Nick Saban addresses Alabama's gambling questions for Pete Rose, response

Former Cincinnati Reds’ legend Pete Rose is one of the most controversial figures in sports history. While he achieved incredible things on the field, his legacy was tarnished due to his highly publicized gambling issues. He was eventually banned from the game of baseball in 1989 for placing bets while playing for and managing the Reds. On Tuesday night, Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban decided to have Rose speak to his football team about a variety of topics and needless to say the less-rosy aspects of the baseball legend’s life did come up.

Saban was grateful for Rose’s appearance.

Nick Saban had nothing but great things to say about Pete Rose

“Two really good speakers the last two nights, Shep [C.L. Shepard], last night, Pete Rose,” Saban began.

“Amazing to me, all the accomplishments that Pete Rose….all the records. I’m gonna tell ya, maybe you guys could look ’em up. But it’s fascinating and he was…in his own admission…he was not the most talented guy, but Charlie Hustle man. I mean, that guy was something else when it came to competitive spirit and how he went about doing what he did to play at a high level for so long. And you know, I think it was good for our players to hear. They really enjoyed it. He had a great sense of humor. So, and Shep was all about being a man. So, I think some good things happened from that standpoint in helping our guys develop the right habits.”

But, did Pete Rose talk about his gambling or sexual misconduct allegations with the team?

“Uh, I don’t know how to answer that,” Saban said with some hesitation in his voice.

“But he did call the guy that asked the question in a very funny way. A name. A name that I will not repeat. And everybody laughed. But I won’t call you that name,” Saban laughed.

The Alabama head coach then said that Rose owned up to his mistake in speaking with his team.

“He said he made a mistake. He said he never should have done it. And he said it was bad judgement on his part. He was very much, you know, in admitting, but you know he also talked about winning. And he said he never gambled on his team doing anything but winning. Because he believed in his players. He trusted his players. He loved his players. So, that’s how he answered the question. So, I’m paraphrasing what he said. You asked the question. I’m giving you the answer. But I’m leaving out one part because he had some kind words for the person who asked it,” Saban said.

Saban has always followed the practice of bringing in motivational speakers over the years to speak with his team. He and many other coaches across the country have always been believers in them helping their teams and teaching them valuable life lessons.

Alabama football kicks off their 2023 campaign by taking on the MTSU Blue Raiders. That one will be played on Sept. 2. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. EST.