Saban addresses players dealing with autograph seekers

photo Alabama coach Nick Saban works with his defensive backs during the NCAA college football team's practice Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013, in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Alabama football coach Nick Saban said Thursday night that there are compliance, coaching and team leadership avenues in place when it comes to his players and autograph seekers.

The issue has been at the forefront of college football this week amid reports that Texas A&;M quarterback Johnny Manziel allegedly received cash in exchange for signing memorabilia.

“I think our compliance people do a good job with our players in making them understand that it’s not a problem for you to autograph for people,” Saban said, “but it is against NCAA rules for you to accept anything for doing it. It’s in our team rules and policies, but we also have compliance meetings occasionally with our players — once a month or whatever — when we try and reinforce those rules.

“When something comes up that brings attention to it, we try and go reinforce it again.”

Saban said problems can occur on road trips or around Tuscaloosa and added that there have been people he has warned his players to stay away from.

The Crimson Tide worked out Thursday for two hours in full pads, with the heat index exceeding 100 degrees. It was the eighth practice of preseason camp, and the team will work out twice today in preparation for Saturday’s scrimmage at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Redshirt freshman noseguard Dakota Ball will be out a couple of weeks after undergoing an appendectomy, but Saban said the team does not have any serious injuries. The team was addressed Thursday by New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi, who flew from Chicago late Wednesday night after a series against the White Sox.

Saban visited with Girardi’s Yankees during spring training.

Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.

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