Former Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster was sent home from the NFL Combine after a heated exchange with a hospital employee, and his former coach Nick Saban came to his defense at Alabama's pro day.
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"Reuben's been a great player for us here. We've never had any issue with Reuben," Saban said at Bama's pro day . "I think that when you ask someone — if anybody here asks someone eight or 10 times, 'Am I in the right place, why have I had to stay here for so long' and nobody will respond to you, I think it will probably create a little anxiety for all of us.
"I know that Reuben wishes that he would have responded in a little more positive way, but I think that other people could have responded and been a little more respectful to him as well."
Foster didn't participate in drills at the combine or at pro day due to an injured shoulder. Saban went on to commend Foster's leadership and skills as a player.
"Anybody that thinks what happened in Indy should affect this guy's future in the draft is being very shortsighted," Saban said. "He's played here for four years. We've never had an issue with him. He's always been a great leader. He's a signal caller on defense. He's bright. He's always been a great team guy, and he's really liked by his teammates.
"If you're looking for a good teammate to be on your team, Reuben's going to be very, very good. If you're looking for somebody to be a candy striper and be nice to everybody at the hospital, maybe not."
Here are Saban's full comments at pro day:
On NFL.com, three of four draft analysts have Foster being taken in the first round, and two have him being selected at No. 9 by the Cincinnati Bengals.
(h/t SEC Country)
