Things are going to change...

[thistime]

Things in the NCAA are about to change and not for the better. There has been a Bill brought up in the US Senate that will over ride all State Laws, Conference and Division rules that let college athletes profit from their name and image. This will totally change EVERYTHING in amateur college sports.

I understand that players have been taken advantage as far as companies and Universities alike having benefited financially by using these athletes for profit in not only ticket sales and advertising but video games and countless other avenues as well. They are the reason we watch the games and they are the reason that so many schools make so much money.

With that being said they are given a yearly scholarship and a free education if they chose to take advantage of it and that cost is anywhere from $30,000 to $80,000 + a year depending on the school. With that education it has been said that a degree will increase a individuals ability to earn a living by $1,000,000 over a lifetime so that alone is a type of payment.

If this Bill passes individual players or groups of players will be able make deals to benefit just like a pro basically . Nike, Under Armour, Adidas and any other company will be able to pay endorsements to players and potentially steer them to a school that uses their products. It happens now to some extent more so in basketball but it will be open season for all sports and be legal.

What then, will colleges be forced to pay them to play at their school ? Will they become employees of that school and will they be given benefits such a insurance and if they get hurt will they be able to draw workmen comp ? If it is a state school will there be a pay scale set forth by the states which will vary by state. Will private school have to make public how much they will pay ? Will the players get agents and if so will they be considered amateurs at that point ? Will colleges require them to pay their own way. Will this be the end of college football and college sports in general ?

I understand that being a college athlete at a top level requires a huge amount of commitment. There time is consumed with school and training and many come from backgrounds that does not allow then to receive spending money from home. Some do get money in round about ways now and it is widely known practice legal or not. For many a part time job is not practical but they can apply for certain student loans to get that money like many regular students are forced to do.

I think the sad part is if this passes NCAA sports as we know it is gone. All that will be left is the minor leagues and so many of those that are willing to go that route to chase a dream will miss out on the education that many will never be able to afford. That education is what many will need to get out of the situation they are trying to escape and that education is what most will wish they had when that dream never happens.

 

[Voltopia]

The ideal solution would be if there was a "G league" for young people who wanted to go pro but didn't want to go play college football. It would be a great solution to this problem. The kids who want paydays can go get paid, and the rest can resume college athletics. What's that you say? You say it isn't actually about the players, but about the historic rivalries and college traditions and the schools? You mean to tell me the kids wouldn't be making a dime if they didn't have the exposure brought on by their respective programs and the large TV contracts negotiated by the conferences!? Get out of here with that. That can't be true. ESPN said the players are worth a fortune, I heard them say it. ESPN is always right -- they told me so last week. And the week before. And the week before ...

Seriously though, G-league, young players who want to get paid can go get paid, done. Done deal. Sign on the dotted line. People talk about seeing "the best players" as a draw, and that college football would suffer if the best players played in a developmental league -- whatever. What I want is to watch Tennessee football (and by extension SEC football). I don't care if there's a G-league out there taking the top 2-3% of the college talent. Fine. Go. I wasn't watching for you anyway. I was watching to root for Tennessee and the kids who want to play for Tennessee. That's what most college fans are in it for, in my opinion. Meanwhile, how about someone goes and casts a spotlight on the NFL and their restrictive hiring policies?

I'm kidding of course, this entire system is voluntary and if people don't want to participate then they SHOULDN'T SIGN and shouldn't attend the schools. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

Things in the NCAA are about to change and not for the better. There has been a Bill brought up in the US Senate that will over ride all State Laws, Conference and Division rules that let college athletes profit from their name and image. This will totally change EVERYTHING in amateur college sports.

I understand that players have been taken advantage as far as companies and Universities alike having benefited financially by using these athletes for profit in not only ticket sales and advertising but video games and countless other avenues as well. They are the reason we watch the games and they are the reason that so many schools make so much money.

With that being said they are given a yearly scholarship and a free education if they chose to take advantage of it and that cost is anywhere from $30,000 to $80,000 + a year depending on the school. With that education it has been said that a degree will increase a individuals ability to earn a living by $1,000,000 over a lifetime so that alone is a type of payment.

