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Alabama football coach Nick Saban says nothing to clarify about 'wrong place, wrong time' remark

Alabama football coach Nick Saban says he wasn't referencing the school's basketball program when he remarked, "there's no such thing as being in the wrong place at the wrong time."

And Crimson Tide men's basketball coach Nate Oats didn't take it that way, either.

Saban had used that phrase on Monday to explain why he was suspending defensive back Tony Mitchell after his arrest on a drug charge.

Oats had used the phrase "wrong spot at the wrong time" when describing why he wasn't suspending Alabama star Brandon Miller after police testified that he transported the gun that had been used in a shooting that killed Jamea Harris.

Miller has not been charged with a crime, and according to his attorney, was unaware of the gun's presence and and was already en route to pick up former teammate Darius Miles when Miles texted Miller asking him to bring Miles' gun. Miles and Michael “Buzz” Davis have been charged in Harris' death.

What did Nick Saban say Thursday?

Saban said there was nothing to clarify about his Monday remarks.

"I don't watch basketball coaches' press conferences," Saban said during the school's pro day. "How many years have I been coaching? I've never watched one, never listened to what other people say. That was strictly about our program and what we do, and had nothing to do with anybody else. I don't make comments about anybody else, and we hope the basketball team does really, really well."

What did Nate Oats say Thursday?

Nate Oats said he didn't think that Saban was referencing him.

"He and I talked that night, and I didn't take it that way at all," said Oats, whose team will face San Diego State on Friday in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. "I've got a ton of respect for coach. I said in my opening press conference when I got hired in Alabama that he may be the best coach for team sports in modern sports history. ...

"He's been tremendously supportive of our program since he's got here. He says it all the time. He wants the entire athletic program to do well."

Contributing: Chase Goodbread, Tuscaloosa News

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alabama's Nick Saban says remark wasn't referencing Nate Oats