I've got to give props to Nick Saban, even if he is a bammer, for penning this opinion piece. He said it when it started and he is sticking to it because he is 100% spot on. Kudos to Heupel from this Tiger.

"It doesn’t matter if you yell Go Dawgs, War Eagle, Hook ‘Em, Go Irish, or Roll Tide…
No matter the colors you wear or the stadium you call home, every college football fan should be standing with Josh Heupel today.
Because this weekend, he didn’t just make a coaching decision — he made a stand.
A stand for what college football used to be, and what it still could be if enough of us care.
He stood up for crisp Saturday mornings in Knoxville, when you’re walking into a tailgate with your kids — full of pride, tradition, and orange everywhere you look.
He stood up for late Saturday nights under the lights in Neyland, with your best friends beside you, watching a game that feels bigger than life.
He stood up for the culture this sport has created — one built on loyalty, legacy, and love for something deeper than money.
Guys like Peyton Manning didn’t wear the Power T for a paycheck. Hendon Hooker didn’t stick around for a bidding war. They played for Tennessee — for what it meant.
And this isn’t a criticism of the player, but the system that allows & promotes this behavior. You were warned this was coming. That NIL would tilt the balance. That the game we love would start to lose its soul. And here we are — where the highest bidder can win, and jumping ship is just part of the process.
But this weekend, Josh Heupel said enough.
He drew the line. He chose Tennessee over transactions. Culture over contracts.
So whether you love Tennessee or love to beat them — respect the man who stood up for every fan who’s ever poured their heart into this game.
Thank you, Coach Heupel.
For standing tall.
For reminding us why we fell in love with this sport in the first place.
Roll Tide. Go Vols. Go College Football."

Meh, it's not going away. Can't ever put that genie back in the bottle.

Tennessee made a decision to part ways with a kid being managed by his dumbarse daddy that's trying to squeeze every nickel out of him. You cant afford to grossly over pay for players because those funds are needed at other positions. That kid isn't even very good anyway and I doubt he'll get the 8M he's asking for anywhere. The odds on favorite to land him is UCLA, not some major P5 contender

Heupel didn’t stand up for nothing. This has been given way more credit than it deserves.

I’ve read conflicting reports. Seems like this kid wanted more money to play against OSU.

Either way, we all knew this is where the sport was headed.

Enjoy it while you can.

I'm sure all the Bammers on here spit their drink out when little Nicky said "Go Vols"

I read it twice just to make sure before cussing

They low down they dirty and they some snitches.

They did save $4 Millon on Nico imaleavingu though.

It's a business and has been for awhile. Student Athlete's representing a University because they have loyalty and pride in their school is a thing of the past. I still watch CFB but it isn't the same to me.

When Isaiah Bond left Bama that’s when it really hit me. A guy that makes a top 10 (maybe top 5) play in the 130+ years of Bama football and solidly cements his iconic legacy, leaves the university for money a month later. Heck, even if he sticks around 1 more year and leaves, he’d be revered in Alabama lore for life. Instead, at least for me, there is always gonna be the “but he left” truth. I’m sure driving that Lambo was fun but what did he do at Texas to leave a legacy? Nothing. He got paid biggly so good for him. And because of that he couldn’t give 2 chits about what CNS, Alabama, or the fans think.

I’ll still watch college football but I’m definitely don’t care about any players anymore because the ONLY reason they are at the school is because no other school was offering to pay them more.

Isaiah Bond is the very definition of "million dollar talent and 10 cent brain".

He was arrested a few days ago on charges of sexual assault.

"Disturbing rumors from sources close to the Texas program suggest a pattern of concerning behavior towards women during Bond's college years, allegedly prompting team staff to limit his interactions with female staff members"...

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nf...-bond-faces-grim-allegations/ar-AA1CLWs1

Truth

I agree. I don't follow CFB super close, but when I saw him suited up in a Texas uniform, I couldn't believe it. It's not the same game. I'm not even saying they shouldn't get paid, but it's not nearly as fun to watch now.

Saban covered up all kind of shit his players did. He was fine when he got all the talent. When rhe inmates run the prison its over. Same reason he didn't work in the NFL.

And your point is….?

Saban is just a hipocrit.

Saban stands up for Tennessee for not bowing down to a player. There were multiple instances where he had players get in trouble with the law and he turned a blind eye because winning is first.

Pay for play. Never will get it college ball. Get good grades and a degree. Time will come and the knees and shoulders will be gone. Trust me.

You can't blame him for that, he got out when the getting out was good.... I retired from football the same time he did so I'm surprised he actually made a comment on it..... Espn probably paid him another 6.2 mil just to stir up something to talk about while there is no ball going on...