coach Saban. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Reporter goes viral for odd Nick Saban complaint

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 12/29/20

A local television reporter went viral on Tuesday for a bizarre complaint that stemmed from a Nick Saban press conference.

Rick Karle, who is a reporter for WVTM in Birmingham, Ala., complained on Twitter Monday after a reporter said to the Crimson Tide coach “hi, Saban!” when addressing him.

If you click the link to Karle’s Facebook page, you end up with a written rant from him chastising those for not referring to Saban in a way Karle deems suitable.

.@AlabamaFTBL coach #NickSaban held his @rosebowlgame newser today & a reporter addressed the coach as “Hi, Saban!”

His name is Coach Saban.

Not Nick.
Not Saban.

Here’s why: https://t.co/9sNm0r4jeg #Respect #RollTide @NDFootball

Picture via @UA_Athletics & Rose Bowl pic.twitter.com/UQr8wWkxg4

— Rick Karle WVTM 13 (@RickKarle) December 29, 2020

Karle’s tweet did not go over very well on Twitter. Some told Karle to get over himself and pointed out how out of line it is for Karle to boast in his Twitter bio about going fishing with Saban.

And while we’re handing out receipts, I’m sure fishing with Nick Saban is someone different and keeps you completely unbiased. pic.twitter.com/lCazENHlNH

— Ashley Chase (@AshleyChaseTV) December 29, 2020

Another reporter mocked Karle.

I did a phone interview the other day & a source addressed me as “Hi, Hoyt!”

My name is Sports Journalist Hoyt.

Not Joe.
Not Hoyt.

Here’s why: https://t.co/QjcEtENUww #Respect #Journalism #thatsmyname

Picture via @ihss_dfw pic.twitter.com/YVbjN49cBB

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) December 29, 2020

Some mentioned that the person who committed Karle’s fatal sin was a young reporter who may have been nervous. Karle needs to get over himself. Although we get it, sometimes it’s not easy to call Saban by the correct name.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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