Connect with us

NIL

Charles Barkley calls NCAA a ‘bunch of idiots and fools’ amid current NIL landscape

  NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Charles Barkley is not a fan of the NCAA’s management of NIL and the transfer portal.  Barkley, 62, didn’t mince words when talking about the current state of college basketball.  “The NCAA, they’re a bunch of idiots and fools. They have ruined the sport. I don’t […]

Published

on


 

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Charles Barkley is not a fan of the NCAA’s management of NIL and the transfer portal. 

Barkley, 62, didn’t mince words when talking about the current state of college basketball. 

“The NCAA, they’re a bunch of idiots and fools. They have ruined the sport. I don’t know how you put the toothpaste back into the tube,” Barkley said during a recent appearance on OutKick’s “Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Charles Barkley looks on

Barkley isn’t opposed to college players getting paid, but has trouble making sense as to how much money players are making, and how frequently players can now switch schools. 

“This notion that you have to come up with tens of millions of dollars to pay kids to play basketball, and have them be free agents every year and transfer to another school and get more money every year. Like, we don’t even get to do that in the NBA. Can you imagine if players in the NBA got to be a free agent every year? I’m not opposed to players getting paid, I want to make that clear,” Barkley said. 

“But, this notion we gotta give college kids tens of millions of dollars a year, and basketball is the worst, because you’re only gonna get a great player for six months. I don’t even see how you’re gonna get the return on investment.”

CHARLES BARKLEY RAISES CONCERNS FOR BILL BELICHICK AS FORMER NFL COACH’S PERSONAL LIFE THRUST INTO SPOTLIGHT

Charles Barkley on court

Barkley was asked whether he would ever donate to his alma mater, Auburn, to help its NIL fund, but the Basketball Hall of Famer would rather donate his money to more important causes. 

“I just gave 10 million dollars to HBCU’s, that stuff is way more important to me. I just gave a couple million dollars to ‘Blight’, in my hometown of Birmingham, to rebuild houses,” Barkley said. 

“That stuff is way more important to me than joining the cesspool that is college athletics. We’re such a s—– country, Dan. We have ruined college athletics, and I don’t wanna even get in that cesspool.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Charles Barkley at Auburn

If even the 11-time All-Star were to give money to Auburn’s NIL fund, he isn’t sure how he would get his return on investment. 

“If I give a guy three or four, five, seven, some guys are getting six, seven, eight million dollars, I’m not sure how I get my return on investment if he’s only going to be at my college for one year, and you’re probably not going to win the championship,” Barkley said.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

   





Link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

NIL

Texas A&M WR KC Concepcion has earned $2.5 million in NIL earnings

Texas A&M’s most significant offseason addition is a matter of debate. Still, in my humble opinion, it is former NC State wide receiver KC Concepcion, who is by far the most dynamic receiver on the 2025 roster and provides starting quarterback Marcel Reed a true No. 1 option, which has been lacking since Ainais Smith […]

Published

on


Texas A&M’s most significant offseason addition is a matter of debate. Still, in my humble opinion, it is former NC State wide receiver KC Concepcion, who is by far the most dynamic receiver on the 2025 roster and provides starting quarterback Marcel Reed a true No. 1 option, which has been lacking since Ainais Smith departed for the NFL.

Concepcion is one of the best receivers after the catch, averaging 11-plus yards per reception during his 2023 sophomore season. While his production dropped off slightly in 2024, the North Carolina native is poised for his best season yet in OC Collin Klein’s offensive scheme. Off the field, Concepcion is cashing in like many of his college football counterparts in the new NIL era.

According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Concepcion has secured $2.5 million in NIL earnings ahead of his first season with Texas A&M, working with Sports Representatives The Familie. This is unsurprising given his importance to the program and his talent level.

The House v. NCAA settlement was officially approved last Friday night, as every Power Four program will work with around $20.5 million of the school revenue with their respective college athletes, providing players like Concepcion the financial incentive while making things much clearer with each school directly paying each player.

