Nick Saban often brings in former NFL players to play on his scout teams during practices to prepare his team for upcoming games.
Last week, Saban had former Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson and former running back Trent Richardson to help the Crimson Tide prepare for LSU. The two served as LSU quarterback Danny Etling and running back Leonard Fournette to prepare Alabama’s defense for Saturday’s 10-0 win over the Tigers. Etling was held to just 92 yards and an interception, while Fournette finished with 35 yards on the ground.
According to NCAA rules, it is legal to bring former players into practice as long as it’s not publicized.
NCAA bylaw 14.2.1.6 reads:
A former student at the certifying institution (e.g., former student-athlete) may participate in an organized practice session on an occasional basis, provided the institution does not publicize the participation of the former student at any time before the practice session.
Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly thinks it’s ludicrous and shouldn’t be allowed.
Brian Kelly on teams bringing former players for scout team: "I think it's absolutely ludicrous..doesn’t sound like college football to me."
— Laken Litman (@LakenLitman) November 10, 2016
For the record, Alabama is 10-0 this season while Notre Dame is 3-6.
