When it comes to college football stalwarts, Nick Saban is one of the most notable names. The name behind Alabama Crimson Tide's success also found fame in broadcasting. In this journey, he found Pat McAfee, another former college football star. But their move to the media came at a cost as they are now seen as bad examples.

McAfee and Saban have recently been on the receiving end of complaints made to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding the usage of profanity on television.

On ESPN’s College GameDay, Saban did not have kind words for his alma mater, Kent State.

“Being an alumnus of Kent State, I think Florida State kicks the S*** out of us,” he said.

That's what turned things against Saban. The FCC received a letter from a concerned viewer.

“Mr. Saban and the guest picker both used a profane word to describe human feces in the context of a violent act," it read.  

It further read, “Thus in the past two weeks, countless parents have had the opportunity to explain to their children who are watching this normally fun show that is presented as suitable for children, what a ‘b****’ is.” 

College football fans place Saban on a pedestal, with seven Natty feathers in his cap and 11 SEC titles. Along with the former Alabama head coach, McAfee also faced the heat.

Several letters mentioned that McAfee was swearing and using profanity while also using the former racist name of the Washington Commanders. 

“Thus in the past two weeks, countless parents have had the opportunity to explain to their children who are watching this normally fun show that is presented as suitable for children, what a ‘b****’ is, and what it means to be the son of one and also explain what it means to kick the (human feces) out of someone," wrote a viewer back on September 11.  

Saban only had two complaints against his name last season, while for McAfee, the number was more. Viewers called out McAfee for promoting the use of m******** during a gameday broadcast, which saw another viewer filing a 319-word complaint detailing the supposed dangers of c*******. 

However, ESPN, which hosts both the Pat McAfee Show and College GameDay, declined to comment on the situation. 

The Fans and the Public Want Nick Saban and Pat McAfee to Be Fined

Not everyone is happy with the way the former Alabama head coach has transitioned his way into broadcasting, particularly the language that is being used. 

The show is aired from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and this window is for children's sensitive programming. Last year in March, one demanded that either Saban or ESPN be hit with an enormous seven-figure fine. 

“It will continue until you (fine) them a million dollars or more. Chinchy (sic) fines accomplish nothing," the complaint said.

Pat McAfee was also on the receiving end of some of the fans. “Almost every show I watch, Pat McAfee is using profanity. I don’t understand why the FCC is not (stopping) this.” 

Unless the FCC barges in and imposes heavy fines, there will be no repercussions for Saban and McAfee. 

Share your thoughts on the actions that need to be taken in this matter.

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Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar