OPINION|
by Robert Devore, Springfield
As I have gotten older, I have found myself becoming more of a college sports fan. Until NIL deals, you truly could see the athlete, for the most part, playing for the love of the game and obviously the dreams of playing at the next level.
Less individualism mostly — I think what I enjoyed — and more team sports.
You played for your scholarship, took pride in your school, supported your teammates, etc. Then came COVID and the transfer portal madness. This can be an article all in itself that would take forever and get insane, so let's focus simply on the NCAA transfer portal and when it should open. I am a Missouri Tigers fan, and the moment we were announced at the Cotton Bowl, we bought tickets for the family and booked a hotel and made a two-day commitment.
I am sure Ohio State fans, Florida State fans and others around the country did the same. About a week later, reports start coming out about players opting out for the NFL Draft, or transferring to other schools. You have what every school dreams about getting into all year long happen, and suddenly, athletes don’t care. They start thinking of themselves. This has to change.
If my team had lost 25 players on my roster like Florida State, do I get my money back? Can I opt out of going to the game? NO. I am stuck watching a 60-point blowout by Georgia. That is not right for the fans, the other players who did not opt out, and of course, the teams on both sides. You think Kirby Smart felt good about beating that team?
The transfer portal should open after the entire football playoffs are over. If you signed an NIL deal, it should be tied to EVERY game for that team all year and if not, you forfeit a certain percentage of that deal. Want to make these deal legit? They have to be positive for ALL parties, not just the new “paid” athlete. Marvin Harrison dressed out and walked the sideline while his team, Ohio State, got beat in the Cotton Bowl. How embarrassed would I have been if I had been him. I could not have looked my teammates in the eye and watched them fall while I looked out for my future.
Change the system, people, or you will see us college fans start watching Savannah Bananas more and more.