Statement regarding bullying from Coach Nick Saban

I tell the players, that the first part of our Pyramid of Success is to be a team.  You have to respect and trust your teammates.  You have to respect and trust the values of your organization.  Your organization could be considered your family, your school, your team, or any group to which you belong.  In order to respect others, you have to consider their situation and put yourself in their shoes sometimes.  Life is all about helping each other; in doing so there leaves no room for putting someone down, or bullying.  If you have been a bully in the past, let it go.  Be secure in your own individuality enough to know that putting someone else down does not increase the value of your situation, it only causes pain for someone else.  You will see that by reaching out with compassion to someone in need, you will gain a better feeling of pride in yourself, and often learn something new from that individual.  If you have been bullied in the past, remember as Eleanor Roosevelt expressed, “no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”  Know that within you lies a champion.  Know that through faith, discipline and dedication you can achieve your dreams and in doing so help others along the way.  Speak out against bullying.  If it is happening to you, tell an adult.  If you see it happening to someone else, speak out in defense of the person being bullied, or tell an adult.  Often the situation can easily be corrected and reversed just by appreciating your classmates and friends with understanding, kindness and patience.   Find an activity that you enjoy and find a way to excel in that activity.  Our former players are dedicated to serving their communities and reaching out to help others. In fact, Cory Reamer and Chris Rogers, both teammates from the 2009 Championship team have spoken out against bullying.  Both of these men are active in their communities and actively volunteer for charitable organizations.  -Coach Nick Saban

http://www.andalusiastarnews.com/2010/12/15/ua-players-talk-to-ams-students-on-bullying/

Statement from Cory Reamer regarding bullying:

Coach Saban has taught us that in order to achieve, you must be aware of your surroundings, and find a way to improve them. He reminds us to give back to our communities and reach out to those in need. Bullying is a serious problem in today’s society. It can happen anytime, anywhere in many different contexts, by many different means. It is no longer simply a face to face, person to person issue. Bullying can occur via social media and the internet nowadays and can often go unnoticed by those in authority. However, bullying still creates long lasting and long remembered harm to the individual being pushed around no matter the method in which it occurs. Bullying is a serious concern not only for today’s youth but for adults as well; any education we can provide to help prevent or help people understand how to handle bullying is a very useful tool. We all need to remember that a purposeful life includes making the world a better place. Strive to help others, rather than to put others down for your own glory. In helping others with kindness and compassion, you’ll ultimately help yourself make a difference in your own life. – Cory Reamer

Statement from Chris Rogers regarding bullying:

If I have learned anything from my time as an athlete at the University of Alabama under Coach Saban’s direction, it is that you must put in the time and effort to achieve your goals. You must show compassion for others and give back to your community. This is true in any aspect of your life, not just in a sport situation. There is no excuse for bullying others. If you are a bully, and are hurtful to other people find another way to express yourself immediately. Realize that your words and actions will be remembered in the lives of others and make an effort to be a positive influence to others rather than a negative influence. If you have been bullied or see someone else being bullied, speak out, find an adult to stop the situation immediately. It all boils down to living together in harmony for the greater good. Putting others down creates a negative environment that only breeds negativity. Create a better environment in all aspects of your life by showing compassion to others and you will achieve your personal goals. – Chris Rogers