During his last two seasons at North Carolina State, Concepcion recorded 1,299 yards and 16 touchdowns, including 356 rushing yards and two scores.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.





Link

Continue Reading

NIL

Should Georgia Tech outfielder Drew Burress enter the MLB Draft?

The 2025 MLB Draft will be held in Atlanta, Georgia on July 13, and with the 2025 season over for a lot of college baseball players, the time now is shifted towards which players should enter the draft or stay in college for an extra season, or who should return to try and win a […]

Published

on


The 2025 MLB Draft will be held in Atlanta, Georgia on July 13, and with the 2025 season over for a lot of college baseball players, the time now is shifted towards which players should enter the draft or stay in college for an extra season, or who should return to try and win a College World Series with their team. One of those players that has to make that decision will be Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets sophomore outfielder Drew Burress.

Burress has had a historic start to his college career, as he had one of the best freshmen seasons in not only Georgia Tech history, but also college baseball as a whole. Burress was named the NCAA Freshman of the year in 2024, and led the Yellow Jackets in five hitting categories that season. Then came 2025.

While some of his numbers did take a dip, Burress still had a phenomenal season, hitting 19 home runs and 23 doubles, as he propelled himself as one of the top prospects in the nation.

Burress now has the decision to stay with the Yellow Jackets or go to the MLB, where he will undoubtedly be a top five pick in the MLB Draft. If you ask me, I think Burress should go, and that’s simply because he deserves to be on an MLB roster.

Burress is going to be a star player at the next level, and I would want him to start that career as soon as he can, even if it means moving away from the Yellow Jackets.

I get the fans that want him to come back, but Burress is destined for so much more than what the Yellow Jackets can offer him at the collegiate level. Go to the big leagues and make us proud to have someone of your magnitude play on the big stage.



Link

Continue Reading

NIL

Early look at what FSU softball has returning and joining the program for 2026

FSU softball lost in the Super Regionals for the second consecutive season. They lost to the eventual national champions in 2024 and ran into a unicorn pitcher from Texas Tech in 2025. Coach Lonni Alameda addressed the pitching concerns from 2024 and had one of the best and deepest pitching units nationally. It was a […]

Published

on


FSU softball lost in the Super Regionals for the second consecutive season. They lost to the eventual national champions in 2024 and ran into a unicorn pitcher from Texas Tech in 2025.

Coach Lonni Alameda addressed the pitching concerns from 2024 and had one of the best and deepest pitching units nationally.

It was a historic year for the offense:

FSU losing Kennedy Harp for the season late in the year didn’t help their chances in the postseason. The Noles will lose some firepower with the departures of Michaela Edenfield, Jahni Kerr, and Kate Dack.

However, they have offensive players returning like: Isa Torres, Kennedy Harp, Jaysoni Beachum, Ashtyn Danley, Shelby McKenzie, Angelee Bueno, and likely players from the transfer portal.

Ashtyn Danley and Jazzy Francik will return inside the circle, which provides two outstanding options with tons of experience.

FSU has added freshmen who have been impact players over the last couple of years, and the Noles have reloaded with an outstanding recruiting class again for 2026:

Hinde will likely look to fill the vacancy left by Edenfield’s departure behind the plate. She was excellent power with seven home runs, batting .679. and a .809 on-base percentage as a senior.

Griggs will play in the infield and bring a monster bat to college. She batted .656 with 23 home runs, 64 runs scored, 55 RBI, and 29 stolen bases.

Dimitrijevic has over 1,000 strikeouts in his high school career and had 347 K’s in 147.2 innings and a 0.43 ERA as a senior.

