Great read, encapsulating perfectly the worst thing about college football. Also a reference to Shorty’s, where I went for ‘cue about 50 years ago and have never forgotten!
Roy, how lucky you are that you pull for a university football team that has a huge purse to stay competitive. Do you prefer to go back to the days when the Canes were not competitive? Dennis Erickson was a northwest guy that did well for your Canes. :) I continue to love your column.
Tough problem. Ed O Bannon (UCLA star) sued the NCAA and won at the SCOTUS. The problem is universities are making billions from TV contracts etc, and the kids only got a scholarship....many of them had to scrounge just to eat. In summer, they weren't allowed to get jobs that paid more than a certain amount. That ignores the fact that if you are D1 in any sport, the college owns all of your time.
It seems the market is now free, and free markets are very, very messy. As humans, we prefer order. I suspect it will sort itself out in time, but it sure is painful. You can't follow a player at your school now for three to four years. In basketball, because the NBA says 18-year-olds can't be drafted, it's one and done.
Remember, these kids could get injured too! Sure, they can take out insurance, but few can afford it. A friend of mine Chris Gandy writes policies for them. Prior to NIL, there were street agents who bled kids dry. Now, at least it is above board with actual agents.....I guess that is better.
I have a friend whose son is a very good college baseball player. He played at Ohio St, then a couple of JCs, and received NIL money to go to a non-power 5 school. College baseball.....you can imagine men's basketball and football...Another friend's son is starting at guard for Georgia Tech. They play Miami soon......
Here is a twist. What about a college like Harvard? They have a deep bench of extremely wealthy alums. Could they purchase a national championship?
Jeff- a lot to think about in your comments. Not sure an undefeated Ivy team would ever be looked seriously for a playoff spot based upon schedule they are forced to play.
FWIW, did you see PSU got rid of their football coach? $49M buyout. Holy cow we are in a different world! Who paid? Adidas!!! I cannot imagine the cash flow from all the different sources in the athletic department. It must be huge, and the profit margin must be fat.
Excellent, most worthy and trusted scribe! I was having dinner last night with our friend Chet Lumish and when the topic came up, he reiterated his dislike for college football over the NFL. I enjoy the pageantry of college football, but it smacks of professionalism when you consider the $$$ thrown at top notch performers. In that regard, I stopped watching the Olympics years ago when professional athletes were permitted to perform. Come see us in December.
Wow I learned a lot - not following sports much unless it’s Pittsburgh which as you know I have no choice. You don’t have to accept it if you don’t want to but I know you and I can’t change it - money talks way too often in this life. Can’t blame some of the kids who have extended families to help take care of and a potentially short athletic life but if jumping ship is permitted and commercial endeavors want to pay - then that’s the way it will go if moral and ethical rules are off the table and money is on. Thx Roy.
Incredibly thoughtful and important message. In the meantime Miami and Ohio State are the two best teams this year. Enjoy!
Great read, encapsulating perfectly the worst thing about college football. Also a reference to Shorty’s, where I went for ‘cue about 50 years ago and have never forgotten!
Loved this Roy, accurate to a T. Well written (as always) We feel the same with NIL, and half of us the same with Miami. Go Canes!
Plus a win for the Raiders today
Roy, how lucky you are that you pull for a university football team that has a huge purse to stay competitive. Do you prefer to go back to the days when the Canes were not competitive? Dennis Erickson was a northwest guy that did well for your Canes. :) I continue to love your column.
Randy- thanks for the note. I still love the colors if not the way some of them got there!
Tough problem. Ed O Bannon (UCLA star) sued the NCAA and won at the SCOTUS. The problem is universities are making billions from TV contracts etc, and the kids only got a scholarship....many of them had to scrounge just to eat. In summer, they weren't allowed to get jobs that paid more than a certain amount. That ignores the fact that if you are D1 in any sport, the college owns all of your time.
It seems the market is now free, and free markets are very, very messy. As humans, we prefer order. I suspect it will sort itself out in time, but it sure is painful. You can't follow a player at your school now for three to four years. In basketball, because the NBA says 18-year-olds can't be drafted, it's one and done.
Remember, these kids could get injured too! Sure, they can take out insurance, but few can afford it. A friend of mine Chris Gandy writes policies for them. Prior to NIL, there were street agents who bled kids dry. Now, at least it is above board with actual agents.....I guess that is better.
I have a friend whose son is a very good college baseball player. He played at Ohio St, then a couple of JCs, and received NIL money to go to a non-power 5 school. College baseball.....you can imagine men's basketball and football...Another friend's son is starting at guard for Georgia Tech. They play Miami soon......
Here is a twist. What about a college like Harvard? They have a deep bench of extremely wealthy alums. Could they purchase a national championship?
Jeff- a lot to think about in your comments. Not sure an undefeated Ivy team would ever be looked seriously for a playoff spot based upon schedule they are forced to play.
They could in basketball though-plus fewer players. Watch BYU this year
FWIW, did you see PSU got rid of their football coach? $49M buyout. Holy cow we are in a different world! Who paid? Adidas!!! I cannot imagine the cash flow from all the different sources in the athletic department. It must be huge, and the profit margin must be fat.
As your first comment Ralph Robbins said… NIL is destroying college football.
I could not agree more.
Sorry for the Syracuse win. I wear Orange proudly.
Excellent, most worthy and trusted scribe! I was having dinner last night with our friend Chet Lumish and when the topic came up, he reiterated his dislike for college football over the NFL. I enjoy the pageantry of college football, but it smacks of professionalism when you consider the $$$ thrown at top notch performers. In that regard, I stopped watching the Olympics years ago when professional athletes were permitted to perform. Come see us in December.
Wow I learned a lot - not following sports much unless it’s Pittsburgh which as you know I have no choice. You don’t have to accept it if you don’t want to but I know you and I can’t change it - money talks way too often in this life. Can’t blame some of the kids who have extended families to help take care of and a potentially short athletic life but if jumping ship is permitted and commercial endeavors want to pay - then that’s the way it will go if moral and ethical rules are off the table and money is on. Thx Roy.
Go Steelers, btw
NIL is destroying college sports