On the eve of the vote for Mercedes-Benz workers in Vance to join the United Auto Workers (UAW), former Alabama head football coach Nick Saban asked the UAW to take down an advertisement that he says misused his comments and image.

Per Saban, who owns seven Mercedes-Benz dealerships across multiple states, the advertisement uses his comments "entirely out of context" and without his permission. He added that he doesn't "personally endorse the UAW or its campaign."

"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)," Saban said in a statement on Sunday. "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."

He added, "I encourage all Team Members to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming election."

Rivals University of Alabama and Auburn University also both sent a rare joint statement to the UAW for copyright infringement in their ads.

"The United Auto Workers are currently infringing on the intellectual property rights of The University of Alabama and Auburn University by using our trademarks without our endorsement or permission," the joint statement read.

The workers' vote will be held from Monday through Friday.

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email trent.baker@1819news.com.

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