Chuck Martin, the football coach for Miami (Ohio), openly criticized Alabama, claiming the Crimson Tide “stole” and “illegally recruited” his star kicker.

Graham Nicholson, a top kicker nationwide, had an exceptional 2023 season with the RedHawks, successfully making 27 out of 28 field-goal attempts and converting 35 out of 37 extra points. He was awarded the Lou Groza Award as the best collegiate place-kicker, playing a crucial role in his team achieving an 11-3 record and winning the MAC championship for the first time since 2019.

Instead of continuing his senior year at Miami, Nicholson opted to transfer to Alabama through the portal during the offseason.

In a video interview that surfaced online Thursday, Martin expressed his displeasure towards Alabama regarding this transfer.

“Alabama stole our kicker,” Martin declared. “They illegally recruited our kicker and took him from us, and that’s the truth.”

“We didn’t lose him. He’s at Alabama. We’re fully aware of his whereabouts,” Martin added.

He also voiced his frustration over the current transfer situation in college football.

“But that’s college football,” he remarked. “We pretend like it’s not we live in this fantasy world, as if we shouldn’t discuss reality. I don’t understand this, as everyone knows what’s happening.”

Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer addressed Martin’s allegations when asked about them on Thursday.

“[Nicholson] entered the portal, and we contacted him, so that’s the procedure,” DeBoer explained. “We complied with all necessary protocols.”

Miami (Ohio) will begin its 2024 season against Northwestern on August 31, while Alabama is set to face Western Kentucky.