In the past few years, college sports have shifted dramatically due to the introduction of the name, image, and likeness (NIL) regulations, along with expansion of the transfer portal.These changes, many argued, would be good for the student athlete as it would allow them to access often needed funds, with the thought of keeping universities from secretly breaking the rules. In addition, it was felt that if players weren’t a good fit for certain schools, they could more easily change schools that would allow them more playing time or a school with a better atmosphere for their own personal growth.However, it seems to be damaging to the schools, the students, the teams, and to the sport itself. In looking at the NIL, many schools, coaches, and fans alike are asking if it is really an empowerment of the student athlete or if it is more of an exploitation. The policy now allows athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness. They can now sign endorsement deals, monetize their social media, and basically become entrepreneurs and businessmen and women. However, this newfound freedom has led to many unintended consequences.One complaint is similar to past ones, in that big name schools with large donor bases still have the advantage. Only now instead of offering a good education with some enticing perks, 18- to 22-year-olds are being offered hundreds of thousands and sometimes even millions of dollars to sign with a certain school. In essence, schools are buying players, bringing into question their supposedly amateur status.These deals bring added pressure to the student of their performance, along with the supposed pressures of business dealings. Some feel student athletes are more focused on their business dealings and money than on playing the sport and living up to their commitment to their schools. In some instances, the student athleted become more focused on themselves than being a loyal teammate and showing pride and commitment to the school paying them. Students are claiming injury and watching from the sidelines, counting their money while their teammates are in the trenches, battling on the field.In a recent bowl game, a starting quarterback played the first half, breaking several records and leading his team to a solid lead at halftime. For the second half, he opted out and stood by, watching his team lose the game. These actions are only teaching that money and personal glory are more important than loyalty, commitment, and teamwork.That leads us into the complete disaster known as the transfer portal. Originally, the portal was there to allow a student to switch schools to help them find their best fit and to build their skills. Instead, it has led to students jumping from team to team, looking for more money and more playing time. This causes coaches to have to rebuild teams and rosters every year, and programs to consistently learn to work with new players and personnel.As mentioned, the most damaging thing is the lack of loyalty and commitment. Players are opting out of bowl games, which are supposed to be a reward for a good season, causing teams to play without their star players. One team had to forfeit their bowl invitation due to a lack of players because so many opted out. That is not fair to those who worked hard all season to reach a bowl, and it is not fair to the school or their fans.It is true that student athletes bring in millions to schools because of their play, and they should reap some of the financial benefits. However, the system has major flaws. The NCAA needs to take a step back and reevaluate how this can be done. Right now, it is broken and is leading to the ruin of college sports.Randy Gibson is CEO of RDG Communications Group LLC.

In the past few years, college sports have shifted dramatically due to the introduction of the name, image, and likeness (NIL) regulations, along with expansion of the transfer portal.As mentioned, the most damaging thing is the lack of loyalty and commitment. Players are opting out of bowl games, which are supposed to be a reward […]

In the past few years, college sports have shifted dramatically due to the introduction of the name, image, and likeness (NIL) regulations, along with expansion of the transfer portal.As mentioned, the most damaging thing is the lack of loyalty and commitment. Players are opting out of bowl games, which are supposed to be a reward for a good season, causing teams to play without their star players. One team had to forfeit their bowl invitation due to a lack of players because so many opted out. That is not fair to those who worked hard all season to reach a bowl, and it is not fair to the school or their fans.In some instances, the student athleted become more focused on themselves than being a loyal teammate and showing pride and commitment to the school paying them. Students are claiming injury and watching from the sidelines, counting their money while their teammates are in the trenches, battling on the field.
One complaint is similar to past ones, in that big name schools with large donor bases still have the advantage. Only now instead of offering a good education with some enticing perks, 18- to 22-year-olds are being offered hundreds of thousands and sometimes even millions of dollars to sign with a certain school. In essence, schools are buying players, bringing into question their supposedly amateur status.In looking at the NIL, many schools, coaches, and fans alike are asking if it is really an empowerment of the student athlete or if it is more of an exploitation. The policy now allows athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness. They can now sign endorsement deals, monetize their social media, and basically become entrepreneurs and businessmen and women. However, this newfound freedom has led to many unintended consequences.In a recent bowl game, a starting quarterback played the first half, breaking several records and leading his team to a solid lead at halftime. For the second half, he opted out and stood by, watching his team lose the game. These actions are only teaching that money and personal glory are more important than loyalty, commitment, and teamwork.

That leads us into the complete disaster known as the transfer portal. Originally, the portal was there to allow a student to switch schools to help them find their best fit and to build their skills. Instead, it has led to students jumping from team to team, looking for more money and more playing time. This causes coaches to have to rebuild teams and rosters every year, and programs to consistently learn to work with new players and personnel.These deals bring added pressure to the student of their performance, along with the supposed pressures of business dealings. Some feel student athletes are more focused on their business dealings and money than on playing the sport and living up to their commitment to their schools.Randy Gibson is CEO of RDG Communications Group LLC.However, it seems to be damaging to the schools, the students, the teams, and to the sport itself.It is true that student athletes bring in millions to schools because of their play, and they should reap some of the financial benefits. However, the system has major flaws. The NCAA needs to take a step back and reevaluate how this can be done. Right now, it is broken and is leading to the ruin of college sports.These changes, many argued, would be good for the student athlete as it would allow them to access often needed funds, with the thought of keeping universities from secretly breaking the rules. In addition, it was felt that if players weren’t a good fit for certain schools, they could more easily change schools that would allow them more playing time or a school with a better atmosphere for their own personal growth.