Ahead of next week’s unionization vote at the Mercedes-Benz manufacturing facility in Vance, Alabama near Tuscaloosa, the United Auto Workers (UAW) union began circulating paid advertisements characterized to suggest having the support of former University of Alabama head coach Nick Saban.
In a statement on Sunday, Saban put those rumors to bed, and requested the UAW terminate using his likeness from promotional messages.
“I recently learned the United Autoworkers (UAW) union has taken the liberty of featuring my comments in advertisements released as part of its campaign to organize workers at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. (MBUSI). Not only were these comments taken entirely out of context, they were also being used without my knowledge or permission. I do not personally endorse the UAW or its campaign and have asked the UAW to remove any advertisements featuring me from circulation,” Saban said.
“I encourage all Team Members to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming election.”
Last week, the University of Alabama and Auburn University released a rare joint statement and legal notices to the UAW for copyright infringement in a similar act of misrepresentation.
In the video in question, highly-edited footage depicts Saban seemingly speaking in praise of a pro-unionization vote, doctored to the extent he felt compelled to release a statement and a formal request to remove the video from circulation.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.