Saban Shares Humorous Anecdote of Alabama Team’s White House Visit Before Trump’s Commencement Address
Tuscaloosa, Alabama – In a memorable prelude to President Donald Trump’s commencement address at the University of Alabama on Thursday evening, legendary former Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban took to the stage to introduce the president and share a lighthearted story from the team’s visit to the White House during Trump’s first term. The anecdote, recounted with Saban’s characteristic folksy charm, offered a glimpse into the unique experiences afforded to national champions and the personalities of both the players and the president.
The backdrop to Saban’s story was the Crimson Tide’s thrilling victory over the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2018 College Football National Championship. Overcoming a daunting 13-0 halftime deficit, Alabama rallied to secure an overtime win, cementing their status as the nation’s top college football team. As is tradition, the championship-winning team received an invitation to celebrate their achievement at the White House, a symbolic honor bestowed upon athletic champions.
Standing on the stage in Tuscaloosa, Saban painted a vivid picture of the team’s visit, emphasizing President Trump’s gracious hospitality. He noted that Trump had gone a step further than his predecessors by inviting the team’s captains into the Oval Office, providing them with a more intimate and personal experience. It was within the hallowed walls of the Oval Office that the humorous encounter unfolded, as Saban detailed with a twinkle in his eye.
"I take the three captains in the Oval Office, and the president’s really nice to everybody," Saban began, setting the stage for the comedic scene. He then described a peculiar object that caught the attention of the players: "He’s got this very big, good-looking, auspicious box on his desk that has a red button on top." The presence of such a prominent and enigmatic object naturally piqued the curiosity of the young athletes.
One of the players, voicing a thought likely shared by many, inquired about the button’s function. "Is that what you launch the missiles with?" the player asked, his question reflecting the gravity and potential power associated with the presidency. President Trump, known for his penchant for theatrics and playful interactions, responded with a mischievous invitation: "Well, push it and find out."
Saban recounted the moment with a chuckle, emphasizing the players’ initial hesitation. "As Saban recalled, the player did not want to test fate — but Trump insisted." The prospect of triggering an unknown consequence, possibly of significant magnitude, understandably gave the players pause. The tension in the room must have been palpable, as the players weighed the president’s playful challenge against the potential ramifications of their actions.
Ultimately, the curiosity and encouragement from the president proved too tempting to resist. Saban revealed that former Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans, known for his leadership and perhaps a touch of daring, stepped forward to take on the challenge. "So [former Alabama linebacker] Rashaan Evans finally got the guts up, went over, pushed the red button," Saban narrated, building the suspense.
The climax of the story arrived with an unexpected and anticlimactic twist. "Some lady came in with a Coke on a tray," Saban said, delivering the punchline with perfect comedic timing. The button, it turned out, was not a trigger for missiles or any other world-altering event, but rather a simple call button for refreshments. The anticlimactic nature of the outcome only amplified the humor of the situation, highlighting the contrast between the players’ initial apprehension and the mundane reality.
The anecdote served as a reminder that even within the highest echelons of power, moments of levity and human connection can be found. It also showcased President Trump’s willingness to engage in lighthearted banter and create memorable experiences for the visiting athletes.
Saban concluded his remarks by expressing his sincere gratitude to President Trump for accepting the invitation to deliver the commencement address at the University of Alabama. "Saban concluded his speech by expressing his appreciation to the president for choosing the University of Alabama for his commencement address and making time to speak to our graduates." He acknowledged the significance of the president’s presence and the value of his words for the graduating students.
The sharing of the amusing anecdote and the expression of gratitude highlighted the respect and appreciation that Saban held for the president, while also providing a memorable and entertaining start to the commencement ceremonies. The event marked the official commencement ceremonies at the school, which began on Friday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
