Readers realize 'student-athlete' is an outdated term in college football | Adams
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My literary contributors are beginning to realize “student-athlete” is an outdated term. College football has become minor league pro football.
And some minor leaguers are making more money than major leaguers.
Frank writes: Were you serious when – in your response to Warren – you said classes are optional in the NIL era?
My response: I was kidding. However, I can envision a future in which college athletes aren’t required to attend classes or take them online.
Miami quarterback Carson Beck was asked during a press conference before the national championship game about his classes. He answered by saying he graduated two years ago.
Translation: Classes? What classes?
Shemp writes: Your advice to Danny White is right on.
Now, most of the NIL athletes are taking online courses, and others are filling in for them. There really is no longer any real relationship between the “athletic programs” and the schools.
I suggested many years ago that they should be spun off and allow the formerly faithful fans to invest in them.
My response: When was the last time you heard that a college football player had been ruled academically ineligible? You’re as likely to spot Big Foot in your backyard as you are to see an athlete sidelined by academic shortcomings.
Kenon writes: We continue to treat the players like a bunch of little princes. The players need to experience some reality of being thrown into the marketplace.
That would mean player contracts with performance incentives, buyout clauses, noncompete clauses, non-disclosure agreements and claw-back causes to reclaim the value of the education they are provided free of charge. I believe you would suddenly see an unstoppable player movement to form a player's union, which would usher in collective bargaining.
Right now, there is no incentive for the players to do so.
My response: In fact, there is incentive to maintain the current high-priced chaos. Former Colorado offensive tackle Jordan Seaton could vouch for that.
He recently committed to LSU after a reported bidding war between several other schools, including Miami and Oregon – neither of which is lacking in NIL funding.
There were reports Seaton was seeking as much as $4 million. Perhaps, that was exaggerated. But even if he received half that much, do you think he would be in favor of changing the current system?
Chip writes: Two of the main things I keep reading are: The Vols have plenty of money to spend but 20-plus portal quarterbacks have chosen to go elsewhere. What I don’t remember reading – of course I may have missed – is why?
There must be some reason other than money. And surely, athletic director Danny White must have his theory and is working to correct whatever the problems are.
My response: Some quarterbacks might question how well coach Josh Heupel’s offense would prepare them for the next level. After all, how many of Heupel’s QBs have flourished in the NFL?
Also, once Tennessee couldn’t reach a deal with the top quarterbacks, it might have chosen to go with the quarterbacks it has at the position, including former four-star recruit George MacIntyre and five-star signee Faizon Brandon.
Adding Colorado transfer Ryan Staub seemingly was aimed at bolstering UT's quarterback depth, not with the idea he would be the starter.
Another factor: The Vols were slow on the draw in the portal. They need to be better organized when it comes to pursuing transfers.
Russ writes: I always enjoy your columns and recently found an interesting exclusion.
As an Illinois grad, I found it interesting that the Illini were excluded from your final top 25. The Illini defeated several of your top 25 teams, finished 9-4, and 25th in the final coaches poll.
I assume that was just an oversight.
My response: It was an embarrassing oversight.
I was updating my rankings as the bowl results occurred. Regrettably, Illinois got left out in the process. The Illini should have been No. 15.
However, that wasn’t my greatest embarrassment related to the Big Ten/SEC top 25. I ranked LSU No. 1 in preseason.
The Tigers finished 7-6.
John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: College football 'student-athlete' is outdated term in NIL era
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