If this Bill passes individual players or groups of players will be able make deals to benefit just like a pro basically . Nike, Under Armour, Adidas and any other company will be able to pay endorsements to players and potentially steer them to a school that uses their products. It happens now to some extent more so in basketball but it will be open season for all sports and be legal.

What then, will colleges be forced to pay them to play at their school ? Will they become employees of that school and will they be given benefits such a insurance and if they get hurt will they be able to draw workmen comp ? If it is a state school will there be a pay scale set forth by the states which will vary by state. Will private school have to make public how much they will pay ? Will the players get agents and if so will they be considered amateurs at that point ? Will colleges require them to pay their own way. Will this be the end of college football and college sports in general ?

I understand that being a college athlete at a top level requires a huge amount of commitment. There time is consumed with school and training and many come from backgrounds that does not allow then to receive spending money from home. Some do get money in round about ways now and it is widely known practice legal or not. For many a part time job is not practical but they can apply for certain student loans to get that money like many regular students are forced to do.

I think the sad part is if this passes NCAA sports as we know it is gone. All that will be left is the minor leagues and so many of those that are willing to go that route to chase a dream will miss out on the education that many will never be able to afford. That education is what many will need to get out of the situation they are trying to escape and that education is what most will wish they had when that dream never happens.

I think there are ways to mitigate the damage to amateur athletics.

For instance, it's pretty simple to make it illegal for universities to pay students beyond "cost of attendance" scholarship+ as now. The university profits off the student's NIL, sure, but they also provide a lot of free stuff. To keep the playing field level for big and small programs alike, legislate it to be no more than that.

It is also easy to legislate that no third party (whether Nike or Leigh Steinberg or whoever) can influence what school a student chooses. Will players break that law? Sure, just as they break laws and NCAA rules today. But if they get caught, they forfeit a lot.

And so on.

Yes, this has the potential to change amateur college athletics forever. But we're smart enough to come up with a solution that preserves most of what we love about the current ways.

I'm not quite so "sky is falling" as some, I guess.

 

[GTBATV]

 

[Hunerwadel]

Eff it. The football we old guys grew up with doesn't exist anymore. Allow schools offer players whatever they think they are worth and let the market adjust itself.

 

[UTK]

College football is already broken. The same teams dominate anyways.

 

[NDRock]

Players won’t be employees and won’t get paid from the Universities. They will just be free to make money on their own, through such things as endorsements. Personally, I’m for freedom and capitalism. God bless America.

 

[thistime]

I think there are ways to mitigate the damage to amateur athletics.

For instance, it's pretty simple to make it illegal for universities to pay students beyond "cost of attendance" scholarship+ as now. The university profits off the student's NIL, sure, but they also provide a lot of free stuff. To keep the playing field level for big and small programs alike, legislate it to be no more than that.

It is also easy to legislate that no third party (whether Nike or Leigh Steinberg or whoever) can influence what school a student chooses. Will players break that law? Sure, just as they break laws and NCAA rules today. But if they get caught, they forfeit a lot.

And so on.

Yes, this has the potential to change amateur college athletics forever. But we're smart enough to come up with a solution that preserves most of what we love about the current ways.

I'm not quite so "sky is falling" as some, I guess.

I just don't think we have any idea what is to come. I am not a sky is falling type by any means but I think this opens up way to many unknowns. I can guarantee you right now there are agents and lawyers for companies trying to figure out how they will be able to profit off this new Bill and the kids involved. If I read the article correctly it will over ride all other rules that can be made by Schools, States or Leagues. I just don't see how this could be controlled. Even though something needs to be changed I don't think this is the right direction for college athletics in general.

