It almost seems as if Nick Saban was longing for his tenure as the head coach of a blueblood program to end. Just so he can get his hottest takes off in the national media. Sans of any worry about representing his school in a bad light. The proverbial shoe is now firmly on the other foot. Saban’s retirement from Alabama made fans wonder if they’ll yearn for his antics and colorful monologues. However, his newfound role as a panelist on ESPN’s CollegeGameday has allowed him to continue where he left off. In fact, he’s added a little more color and spice to his dictionary than it would’ve been suitable as a coach. Something that’s landed him into trouble.

At the risk of causing some PTSD within the Buckeyes faithful, hark your minds back to rivalry weekend last season. The flag-planting fiasco in the backwash of The Game between Ohio State and Michigan stemmed from widespread discourse. Saban, too, leveraged his thoughts on TV. After the penalization for the perpetrators was announced, Nick Saban was convinced the reprimand of $100,000 forced by the NCAA was far from enough. Perhaps enough for the crime, but not enough relative to the affluent criminals.

During College GameDay’s build-up to the SEC Championship game, Nick Saban expressed his disdain. But his delivery mechanism was rather hilarious and contained some expletives. Saban said, “First of all, I think we need guidelines. But I think to fine these schools $100,000 is like worrying about mouse manure when you’re up to your ears in elephant s–t.” That censored word, albeit not too bad in the grand scheme of things, has gotten Saban into some s–t himself! Viewers who took issue have reportedly complained to the FCC about Saban’s “swearing” on national TV. This statement was mentioned in particular, alongside other instances of Coach Saban getting a little loose for his own good.

“Nick Saban said the word s–t twice, b–ch once, and something else I can’t remember,” read the complaint. This was logged by a person from Missouri. The plot indeed thickens and it’s no surprise it was an SEC state. Saban’s Bama did haunt those Mizzou fans for years. “I tune (in) to gain knowledge and insight on college football, not to have profanity stuffed in my face by a former coach trying to be funny. It will continue until you (fine) them a million dollars or more. Chinchy fines accomplish nothing.” it continued. If Saban thought that a $100k fine wasn’t enough, this demand surely counteracts it on the opposite side of the spectrum! He also faces two further complaints citing “obscenity.”

One of these stemmed from North Carolina and tagged along co-panelist Pat McAfee, too. “The show comes on at 9 am to 12 noon. Children are obviously awake and can be exposed to this broadcast. Today Nick Saban used the profane word ‘bullshit’ on air. Most every show I watch Pat McAfee is using profanity,” said the person, veiled behind anonymity. The 3rd complaint spawned due to the Cotton Bowl broadcast. For a game of that magnitude, the conversation naturally may have gotten a little too heated, and emotions might’ve boiled over. Citing “inappropriate language,” this viewer also reiterated that games ought to be played at an hour when younger kids are dozing off.

In the aftermath of these complaints coming to light, the CFB sphere came in unison with their take—it’s all a bunch of silliness. Nick Saban holds reverence and a stature among fans that affords him some leeway. But that accounted for, this still feels blown out of proportion. When this revelation hit Reddit, a horde of people chimed in with their views and comments. Here’s a curated selection of the best ones:

Nick Saban backed by the social media verse amid certain factions taking offense

Right off the bat, one person pointed to the sheer misdirection of the hate towards Nick Saban. “ESPN is on paid cable, the FCC language restrictions have no effect there. So good job wasting your time with those complaints guys!” they said. Alas, not everyone had this level of clarity. Most people sided with humor and pointed at both Saban and the complainers to address this weird ordeal. “The absolute HORROR. Lock this man up immediately.” read one sarcastic comment.

“Imagine if Alabama Jones had expressed the thoughts in his head while Shane Gillis was there.” read another. This refers to comedian Gillis’ guesting on the show and hinting at Nick Saban’s Bama paying recruits to come to Tuscaloosa pre-NIL. Scathing allegations that got brushed aside at the time. Another sarcastic comment read “Damn, Alabama has to vacate all of their wins and national titles under Saban I guess.”  A couple more gems included “Which of you naysayers snitched on Saban?” and “You think that’s bad? Try staying at his Air BnB.”

In all likelihood, this run-in with the FCC will transpire into absolutely nothing. But the comments themselves imply just how much fun people are having with Nick Saban showing a different side to himself on TV. Long may it continue, cutting through a vocal minority of parents taking issue. Complaining parents isn’t something Saban is new to, the way he used to stockpile them recruits.