re: Is the whole We hate Saban thing over?

Allow me to clear up the "hate Saban" v. "jealous of Saban" saga, once and for all:

1. Saban is a very good football coach; I didn't say great. Depending on what he ultimately achieves this season could elevate that status. But he gave us 4 better-than-average to very good seasons as LSU, and 1 great season (2003). He had great moments, mostly in 2003, but he had an equal number of aweful moments in the 4 other seasons.

2. Most, if not all, LSU fans respect Saban's coaching abilities. We don't think they are superior to everyone else who has coached the game, but you feel good that he's prepared your team as much as possible and if the players decide to show up that day, the other team is going to have to beat you.

3. However, many, many fans, LSU and otherwise, despise the way Saban has handled the profession of coaching off the field. Besides the somewhat selfish way he handled the departure from LSU,and straight out intentional misrepresentations to the Miami Dolphins, he is a turd of a personality and a human being. He takes himself way too seriously. He doesn't know how to enjoy a victory, even within his 24 hour rule. And all of this wears on the players and they eventually respect his ability but think of him as a prick otherwise. In other words, they tolerate him.

4. Bama fans only care about #2, not #3. And they have every right to feel that way, just as all other fans in the world have the right to feel like #3, because it is the absolute, fair and balanced truth.

That is all.