Comedian Shane Gillis, a Fighting Irish fan, appeared on ESPN College Game Day before Indiana played Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff on Friday and joked about Alabama football and the players Nick Saban paid off. Later in the show, Pat McAfee reminded Gillis of that moment while sitting at the show desk with Saban.

“You called him a cheater earlier,” McAfee said, pointing to the longtime Alabama football head coach.

Gillis jokingly backpedaled and mocked Saban’s hat, which had drawn comparisons to Indiana Jones throughout the show.

“I’m just kidding,” Gillis said. “Isn’t this a fun show? It’s a serious show? Alabama Jones is very serious. Get the whip, Indy.”

Saban didn’t seem amused by the implication. The man who won six national championships with Alabama and another while at LSU before retiring after the 2023 season then explained his career.

“I believe in integrity,” Saban said. “I have always tried to run the program in such a way that the players have a better chance of being successful in life. We made more money in the NFL than any other school, 61 players in the league. That’s how we cheated, how we developed players.”

Saban will remain on Alabama’s payroll in an advisory capacity following his retirement in January. He also took the job at ESPN and appeared on College Gameday, among other shows.

Meanwhile, his impassioned speech prompted the guest comedian to retract the joking accusation.

“I’m so sorry,” Gillis said, laughing.