Sadly I have to agree with the concept there has been a continuing failure of the university leadership to go directly to the community and alumni at large and make a pitch. I can’t tell if it’s because they have always been too proud to beg for it, or if it’s because they have been told not to by their overlords in the state government, who are more committed to the other state and even private universities.
The SEC and Big10 are like the college version of the NFL to most G5 and HS player$. You get a call up and supposedly you are set financially.
This case (aired publicly) showed a player had a set deal for his full college career at Tennessee for $8mil. They went to the CFP his first season (last season). Then his agent decides he should get paid more. Tennessee says no. The agent floats his name to Oregon in January; they say no and tell Tennessee he is being shopped. Before the last practice of spring, right before the spring game...and before the spring portal opens, again the player asks for more. Tennessee says no again. The player sits out practice and says he intends to enter the portal. Tennessee says see ya!
I know people say players should be on contracts, but this kid was, and still wanted to hold out for more. The same things are happening in the NFL with players right before their last year of contracts wanting to sit out and not play until they get re-negotiated. Agents have the kid's ear...and it's all about $$.
Some thoughts on what might come out of the upcoming media rights deal to be announced soon for the Pac-2...
Pac-12 expansion and media rights with retired Fox Sports Network President Bob Thompson
We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. Please review our full Privacy Policy before using our site.