 

[tnutater]

The ideal solution would be if there was a "G league" for young people who wanted to go pro but didn't want to go play college football. It would be a great solution to this problem. The kids who want paydays can go get paid, and the rest can resume college athletics. What's that you say? You say it isn't actually about the players, but about the historic rivalries and college traditions and the schools? You mean to tell me the kids wouldn't be making a dime if they didn't have the exposure brought on by their respective programs and the large TV contracts negotiated by the conferences!? Get out of here with that. That can't be true. ESPN said the players are worth a fortune, I heard them say it. ESPN is always right -- they told me so last week. And the week before. And the week before ...

Seriously though, G-league, young players who want to get paid can go get paid, done. Done deal. Sign on the dotted line. People talk about seeing "the best players" as a draw, and that college football would suffer if the best players played in a developmental league -- whatever. What I want is to watch Tennessee football (and by extension SEC football). I don't care if there's a G-league out there taking the top 2-3% of the college talent. Fine. Go. I wasn't watching for you anyway. I was watching to root for Tennessee and the kids who want to play for Tennessee. That's what most college fans are in it for, in my opinion. Meanwhile, how about someone goes and casts a spotlight on the NFL and their restrictive hiring policies?

I'm kidding of course, this entire system is voluntary and if people don't want to participate then they SHOULDN'T SIGN and shouldn't attend the schools. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

The G league would never work.
Bama players would have to take a pay cut.

 

[SaintLouisVol]

...It is also easy to legislate that no third party (whether Nike or Leigh Steinberg or whoever) can influence what school a student chooses. ....

They won't have to. The players driven by financial interests will select the schools that offer the greatest opportunity for them to earn from their likeness. It creates yet another advantage for schools already attracting the best talent.

It won't be the Nikes of the world that corrupt this. It will be the car dealership owner/booster who is giving out television commercial contracts to get guys to sign at his school.

 

[Rushin Orange Collusion]

College football is already broken. The same teams dominate anyways.

Most college sports sadly, not just football! And the ruling body NCAA broke them all!

 

[thistime]

Players won’t be employees and won’t get paid from the Universities. They will just be free to make money on their own, through such things as endorsements. Personally, I’m for freedom and capitalism. God bless America.

It sounds great but the chance of ever having your school, no matter who it is, ever being relevant will basically depend on who their sponsor is. I don't think that is what any of us want in the long run unless your school has the best sponsor.

 

[DeepSpringsVol]

Im not real excited about the ones that get paid a bit then do dumb stuff or dont qualify for taking scholastics as a joke. So you pay them a ton on top of their scholarship and since they have money in hand they dont care.

I have always been for incentive but as more like a retirement package they can get once they exhaust eligibility. Yet a small portion to take care of when they want to go to movies grab dinner with girlfriend etc...

So for instance. Every semester enrolled playing sports you get like $200 a week. But for certain criteria you get more going into a savings that you cant touch till you get your degree. Like for keeping a passing grade qualifying for your sport another 1000$ and if you get 2500$ if keep A&B average for example. Then for (and I am aware NCAA currently has restrictions on schools choosing a couple jersey numbers can sell during this likeness lawsuit is settled.) But with this plan you can bring it back and you cant receive money while playing but say for every sale of jersey number you wear you get 2$. That stacks into that account. So if Vol fans purchase say 100k over the course of your time there in school you have 200,000$ but you cant get it unless you get your degree. So itvwould also dangle the carrot for any of those who finish their eligibility and never graduate. Give them a reason to come get those last few classes (credits) they lack.

I think thats a more responsible way of paying athletes. Give them enough that they say they arent taken care of but an accomplishment bonus. In fact in real world stuff outside of sports its often like that. You dont get loads of money all the time for your labor right away. Complete the job and we will finish paying you out.

 

[Volgolfer1618]

The schools would not use their image to make money. If a player is goimg to charge for autographs, it would be easy for a booster to pay a few grand for an auto.. it would be another headache for schools.

 

[whodeycin85]

I think there should be an earning cap for players.... or maybe since big brands, Nike etc... cannot use a likness unless it's a portion of what the school negotiate with said brand. Make it only for local businesses......idk its difficult... but the players have to market themselves..... Olympic college athletes can i believe as part of Olympic marketing campaign... not sure if they get paid but i imagine they do

 

[molsen81]

ok

 

[SamRebel35]

Maybe we should get back to the days of STUDENT athletes rather than wannabe professional athletes masquerading as students. If you don't want to be a student athlete, then go pro. Otherwise, go flip hamburgers. Nobody is forcing anyone else to be a student athlete.

