MONTGOMERY — Before appearing in a major motion picture, Alabama coach Nick Saban made sure to mention it to his current players.
Saban will play himself in the big-screen version of Michael Lewis’ book “The Blind Side,” which examines the Memphis-based recruitment of former Ole Miss offensive lineman Michael Oher. It sounds simple enough. But since the book is set in 2004, Saban’s character is recruiting Oher to LSU as the Tigers’ former head coach. That’s an interesting turn for anyone who has followed the Alabama-LSU rivalry the past few years. “It’s a historic event. So it’s a part of the history,” Saban said before tonight’s appearance at a Crimson Caravan event in Montgomery. “I mean, you really can’t change history. I explained it to our players, and I think our players understand that. It’s just one of those things. It has nothing to do with my love and my passion for the University of Alabama, and our players on our team, I think, understand that as well.” Oher starred for the Rebels before becoming a first-round selection of the Baltimore Ravens last month. Saban isn’t alone in his cameo. Others expected to portray themselves in the film are former Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer and Ed Orgeron, the former Ole Miss coach who is currently an assistant at Tennessee. Suspended linebacker Prince Hall’s future on Alabama’s 2009 team remains very much in doubt heading into the summer.
Asked tonight about Hall’s status, Saban replied that nothing has changed and casually added that Hall is “not going to be on the team.” Pressed on the topic, Saban replied, “He’s off the team. He’s suspended,” while declining to offer more details.