Some criticisms of Nick Saban are unfair, but they're all rooted in how he treats people.
Not very well, by many accounts and observations.
And I'm sure that has changed some over the years. He must have grown. I don't think he possibly could do what he has done at Alabama if the majority of his players there felt the way the majority of his Michigan State players felt about him.
Sure, he was close with a few. He has family and genuine friends, MSU basketball coach Tom Izzo among them, who swear he's misunderstood. He has helped the unfortunate, as all in his position should do.