 

[J C Higgins]

Players won’t be employees and won’t get paid from the Universities. They will just be free to make money on their own, through such things as endorsements. Personally, I’m for freedom and capitalism. God bless America.

From what I have read this is correct. If universities started paying athletes' salaries it would become professional sports.

The USA may not be unique in the way things have been done here for the past 75-100 years but in most, maybe all the rest of the world, educational institutions and amateur athletics are separate entities.

The larger issue relates to whether universities will continue to exist as they have in the past. A recent WSJ article suggested they would not. Students would attend higher educational institutions for a limited time and only take specific courses to prepare themselves for that area of expertise. Basically immersion eduction in a narrow field. The four year BS/BA degrees will become rare.

At least that's the way I interpreted it.

 

[amarcus07]

I was allowed to have a job and get paid whenever I was a student at UT. Athletes should, too.

I will say, though, that I think athletic scholarships should be performance based. If I could lose an academic scholarship for poor performance in the classroom, athletes should be able to have scholarships revoked for poor performance on the field.

I would also stipulate that if a player chooses to benefit from his/her likeness, they should have to forgo all scholarships and pay for their own education out of pocket.

 

[amarcus07]

Most college sports sadly, not just football! And the ruling body NCAA broke them all!

Not sure how true this is, but I read somewhere that it Auburn were its own country, it would have finished Top 15 in the medal count in the 2006 summer olympics. Mostly because of swimming and diving.

 

[uncle chewii]

Say this does pass. Do these kids think schools are going to pay them millions a year for their abilities. I don't think so with the all the hit and misses with the ratings coming out of high school, even though that is getting better. They also need to think with them getting paid will scholarships no longer be offered because if they are getting paid and then getting a free education the school's will lose money, or us as fans will have to start paying more for tickets. If scholarships are no longer offered then they will have to pay for education and that will cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars and then if they will have to pay taxes on this income. Is there going to be a base rate and they get paid at minimum wage or will it just be they are eligible for endorsment deals only. They need to think about these things before they jump the gun.

 

[37620VOL]

Players won’t be employees and won’t get paid from the Universities. They will just be free to make money on their own, through such things as endorsements. Personally, I’m for freedom and capitalism. God bless America.

"Sign with us and we have a $100,000 contract ready to use your likeness at Hyundai Tuscaloosa". Is this really the NCAA athletics that we want?

IMO the NFL needs to sponsor a developmental league for anyone 18 - 25. It's the only fair way.

 

[NDRock]

This Socialism Experiment is getting out of hand. If the GOVERNMENT tries to force this on colleges, the schools need to shut down all athletics. Everything the GOVERNMENT touches turns to schiiiittt. Im sick of it all.

Seems like the government is actually pushing for capitalism and doing away with “socialism”. You know, the part where players all make the same (scholarship) and aren’t allowed to earn anything on top of that. Judging by your stance in your post, you should be for this.
Imagine your job tries to dictate what you’re allowed to do on your time off (like earn extra money) and the government steps in and says that’s not allowed anymore. You’d probably be for that.

 

[Mose Phillip's Watch]

So alabama players won't be making as much now?


If this happens I'm done with college sports, yah I'm a mad old white guy

 

[NDRock]

I was allowed to have a job and get paid whenever I was a student at UT. Athletes should, too.

I will say, though, that I think athletic scholarships should be performance based. If I could lose an academic scholarship for poor performance in the classroom, athletes should be able to have scholarships revoked for poor performance on the field.

I would also stipulate that if a player chooses to benefit from his/her likeness, they should have to forgo all scholarships and pay for their own education out of pocket.

Pretty sure they are all one year scholarships (that typically get renewed). I know there was a push for true 4 year scholarships but don’t think that ever happened. Some schools I believe do offer multi year ones.