Nick Saban responds to criticism from Plaxico Burress
Former NFL wide receiver Plaxico Burress took exception last week when Alabama coach Nick Saban – Burress’ coach at Michigan State – was critical of the draft grade process.
Saban said the timing of his underclassmen receiving NFL draft grades may have affected the Crimson Tide’s preparation for the Sugar Bowl. Saban thinks the draft grade date should change, but Burress said that the players eager to hear their draft grades are after the same thing Saban was when he left Michigan State for LSU – money.
Burress also said Saban told him he was a second round pick and lied about leaving for LSU.
Saban responded during appearances on ESPN on Monday.
"Plaxico Burress was a great player for us," Saban said. "He was a fantastic player. He had a great career. He made the right decision to go out for the draft. He was a first-round draft pick. He had a great career as a pro player. I'm proud of what Plaxico Burress has been able to accomplish.
"I've never knowingly told a player any information that I get, I get from someone else. And I can't even remember the conversation. I actually left Michigan State right after the Penn State game. I didn't stay for the bowl game when I went to LSU and that was Plax's senior year. We're proud of what he's been able to do and we're happy to see him have as much success as he's had."
Saban said he has never “knowingly or willingly not told the truth to any player,” but Burress said Saban told him he should stay in school and not declare for the draft. Burress went pro anyway and was selected No. 8 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
For more Alabama news, visit TideSports.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
