Alabama Politics Rule No. 1: Leave Nick Saban Alone

It’s not like the Alabama governor’s race didn’t have enough controversy, with Ten Commandments Judge Roy Moore in the running and candidate Tim James calling for English-only drivers license tests. No, James allegedly decided to touch the true third rail in Alabama politics: The Crimson Tide.

A few days ago, James or one of his campaign workers was apparently trying to squash what could be a dangerous rumor in the GOP primary, which also includes Bradley Byrne, with a tweet.

Dispelling another untruth from the Byrne camp: I will neither be firing nor cutting Coach Saban’s salary if elected.

Instead, the story went supernova, with Alabama radio talker Paul Finebaum among those saying that James made a critical mistake after callers clogged up his phone lines.

“It’s the most engaged they (callers) have been in regards to Alabama politics in a long time, but of course we’re talking about something bigger than Alabama politics -- Nick Saban,” Finebaum told The Birmingham News tonight.

Did James say something negative about Saban? Yes, according to the former manager editor of the student newspaper at Alabama, who also said the statement “was kind of an off-handed remark.”

James -- who says he doesn’t remember making the comments -- is now trying to show his allegiance to Emperor Saban.

“I have one thing to say about that,” James said in response to my question. He reached beneath the podium and pulled out a red-and-white “Saban Rules” cap, donning it with a flourish.

“Let the record show that I believe Nick Saban is one of the greatest -- if not the greatest -- coaches in America,” James said. “I support him 100 percent.”

Wait a minute -- does that include the Iron Bowl? The new campaign commercials almost write themselves: “Auburn fans, you thought Tim James was on your side. But now, he says ‘Saban Rules.’”