LSU fans have developed a hate-hate relationship with Nick Saban ever since he left Baton Rouge for the NFL then later returning to coaching SEC rival Alabama. Anytime Alabama heads into Death Valley the fans are less than cordial to the team and Saban and they definitely did change over the weekend when the crowd screamed some choice words towards their old coach.
LSU athletic director Joe Alleva issued a statement Monday, apologizing for the chant and referring to the offenders as a “small minority.” Alleva also suggested he would ban any fans caught using similar chants in the future.
I’d like to once again thank our fans for their incredible support of our team in last Saturday’s game with Alabama. The Tigers played with tremendous heart and passion, and our fans played a huge role in inspiring a performance of which we can all be very proud.
Unfortunately, a small minority of people chose to diminish the image of our great university by engaging in a profane chant directed toward Coach Saban. We are deeply sorry that such crude behavior occurred in Tiger Stadium, because that is the antithesis of what we represent at LSU.
If it occurs in the future, we will make every effort to identify those who choose to act in this manner and make sure they know they are no longer welcome in our stadium. Our hope, however, is that this will never happen again.
Best wishes to Coach Miles and the Tigers for a strong finish to this season, and we sincerely appreciate the pride they instill in LSU fans each Saturday. And, thanks again to the best fans in the nation for their continued support of the Tigers!