The new normal

[NT93]

A phrase we heard often back in 2020.  I thought it was ridiculous at the time, but some things that changed back then proved to truly be the “new normal.”

What does this have to do with UNT?

Well, it’s not just UNT and it’s not just football, but the transfer portal is the new normal.  It’s driven me crazy and, along with NIL*, has made me question my love of college sports.  That all changed during the NCAA Tournament.  I didn’t watch a single game that I didn’t hear the phrase, “he’s a transfer from ________.”  Didn’t matter if it was a P-5, G-5, public school, private school.  Seemingly every school has players transfer in and every school has players transfer out.  This is the “new normal.”  If you were like me, you need to accept it and move on, or don’t accept it and drive yourself crazy every time a player leaves UNT.  
 

So starting with Var’Keyes Gumms, one of my favorite players on the team last year, I’m not going to be upset.  Not necessarily going to wish him well, but also not going to hope he fails.  
 

I’ll celebrate and embrace the players who choose to transfer to UNT.  Next player up whether they are currently on our roster or another teams.  
 

Like some of the “new normal” we saw with COVID, I may not like it it, but fighting it doesn’t do me any good.

GMG

 

* I haven’t yet had my awakening to accept NIL in its current form.

Edited March 28, 2023 by NT93

[Mike Jackson]

10 hours ago, NT93 said:

So starting with Var’Keyes Gumms, one of my favorite players on the team last year, I’m not going to be upset.  Not necessarily going to wish him well, but also not going to hope he fails.  

I agree with this for the most part.  But I have a hard time with any guy leaving the team within weeks of being interviewed and talking about his future here and commitment to the program.  KD Davis ended up staying but I would have wished him well if he had left.  I just want transparency.  If you are considering leaving, don't string people along.  And if a player came to North Texas in the same manner Gumms left, I would be reluctant to embrace him.