Other standout players in the class:

Harlie Chism-No. 17 player overall and No. 5 infielder from Oklahoma. 3-time state track champion

Marlee Gaskell-No. 4 pitcher via Extra Innings Softball. 133 innings with a 1.21 ERA with 174 strikeouts compared to 30 walks

Makenna Sturgis-Hit .518 with 16 home runs, 60 RBI, and 47 stolen bases

The 2025 recruiting class was No. 3 nationally and boasts nine players total. FSU has power, speed, and another freshman pitcher who could serve in a similar role as Ashtyn Danley and Jazzy Francik over the past two years. It looks like Lonni Alameda is positioning FSU to make another deep run in the postseason.





Link

Continue Reading

NIL

U.S. Soccer takes on college soccer at the crossroads

U.S. Soccer’s establishment of the NextGen College Soccer Committee, a quite impressive list of leaders brought in to address the evolution of college soccer, comes at a time when college sports is at the crossroads. College soccer especially. On top of seismic changes in how college sports are funded and payments through NIL and direct […]

Published

on


U.S. Soccer’s establishment of the NextGen College Soccer Committee, a quite impressive list of leaders brought in to address the evolution of college soccer, comes at a time when college sports is at the crossroads. College soccer especially.

On top of seismic changes in how college sports are funded and payments through NIL and direct payments to student-athletes are made — a tiny fraction of the money will make its way down to college soccer players — college soccer’s place in the world of American soccer is changing, too.

Unlock immediate access to every story, as well as exclusive newsletters like Soccer America Daily and Soccer on TV.

Not ready to subscribe? Sign up here for our free newsletter.

Already have an account? Sign in here.



Link
Continue Reading

NIL

Ohio State launches ‘Buckeye Sports Group’ to enhance NIL opportunities

Ohio State is officially bringing its NIL collectives in-house. According to multiple reports, Ohio State’s athletic department is teaming up with Learfield’s Ohio State Sports Properties to form “Buckeye Sports Group,” an initiative designed to support and enhance NIL opportunities for Ohio State athletes. This news comes on the heels of the House v. NCAA […]

Published

on


Ohio State is officially bringing its NIL collectives in-house.

According to multiple reports, Ohio State’s athletic department is teaming up with Learfield’s Ohio State Sports Properties to form “Buckeye Sports Group,” an initiative designed to support and enhance NIL opportunities for Ohio State athletes.

This news comes on the heels of the House v. NCAA settlement being formally approved, in return, paving the way for schools to now begin paying their athletes millions of dollars as soon as next month. The terms of the House settlement include approval for each school to share up to $20.5 million with athletes over the next year and $2.7 billion that will be paid over the next decade to thousands of former players who were barred from that revenue for years.

With the creation of the “Buckeye Sports Group,” Ohio State will now consolidate the school’s two existing NIL collectives, the 1870 Society and The Foundation. The partnership with Learfield will allow Buckeye athletes to access the sports marketing companies’ NIL technology, which will in return assist athletes with brand deals, corporate partnerships and personal brand development in a more organized manner.

“Ohio State has always been a leader in college athletics, and this initiative is another step forward to build upon our strong NIL foundation,” Ohio State’s Deputy Director of Athletics Carey Hoyt said in a release, announcing the NIL partnership. “By combining the power of our athletic brand with Learfield’s expansive network, we are creating an innovative, full-service approach to NIL that directly benefits our student-athletes.”

Moving forward, financial agreements reached between athletes and third parties won’t count toward an athletic department’s annual cap, though any deal greater than $600 is now subject to approval by NIL Go, an online clearinghouse within the College Sports Commission, a freshly formed regulatory body created in response to the House v. NCAA lawsuit. 

Ohio State has already been at the forefront when it comes to success in the NIL space. Sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has a reported NIL valuation of $4.2 million according to On3, which ranks third-highest among all college athletes, and he’s inked notable deals with Nintendo, Red Bull and Lulelemon. Smith was recently unveiled as a co-cover star athlete for “College Football 26.”

