Jalen Hurts believes that theres a false narrative being pushed by Nick Saban and Alabama about his intentions to transfer, despite the fact that Hurts has told Saban and all other inquiring minds that hes staying to fight for his starting job against The Flyin’ Hawaiian Tua Tagovailoa, who led Alabama back from a 13-0 deficit in last years college football National Championship game.
The Shadow League on Twitter
Tua Tagovailoa with the beautiful dime. FOR. THE. WIN. #NationalChampionship https://t.co/HscQqolfcA
“The narrative has already been created,” says Hurts, who also told reporters he feels like hes been counted out.
“The funniest thing about it is I’ve never said a thing,” Hurts said.
His comments have added another layer of intrigue and media attraction to the countrys most high profile college quarterback battle.
Hurts licked shots at the coaching staff’s handling of the situation and says he was “shocked” when he heard Saban tell reporters at SEC media day that he had “no idea” whether Hurts would be on the roster for the opening game of the season.
Coaches cant control the situation. They will dictate who plays, but as for other variations to it they cant control it,” Jalen Hurts told reporters. “This whole spring, ever since the title game, they kind of wanted to let it play out. I guess they didnt think it was a thing or they tried to let it die down like it was not there, because there has always been an elephant in the room. The whole spring, coaches included, no one asked me how I felt. No one asked me what was on my mind.
Adding to the drama is the comments of Jalens mom, Pamela Hurts, who said in a Facebook status Sunday that her son has been “controlled” during his time with the Crimson Tide.
Wow ignorance is bliss, Pamela Hurts wrote (h/t TDABamaMag.com). When has Jalen ever spoken to media about anything other than the team? When has he ever whined, pouted or talk about what ‘yall’ dont know takes place behind the scenes? Theres a reason why players arent allowed to speak to the media. Jalen spoke his truth, finally, after 3 years of being compliant and controlled. You have no idea what is and has been going onand most likely, never will.
Folks quick to speak highly on his character and demeanor, but know he is completely opposite of those accolades today. If you can turn on this young man today and not your president for any of his rhetoric, you were never with him to begin with.”
Mama threw in the Trump reference so you know she means business. She vehemently defended her sons right to express his problems with the university, especially after hes been a loyal soldier, saying all of the right things after he was benched in the biggest game of his life.
Sporting News on Twitter
Jalen Hurts’ mom, Pamela, came to her son’s defense after he was criticized for recent media comments: https://t.co/UIVdbHC67C
Despite the recent friction, Tagovailoa, has been diplomatic about the comp from the start.
The Shadow League on Twitter
Tua Tagovailoa is showing support for Jalen Hurts.
There are some media heads who dont approve of Hurts recent outspokenness and think he should be benched.
First Take on Twitter
@stephenasmith thinks Nick Saban should make Jalen Hurts a second-string quarterback. https://t.co/tqXzW6Cnpj
According to ESPN, Alabama has not publicly named a starting quarterback for its season-opener against Louisville. Tagovailoa was seen as the favorite heading into spring practices but has spent most of the offseason dealing with a hand injury. That has allowed Hurts to pull himself back into the battle, though he still seems like a clear underdog.
The damage is already done. Hurts feels disrespected and the football world knows that if Tagovailoa is healthy, Hurts wont be starting quarterback of the Crimson Tide.
