Who knew college football was on US President Donald Trump’s agenda for his second stint as president? Nick Saban banking on his friendly ties in the government to bring about change in the sport. Regulations about the NIL aspect of college football can soon come into effect. Given how unpredictable and volatile it has made college recruiting, President Trump’s interest could lead to an overhaul in NIL terms. However, will that alone be the solution to the problem?

President Trump announced that he was interested in an executive order—an addition to the 140 he’s signed—centered around the way NIL deals affect college football. The feature has been up for debate right since its conception. One side says players deserve that money, especially those who come from struggling backgrounds. But what has led to an overwhelmingly negative tirade is the way players are using NILs to get an upper hand over coaches during recruiting season. And leading that tirade is Nick Saban, who has been a very vocal critic of the phenomenon.

The former Bama coach met President Trump when the latter came to Alabama for the university’s commencement address. Nick Saban presented the President to the university students. Regarding the executive order around NIL, the media reports suggest that it could see the light of day. According to NCAA president Charlie Baker, an executive order would likely still require congressional action, as he mentioned in April. This potential order follows a landmark case (House v. NCAA), but there are still details that need to be resolved. Last month, Judge Claudia Wilken threatened to reject the settlement due to concerns regarding roster limits.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, who previously coached at Ole Miss, Auburn, Texas Tech, and Cincinnati, also mentioned that he had a word with the Trump administration about NIL. But let’s face it, it’s easier said than done.

“How realistic that is, who knows? You know what I mean? Like, and all I know is maybe this could even be enough of a stunt to where the NCAA has to pay attention,” declared Johnathan Lewis of The Bama Standard. The purpose of this order would be to create a level playing field. That won’t be possible without taking into consideration the financial needs of players, who seriously stand to benefit from bigger NIL packages. Also, by the time this executive order does become a reality, it’ll be too long. An executive order will need some congressional passing as well, which will take some time.

“It’s whoever wants to pay the most money, raise the most money, buy the most players is going to have the best opportunity to win. I don’t think that’s the spirit of college athletics,” Saban remarked about the practice of NILs. True, there have been cases that shocked the community. But NILs boost careers and also bring more opportunities for the program associated with players. It’s an intricate issue that requires sensitivity if change has to come by way of government intervention.

NIL issue has numerous layers that require closer attention from Nick Saban

The Nico Iamaleava case raked up a storm in the sport, and the NCAA is yet to respond strongly. The question of loyalty is perhaps what bothers Saban, who dedicated 16 years of his career to Alabama. Leveling the playing field is the number one call, sure. But the other side of the conversation is always going to remain. No two players present the same circumstances when it comes to deciding their paycheck.

Kirby Smart, who was the subject of the only other most memorable NIL case, also saw that there isn’t just one perspective about the whole matter. “[Personal] development” is what Saban thinks NILs are preventing from happening in the players’ performance. Smart told Josh Pate in a March 24 episode of his show that some players have to ignore that requirement when they’re in dire straits and go for the program that offers the most money.

Money will speak, much to Saban’s dismay. NIL deals and the way in which it is changing the sports do need a leash. But that only comes after a rigid and thought-out structure is planned in the executive order if it is truly aimed at helping both players and coaches going forward.