What Nick Saban said about Catapult film shutdown for Alabama players
Nick Saban didn’t want to talk about it. After Alabama football wide receiver Isaiah Bond revealed that Crimson Tide players were told not to watch film on their own using the Catapult platform due to security concerns, the topic took over media availabilities ahead of UA’s Rose Bowl battle with Michigan.
On Saturday, Saban was asked when he first became aware of a potential issue with Catapult. He shut down the line of questioning quickly.
“I’m not concerned about that,” Saban said. “Our players have had every opportunity to get ready for this game just like any other game. That’s not an issue that I’m concerned about or that our players are concerned about or that’s worth discussing here 48 hours before the game.”
After the reveal from Alabama players, the Wolverines said they had a similar shutdown when speaking to media on Friday. Offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore said they had stopped players viewing film on their tablets in November due to security concerns.
Catapult, a company that offers college programs video and data solutions, said in a statement that it had not found a security breach, but was cooperating with authorities and the NCAA for an investigation. The NCAA told AL.com that it had no comment, as did the FBI.
Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports reported Friday that Michigan is not the center of an NCAA investigation into a possible film security break. On Saturday, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said he shut down his team’s access due to a rumor.
“There’s been rumors out there about the cloud and the Catapult system,” Harbaugh said. “Our team is taking the same precautions.”
Alabama and Michigan are set to play in the College Football Playoff’s Rose Bowl semifinal at 4 p.m. CT Monday. The game will be aired on ESPN.