Texas A&M AD Ross Bjork accuses Nick Saban of violating SEC bylaws with 'personal attacks'

After a war of words between Nick Saban and Jimbo Fisher over the past day, Texas A&M athletic director Ross Bjork has called for the SEC to take action against his rival school. According to his claims made to Sports Illustrated, the school leader believes Alabama is in violation of conference bylaws and could face punishment from commissioner Greg Sankey.

With the attacks becoming personal on both sides, first from Nick Saban making accusations that Texas A&M “bought” recruits with NIL deals last year, then with Jimbo Fisher calling him a “narcissist,” Ross Bjork wants action taken by the SEC.

“There are sportsmanship bylaws in the SEC. We believe Coach Saban violated those bylaws,” Bjork said. “Everyone knows NIL is here to stay. We’ve embraced it. We have all the tools and technology. We are educating our athletes and boosters. There is all kinds of awareness here. The part that is frustrating is to say NIL is the only reason kids are choosing our program. That is hypocritical and I don’t know why we are the target.

“A&M has a huge former student base. The Aggie network is strong. We’ve rebuilt Kyle Field and joined the SEC. I guess people don’t like A&M disrupting the power base of college football.”

Sports Illustrated also says that Bjork confirmed that the incident has rallied fans and boosters alike at Texas A&M.

More on Ross Bjork’s complaint.

The SEC bylaw cited by Ross Bjork in his complaint against Nick Saban has become public, showing what grounds Texas A&M believes it has.

“Coaches and administrators shall refrain from public criticism of other member institutions, their staffs or players,” the bylaw reads. “Coaches and administrators shall also refrain from making public statements and accusations with regard to infractions concerning member institutions and their personnel. In response to questions by the media, it is appropriate to state that infractions are reported, investigated and addressed in accordance with established conference and NCAA procedures.”

Moreover, Bjork said in the interview that he was not sure what would prompt Saban to make comments like he did on Wednesday. However, he backs the response of his head coach.

“I don’t know why Nick Saban would say what he said except he’s threatened,” Bjork told Sports Illustrated. “There is a saying … an emperor who loses their dynasty lashes out. He seems to be making excuses.

“This is personal. Coach Fisher views this as a personal attack on his integrity and on Texas A&M’s integrity. To have personal attacks, to say that the only reason A&M is [recruiting well] is NIL money is wrong.”