Plaxico Burress took a shot at his former college coach. (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)
Former wide receiver Plaxico Burress took Nick Saban to task on Wednesday after the Alabama coach blamed in part the NFL talent evaluation process for affecting the team’s chemistry before its loss to Ohio State in a College Football Playoff semifinal at the Sugar Bowl.
Saban said Wednesday at the SEC Media Days that the NFL’s early evaluation for prospects impacted the way his players performed and the team chemistry. He would prefer the league withhold the draft grades from players until they finish the college season to avoid distractions.
Burress, who played for Saban when he was the head coach at Michigan State before going on to a 11-year NFL career, begged to differ. On Twitter, Burress criticized his college coach, who left Michigan State before its bowl game in 1999 to take the head coaching job at LSU.
“I recall Nick Saban telling me to stay in school finish what I started, I wasnt 1st round pick and he left for LSU b4 the season was over
“Now Nick Saban goes on tv saying that kids are distracted by NFL projections. Well, the kids are just chasing a dream that you were. $$$
“N Saban looked his players in the face at the Duf, said he wasnt leavin, I’m committed to the program” and was gone the next day. Tru story
“Now Nick Saban players are being distracted by the NFL and chasing a dream, haha tell your story Nick. LSU showed you $$, you was GONE! Ha
“Nick Saban actually told me I was a second round pick. I said, “where are you getting your info from? Are you watching these games? Hahaha”
