Ahead of next week's unionization vote at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vance, near Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the United Auto Workers (UAW) has begun distributing paid ads suggesting support for former University of Alabama head coach Nick Saban.

In a statement Sunday, Saban denied those rumors and asked the UAW to stop using his likeness in promotional messaging.

“I recently learned that the United Auto Workers (UAW) published comments I made in an advertisement published as part of their campaign to organize workers at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. (MBUSI). Not only were these comments taken completely out of context, but they were used without my knowledge or permission. I do not personally support the UAW or its campaign, and have asked the UAW to remove distribution of the advertisement featuring me,” Saban said.

“I encourage all team members to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming elections.”

Last week, the University of Alabama and Auburn University issued an unprecedented joint statement and legal notice to the UAW about copyright infringement through similar misrepresentation practices.

The video in question shows highly edited footage of Saban appearing to praise the pro-union vote, and was altered to the point that Saban was forced to issue a statement and formally request that the video be removed from circulation.

Grayson Everett is the state and politics editor for Yellow Hammer News. You can follow him on Twitter. Grayson