Coach Nick Saban's Comments On The April 27 Tragedy

by kleph on Aug 28, 2011 9:20 PM CDT in News

Earlier this evening, The University of Alabama held a service at Palmer Lake to remember the tragedy of the April 27 tornadoes and the lives that were claimed in those terrible storms that scoured the state of Alabama on that cruel spring day. The event was more than a remembrance of what was lost in those terrible minutes, it was also an acknowledgement of how the community has endured and a celebration for moving forward.

You are going to read some moving accounts of this memorial tomorrow by writers far more skilled than ourselves. Until that time, The Tuscaloosa News' Wayne Grayson was kind enough to forward us this audio of Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban's comments to the gathering. (::UPDATE:: His story on the memorial is now available as well.)

Although he spoke for just four minutes, Coach Saban encapsulated how we as part of the University of Alabama and Tuscaloosa community feel in the wake of this terrible event and how it has colored the promise of this upcoming Crimson Tide football season.

So we at Roll Bama Roll urge you to take the small amount of time needed to listen to Coach Saban's words. Then take a moment to reflect on this tragedy and what it has revealed about us as a community and how it will set the tone for our lives going forward. As Coach Saban sums it up, "God bless you and Roll Tide."

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Great speech.

Coach Saban has really changed.

He actually sounds like he is not just a coach for hire but part of the Alabama family.

I can not see him leaving Tuscaloosa short of retiring to the lake.

If Auburn was in New Mexico and we never played them I would still hate them and their dumb coach and their cheating players.

by 5026 on Aug 28, 2011 9:29 PM CDT reply actions

I have to agree

I attended the event this evening, and I thought the same thing after hearing his remarks. I hope the same is true for Coach Grant.

"I reject your reality and substitute my own!"
-Adam Savage

by DMaguire27 on Aug 28, 2011 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions

I subjectively agree with you...

but my cynical side tells me there are lots of fans at lots of schools who thought their coaches were going to “hold the rope,” and were wrong.

Thirteen.

by Darth Saban on Aug 31, 2011 8:42 PM CDT up reply actions

"We should serve other people all the time."

Amen, Coach. Roll Tide.

"High standards come from passion within...." --Coach Nick Saban

by NiceLittleSaturday on Aug 28, 2011 9:43 PM CDT reply actions

"God bless you, and Roll Tide."

I’m speechless. I just love him so much.

Dave Robertson is growing up to be the new Mariano Rivera. My two universes of fandom can finally unite!

by SoGladILeftTheACC on Aug 28, 2011 9:57 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Wow.....

When Coach Saban got here, so many of the national pundits, opposing team’s fans, and basically anybody with an opinion on the matter said that he was a hired gun – that he would never put down roots anywhere. It seems that all of us, the Alabama family; and not in that silly self serving sense that auburn uses it, but those of us who love not only the football team and athletic department, but the university and the things that Alabama stands for knew differently. I for one was certain from the first time I heard him speak as Alabama’s coach, that he and Terry would try to make Tuscaloosa their home – to put down roots so to speak. They began that immediately with their generous scholarship donation to the University as well as their work through Nick’s kids. Miss Terry especially became a fixture around Ttown nearly immediately after they moved in. It may well be that the tornado and the ensuing damage further strengthened the bonds that they were developing here, but either way it is clear that this is now their home and I for one, wouldn’t want anybody else leading us than Coach Saban….

by p3bhambama on Aug 28, 2011 10:16 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

we've had a few people contact us saying they can't access the speech

this is most likely because the widget uses flash. if this is the case you can download the speech here (mp3 file).

Remember the Rose Bowl: The Story of the Alabama Crimson Tide & the Grandaddy of Them All

by kleph on Aug 28, 2011 10:19 PM CDT reply actions

What a terrific and appropriate speech

I could sit here and disagree on beliefs, but frankly, that isn’t the point. The bottom line, this was a very well delivered message. Be thankful for what you have, not necessarily in terms of material objects, but of the people in your life. As Coach put so well, its all so very fleeting. I am very grateful for the people that gave so much of themselves to try to help during this unfortunate situation. As Coach said, it shouldn’t take a tragedy for people to care about and help each other. I shall do my best to follow this, and I hope others will as well.

by BamaThrasher on Aug 28, 2011 10:31 PM CDT reply actions

I love our coach.

Audemus jura nostra defendere

Every day we make it, we'll make it the best we can.

by animalcracker on Aug 28, 2011 10:43 PM CDT reply actions

It is beyond difficult seeing the community go through this.

I only wish I could do more for the area’s recovery and I can’t wait to see it again. Some communities fade away slowly, but you know Tuscaloosa will come back stronger than ever.

Charles Martel, Charlemagne, William the Conqueror, Raymond IV the Count of Toulouse, Godfrey of Bouillon, Baldwin of Boulogne, Henry II, Richard the Lionheart, St. Joan of Arc and Napoleon Bonaparte -- all of good stock.

by TiderUpNorth on Aug 28, 2011 10:55 PM CDT via mobile reply actions