It’s not a new idea- paying college kids for their time outside the classroom has been a hot topic for a long time. Now it looks like it will be a reality. Starting in January of 2023, student-athletes in the state of California can receive compensation for their likeness/name from businesses/sponsors. What does that mean? First, let me tell you what it doesn’t mean: it doesn’t mean student-athletes (all of them) will receive money to play amateur sports. It DOES mean that John Doe can receive benefits from companies, businesses, sponsors, etc. who want to profit from their name. For example, remember the NCAA football video game for PlayStation and Xbox? Even though players’ names were not in the game, their number and likeness were used every year by the company EA Sports. After many years of publishing this title, some student-athletes from Northwestern University decided to sue EA Sports for using their name without their consent and compensation. And guess what? They won the case and EA Sports hasn’t made the game since 2014. Now that California has made this a bill(and it has passed), it’s going to favor many schools in the state to win some recruiting battles over schools in different states that currently do not have this advantage.
Let me ask you this- Do you really think California will be the only state to do this? This is a pandora’s box type of scenario. The writing is already on the wall. Other states across the country are already taking notice of this bill and are currently creating their own versions to propose to state senates. Don’t be surprised if this bill goes to Washington. Honestly, it’s probably for the best instead of each state. This way there is a set, federal standard for schools.
I do have concerns. First off, this bill shows no limit on how much an amateur athlete can make. They could make millions if they get with the right person or company. Picture this scenario; you turn on your tv and see Justin Fields in a commercial for a new model Lexus. You and I both know he will be bringing in some serious cheddar. This brings me to another issue- what about his supporting cast? What about the other players for Ohio State who aren’t getting these sponsors and making bank like Fields? You don’t think they will become a little jealous? Of course, they are! “yea, here comes Lexus Fields ready to take the field”. The resent will be real and that’s a problem if you’re a head coach. The last thing you need is for your teammates jealous or mad at other players. Lastly, and this is very important and dear to me- I just don’t believe when these players start getting these sponsors that they will give it there all on the field. It will take some really high-character individuals to stay humble and level headed. I really do hope I’m wrong.
This is my point- these kids get a full ride to play division one football, in front of a national and even global audience. They get stipends for food, travel, and room and board. Could they use some more? Without question. Being a student-athlete is incredibly rigorous: schoolwork, homework, practice, film study, strength training, etc. Those all come with the role of a student-athlete and that to me makes them special, really superhero types of individuals. However, if you give them money because of their names being used outside an institution, you’re just creating a new pro league, just without the day time drama. There’s a reason why I love college football more than any other sport- the kids play their hearts out. The majority of them know that the four years they play will be the only time they get to do it. The few of the elite will get to showcase their skills on Sunday’s in the future WHERE THEY WILL GET PAID, handsomely.
Keep the amateurs on Saturday’s and leave the professionals on Sunday’s. Otherwise, it will destroy any amount of fun I have watching football on Saturdays in the Fall.
JDubb's Sideline Report 