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Nick Saban says former Alabama player 'pushed the red button' in Oval Office during Trump White House visit

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Original Story by Fox News
May 2, 2025
Nick Saban says former Alabama player 'pushed the red button' in Oval Office during Trump White House visit

Context:

During a commencement ceremony at the University of Alabama, former college football coach Nick Saban humorously recounted an incident from the Crimson Tide's visit to the White House after their 2018 National Championship victory. In his speech, Saban described how President Donald Trump, who was hosting the team, encouraged one of the players to press a mysterious red button in the Oval Office, which ultimately resulted in a staff member bringing in a Coke on a tray. Saban praised Trump as a gracious host, noting that he was the first president to invite the team back to the Oval Office. The anecdote was shared before Trump delivered his commencement address to the graduating students. Saban concluded by thanking Trump for speaking at the university's commencement ceremonies, which officially began the following day.

Dive Deeper:

  • Nick Saban shared a lighthearted story about the Alabama Crimson Tide's visit to the White House following their 2018 National Championship win, where they defeated the Georgia Bulldogs in overtime.

  • During the visit, President Donald Trump showed the team a red button on his Oval Office desk, jokingly suggesting it could launch missiles, and invited a player to press it.

  • Former Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans eventually pressed the button, leading to a staff member entering with a Coke on a tray, much to the amusement of those present.

  • Saban highlighted Trump as a gracious host, emphasizing that he was the first president to invite the team back into the Oval Office, reflecting positively on the visit.

  • The story was shared at the University of Alabama's commencement ceremony, where Saban introduced Trump, who was delivering the commencement speech to the graduating class.

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