Fellow Buckeye football standout Caleb Downs has already had remarkable NIL success as well, carrying an NIL valuation of $2.4 million, which also ranks among the top valuations in college athletics. Downs, who transferred to Ohio State from Alabama following Nick Saban’s retirement in 2024, has partnerships with Panini, Beats by Dre and American Eagle.

“As we enter a new era for college athletics, we’re excited to build on our past successes and create even more meaningful NIL opportunities for Ohio State student-athletes,” Vice President & General Manager of Learfield’s Ohio State Sports Properties Todd Knisley said in the release. “With the strength of Buckeye Nation behind us, we’re able to unlock incremental opportunities for partnerships on a local, regional, and national scale.”

Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.

FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience

College Football


Get more from College Football Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more




Link

Continue Reading

NIL

Tennessee softball transfer portal tracker

Tennessee softball is using the transfer portal to reload its roster for the 2026 season under coach Karen Weekly. The Lady Vols have brought in key players as transfers the last several seasons to complement their talented freshman classes. Laura Mealer, Sophia Nugent, Sage Mardjetko and Kinsey Fiedler all transferred into the program and played […]

Published

on

Tennessee softball transfer portal tracker


Tennessee softball is using the transfer portal to reload its roster for the 2026 season under coach Karen Weekly.

The Lady Vols have brought in key players as transfers the last several seasons to complement their talented freshman classes. Laura Mealer, Sophia Nugent, Sage Mardjetko and Kinsey Fiedler all transferred into the program and played key roles in Tennessee’s run to the Women’s College World Series semifinals this season.

Here is who Tennessee has added out of the portal and lost to the portal:

Who is joining Tennessee softball?

Maddi Rutan, Eastern Kentucky pitcher

Rutan had a 2.91 ERA with an 18-10 record at EKU this season. She had 227 strikeouts in 176 innings, which ranked No. 13 in the nation for total strikeouts.

Rutan, a who was the ASUN pitcher and freshman of the year in 2024, is a two-way player. She went from hitting .295 as a freshman to .413 this season. She owns career marks of 100 RBIs, 21 home runs, 15 doubles, 72 runs scored and 72 walks. This season, she had 61 RBIs and 13 home runs, a .559 on-base percentage and a .790 slugging percentage.

Sophia Knight, Boise State outfielder

Knight, a rising junior, was a first-team All-Mountain West selection the last two seasons at Boise State. She was also the 2024 Mountain West Freshman of the Year when she led the conference in batting average (.405) and hits (85).

Knight hit .486 this season with 63 runs scored, eight doubles, five triples and 22 RBIs. She had a .509 on-base percentage with 27 stolen bases.

Makenzie Butt, Boise State infielder

Butt was the 2025 Mountain West Freshman of the Year after hitting 22 home runs, which ranked No. 11 in the nation. She hit .363 with 57 runs scored, 11 doubles and 77 RBIs in her first season at Boise State.

Butt, who was also a first-team All-Mountain West selection, had an .821 slugging percentage and a .495 on-base percentage with 42 walks.

Who is leaving Tennessee softball?

Ryan Brown, infielder

Brown, a sophomore infielder, announced she was entering the transfer portal on June 5. She spent one season at Tennessee after transferring from Texas last summer.

Brown started in one of her 13 appearances this season. She hit .273 in 11 at-bats with three RBIs and four walks.

Destiny Rodriguez, infielder

Rodriguez announced she is entering the portal as a graduate transfer with one year of eligibility left. She had a smaller role as a junior this season after she started in 50 of her 54 appearances as a sophomore.

Rodriguez hit .311 in 45 at-bats this season, starting in 16 of her 29 appearances. She had seven RBIs, two runs scored and three doubles with 10 walks.

Cora Hall covers University of Tennessee women’s athletics. Email her at cora.hall@knoxnews.com and follow her on X @corahalll. If you enjoy Cora’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that allows you to access all of it.

Continue Reading

Most Viewed Posts

Trending