My personal story - Miles vs. Saban and the irony

I feel compelled to write this. Easier after a win of this magnitude, of course, but here it is.

Many years ago, Saban - while at LSU - was recruiting a player at my high school. I was thrilled to meet him and asked him if I could show him something in my office that I was extremely proud of. He walked into my office and I began to describe the meaning behind a picture frame displayed proudly on my wall. I told the short-version story of how my dad, my brother and myself attended the LSU-Alabama game when LSU defeated Alabama for the first time in Tiger stadium in 30 years (The Irony). My brother ordered a picture from Tiger Rag showing an aerial view of Tiger Stadium and a huge arrow showing where I sat with my Dad and Brother. My ticket stub was framed with the picture. My brother gave it to me as a Christmas present. All tiger fans, I am sure, can appreciate this special moment when you can fondly remember an LSU game with your Dad and family members. I told Coach Saban this quick story and how special of a moment that was for me. I basically thanked him. He looked at the picture and without saying a word...walked out of my office. I felt as if I was just waisting his time.

Fast forward to a couple years ago. It was summertime and I was at a baseball field watching my son play ball. Word spread that at the park that extremely hot day was Coach Les Miles. Sure enough, he was there watching his son play baseball. He was wearing shorts, a soaking wet t-shirt and had his shoes off, feet propped up on the chain-link fence. I waited for his son's game to finish, and then approached him, greeted him, and made a small request. You see, it was Father's Day, and I asked Les Miles that if I got my dad on the phone, would he wish my dad a "happy father's day?" Coach Miles looked at me and with intensity said, "Get him on the phone." I began dialing. My dad answered, and I said, "Dad, someone wants to talk to you." I handed Coach Miles the phone and he introduced himself, wished my dad a Happy Fathers Day, and went on to hold a conversation with him.

This morning I personally understand why the players want to play for coach Miles. For the same reason that I personally want him to succeed...because my father and I mattered to him on that extremely hot and humid summer day.

I want the Tigers to win and I know his job is to make sure that happens. But, no matter what happens - win or lose, eating grass or not - I will always be a fan of Les Miles, the man.