Saban responds to tape allegations

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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) -- Alabama coach Nick Saban says his kickers won't use tape to spot field goals and extra points.

South Carolina Steve Spurrier pointed out Tuesday that Alabama's Leigh Tiffin used white tape to spot kicks in last week's game. Spurrier reported it to the Southeastern Conference.

On Wednesday, Spurrier said he was told by the conference that what Tiffin did was against the rules.

Saban says he didn't know Tiffin was using the tape and says it isn't worth risking a 5-yard penalty. However, he says Tide coaches have found Tiffin wasn't alone in spotting the ball.

"We certainly don't want our players to do anything that's illegal," Saban said. "It is a 5-yard penalty if you do anything to enhance the spot. We've done some research on it, and over half the teams in the league do something with it.

"They put a grass there or a piece of mud or wherever it is, so the kicker knows where the ball's going to be spotted. We even saw verification where last year South Carolina's kicker did it."

The rule states that "no material or device shall be used to improve or degrade the playing surface or other conditions and give one player or team an advantage."

The exception is a kicking tee for kickoffs. Otherwise, it is a live-ball foul and a 5-yard penalty.

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