Nick Saban is against teams putting up flags after games.

The former Alabama coach made that point Saturday in a way only he could on ESPN’s “College GameDay” in Atlanta before the SEC championship game between Georgia and Texas.

“We need guidelines, but I think fining these schools $100,000 is like worrying about mouse dung when you’re up to your ears in elephant rants,” Saban said to laughter the rest of the “GameDay” panel. “We have to have guidelines.

“I would be more upset if my team tried to fly the flag because I think it’s disrespectful and doesn’t show much sportsmanship. You want to beat the other team, but this disrespect that everyone wants to show is probably not a good part of the game. I think you have to protect the brand. If college football players want to get paid what they are getting now, then they have to do something to protect the brand.”

Last week, flag-raising became widespread throughout college football. After the Michigan Wolverines’ 13-10 win, a brawl broke out at midfield when Michigan players tried to place their flag on the Ohio State logo and were confronted by the Buckeyes.

Police used pepper spray to disperse the players, who threw punches and shoves.

“When you do something like that that hurts the game, you have to learn to protect the brand,” Saban said. “Show sportsmanship so that people can positively identify with the game.”

Florida’s 31-11 victory over Florida State in Tallahassee on Saturday night was one of at least five rivalry games that featured a postgame fight. A fight ensued after NC State beat North Carolina 35-30 in Mack Brown’s final game as Tar Heels coach.

At Alabama-Auburn and Arkansas-Missouri there were also scuffles during or after the game.

“I would be a lot more upset if my team raised a flag because I think coaches can control that,” Saban said. “If you tell your team we won’t do it, then we won’t do it. It’s nothing more than faking injuries. Coaches can prevent this and they can prevent this.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard daily from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile app.