Alabama coach Nick Saban has no problem with offensive tackle Brandon Kennedy finishing his college football career at another school.
Saban just wants to make sure it is not at another SEC school.
By week's end, Kennedy, an Alabama graduate, could have the chance choose between Auburn and Tennessee.
SEC coaches are expected to discuss transfer rules at this week's spring meetings, including discussion of possible changes to those involving graduate transfers within the conference.
Under current rules, a graduate transfer within the SEC would have to sit out a year.
"If we agree at the SEC at these meetings that we're going to have free agency in our league and everyone can go wherever they want to go when they graduate, that's what's best for the game, then that's what we should do," Saban said. "Then Brandon Kennedy can go where ever he wants to go. But if we don't do that, why is it on me? Because we have a conference rule that says he can't do it. And he can do it but he's supposed to sit out for a year. So, why is it on me?
"It's not even my decision. It's a conference rule."
Saban faced a similar situation when cornerback Maurice Smith graduated and wanted to go to Georgia, where former Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Kirby Smart was the new head coach.
The SEC ultimately granted Smith a waiver, allowing him to play immediately in 2016.
Georgia pushed for a change to the in-conference graduate transfer rule a year ago, but the SEC tabled it.
Saban hopes a change meets similar resistance again.
"Let me ask a question, if we make a rule that guys can transfer whenever they want to transfer, how are we supposed to get people to do what they should do?" he asked. "I'm not talking as football players. I'm talking as people. I'm talking about making good choices and decisions off the field. I'm talking about doing the right things academically.
"So, if a guy is missing class and I say you're not going to play in this game because you're missing class _ which I've done on occasion _ and he just says 'I'm transferring.' Is that good?
"I don't know. I'm not saying it's good or bad. I'm just asking. I'm asking you all a question. You don't ever seem to have to answer the questions like I do."
