Of course, training camp is just practice. Not a game. Practice. Not the game. We’re talking about practice, man. How silly is that?

Who cares? People made a similar stink when Ozzie Guillen blew off the White Sox's trip to the White House.

Frankly, the hero worship of politicans is something that should be frowned upon. Just because you're President, it doesn't automatically mean that everyone is suddenly your "friend."

People lead busy lives--why should they jump at a command given by a total stranger? Especially given Bush's poor table manners that were put on display a couple of weeks ago in St. Petersburg.

Kudos to Saban!

The key word is "politely". Someone was polite to the President. Let us be thankful for that rarity.

Dan Patrick made some comments on this today (or it may of been Colin Cowherd) that related the personalities of NFL head coaches and how obsessive they are over every aspect of their job is and how much time of their life it takes up. Cited divorces among long time coaches (Bill Parcells?) and the fact a younger coaches like Bill Cower are already considering retiring. Simply stated, it would cut into his coaching time, a fact that he didn't seem that applied to coaches in other pro-leagues.

If last season's any indication, the Dolphins need their coach's undivided attention.

Ok, besides the fact that Bush is POTUS, there is no reason why Saban would want to take time away from his team to pose for a photos over crab legs.

Now, some would argue that the fact that Bush is POTUS is reason enough to take the invite, but really, what would Saban gain? A nice autographed photo from one of the least popular presidents ever? Would it help Saban's career? Or the Dolphins game?

The only person who would really gain much from this would be Bush, who gets a nice "down-to-earth" photo-op with an NFL coach. Personally I find it offensive to think that everyone should put their life on hold to help the President's approval rating.

Not silly at all. It's excellent leadership, in fact.

Team play as they train, just as soldiers fight as they train. If the training is half-hearted, their play will be. Saban is sending a message to his athletes that ALL of their focus needs to be on preparing for success at the job they're being paid millions to do... not thinking about endorsements, or any of their other so-called "professional commitments." And he's walking the walk.

That's real leadership, and I'm disappointed that you didn't recognize it as such.

Joe: Mostly just taking an opportunity to bring out the Iverson tirade. I get the message Saban is trying to send here, although it's not like there's a lot of training going on during dinner time.

I agree with Anderson... the Dolphins are in sad shape. Hopefully Saban will have something to show for his dedication.

Ok, besides the fact that Bush is POTUS, there is no reason why Saban would want to take time away from his team to pose for a photos over crab legs.

I've never really understood the attraction of hobnobbing with famous people anyway. If I were in Saban's position and I had something I wanted to say to Bush, I'd certainly accept the invitation. Otherwise, there are more productive uses for anybody's time.

Saban already gets 6 months a year of down time which is even more vacation than GWB takes...maybe they could work something out in the spring!

matt,

Actually, NFL head coaches take very little downtime, what with draft prep, free agency prep, and various mini-camps and "voluntary" events.

I think his decline was very disrespectful. Then on the other hand if I were invited to have dinner with Mr. Clinton, I would decline, I wouldn't go near that guy, for various reasons!!