Saban speaks out on Reuben Foster during Alabama's Pro Day
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — One of the leaders of a defense described as “hateful” by Alabama head coach Nick Saban, former Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster hasn’t developed a reputation for being the friendliest or most patient on the football field.
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Those are preferred traits on gameday.
However, Foster’s inability to let his temper get the best of him cost him over the weekend as he was sent home from the NFL Combine after getting into a “heated altercation” with a hospital worker. Following his dismissal, Foster sent out an apology to all 32 NFL teams. He followed that up by holding private meetings for several NFL teams Tuesday night inside Alabama’s football offices.
During Alabama’s Pro Day on Wednesday, Saban took some time to talk with media, giving his thoughts on the situation. The head coach said while Foster could have handled the situation in a more positive way, he understands where his former player was coming from.
“We’ve never had any issues with Reuben,” Saban said. “I think that if anyone here asks someone eight or 10 times ‘Am I in the right place; is my name on the list; why have I had to stay here so long,’ and nobody will respond to you, I think it would probably create a little anxiety for all of us.”
Saban then continued to praise Foster, who was selected as one of the Tide’s four permanent team captains last season, calling him a “great team guy” and “leader.”
“If you’re looking for a good teammate to be on your team, Reuben’s going to be very, very good,” Saban said. “If you’re looking for somebody to be a candy-striper and be nice to everybody in the hospital, maybe not.”
Recovering from surgery on his right rotator cuff this offseason, Foster was not scheduled to participate in any of the drills at the NFL Combine and did not take part in any workouts at Pro Day. However, the 6-foot, 229-pound linebacker was in attendance and appeared to be in good spirits on the sidelines, laughing and joking with his former teammates.
While Foster was not available for interviews at the event, it is believed his meetings with NFL teams Tuesday night were positive.
“I walked in on one of them actually,” said former Alabama defensive back Marlon Humphrey. “They were all laughing, so I guess it went pretty well for him.”
Humphrey talked with Foster about the incident before Alabama’s Pro Day and said the linebacker explained to him that it was a “slight misunderstanding.” Humphrey called Foster a “loving guy” and said the linebacker was always there for him throughout his college career. As one of the nine other Tide players invited to the combine along with Foster, Humphrey said he understands how some of the off-the-field activities can create some frustration.
“They’re pulling your toe, they’re pulling your shoulder, your neck, it’s a little bit frustrating,” Humphrey said. “You got to stay calm. It’s part of the not-as-much-fun stuff like being on the field.”
Several analysts have Foster projected as a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft on April 27. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has him projected to be selected No. 9 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in his latest mock draft.
“I think that anybody that thinks what happened in Indy should affect this guy’s future in the draft is thinking very short-sighted,” Saban said. “He’s played here for four years, we’ve never had issues with him.”
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