Nick Saban, the former head coach of Alabama’s football team, had the pleasure of introducing President Donald Trump at the University of Alabama’s graduation ceremony. Before Trump took the stage to deliver his commencement speech, Saban shared an amusing anecdote about the team’s celebratory visit to the White House following their 2018 national championship win. The Alabama Crimson Tide had clinched the title after a thrilling overtime victory against the Georgia Bulldogs, having come back from a 13-0 deficit.
In true championship tradition, the team was invited to the White House to celebrate their victory. During the ceremony in Washington, D.C., President Trump posed with Saban and the team, marking the occasion with photos and words of praise. Standing on the stage in Tuscaloosa, Saban fondly remembered the visit, mentioning that Trump was a “very gracious host” and was notably the first president to welcome the team into the Oval Office.
Saban humorously recounted an interaction involving Trump’s desk, which featured a prominent red button. One curious player asked, “Is that what you launch the missiles with?” Trump’s playful response was, “Well, push it and find out.” This light-hearted moment added a touch of levity to the day’s events, highlighting the unique experience for the young athletes.
Remembering the moment, Saban shared that former Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans mustered the courage to press the button. The result wasn’t as dire as some might have imagined; instead, a staff member promptly appeared with a Coke on a tray. This amusing twist left the audience chuckling and added a memorable story to their White House visit.
Saban wrapped up his remarks by thanking President Trump for choosing the University of Alabama for his speech and for taking the time to address the graduates. His words reflected the pride and honor felt by the university community in hosting such a distinguished guest.
The commencement ceremony officially began the following day, with graduates and their families gathering to celebrate their achievements. The event marked a significant milestone for the students, who were eager to embark on the next chapter of their lives. The presence of prominent figures like Trump and Saban added an extra layer of excitement to the occasion.
In closing, the ceremony served as a reminder of the close ties between sports, leadership, and academic accomplishment. The Crimson Tide’s visit to the White House, coupled with the university’s commencement activities, underscored the role of tradition and excellence in shaping the institution’s legacy.
The Associated Press also contributed to this report, providing additional details about the event. For more updates and sports coverage, readers are encouraged to follow Fox News Digital and consider subscribing to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
