II, just curious, where does the NIL money come from?
The simple answer is donors, collectives and third-party entities such as sponsors and businesses. Those funds must be separate from the actual university or institution.
After golf, my buddies and I were tossing around ideas to make the NIL version of college sports better and more competitive. We tossed around contracts, player buyouts, some form of draft, etc. We also discussed a recent interview with major conference ADs who were essentially asking Congress for help. So, what would be the first one or two things you guys would implement to rein in this annual free agent frenzy we now have?
I support players having the freedom to make money and explore new opportunities, but the NIL is wreaking major havoc at the mid-major level. I don’t know what the answer is, but not counting JUCO years towards four-year eligibility is not it. I don’t understand how that strategy benefits anybody. It’s a shame we’ll never see a mid-major powerhouse like Butler rise to national prominence again. Under the current structure, Gordan Hayward, Shelvin Mack and Matt Howard would all have left for more money at the biggest programs in the country. I always enjoyed how mid-majors benefited from finding the hidden gems top 25 teams overlooked. Now they just throw money at their mistakes and press on.
Baseball coach here. As I very stressfully put together my 8U baseball roster for a no-stakes Wednesday night game, realizing every position switch needs to be calculated based on how it could affect the outcome, I say to myself: “Self, can you imagine trimming a roster of 90 amazingly athletic and capable humans down to 53?” Self simply replied, “No.”
Here’s hoping the “No-stakes Wednesday night game” went well. If not, I hope Johnny’s mom took it easy on you in the postgame snack line.
Since it is the dead zone and all things are between something, where is the one place you have never been, but really want to go?
Japan, Alaska and the Maldives are top three on my bucket list in no particular order.
Good day everyone in II land! I absolutely appreciate the in-depth and informative answers to many of the questions, but often I get more enjoyment from the more succinct replies. As I was reading Wednesday’s Inbox the string of five one-word or single-phrase answers had me laughing, especially as I scrolled down and saw one follow the other. Do you ever choose questions (this one included) simply to facilitate such a response?
Only if that’s what first comes to mind. I try not to force it.
I have to say Wes’s response to Kent from Homosassa, FL, was spot on. While the Fox divides the east- and west-siders, you’re never more than 15 minutes from anywhere. What I could never figure out though was while living on the east side of Green Bay, Appleton was still only 20 minutes away. That is except for after a home game when it takes an hour and a half to go those 20 miles. Go figure.
And people typically handle delays quite well in these parts.
When it rains at a practice that’s open to the public, do they automatically move it inside or do they practice in the rain sometimes?
Lightning is typically the only thing that pushes practice inside the Hutson Center. Otherwise, the Packers usually stay on the grass even through downpours (e.g. the video of me completely drenched at training camp last summer).
Weston let it slip that he is headed to Lost Wages for UFC 317. Now, I understand that there is no gambling in Ashwoebegone, or wherever, but in Wages it is as much a part of the culture as the Packers. This time also coincides with the World Series of Poker, so I was wondering if Wes is planning on playing in one of the 300 or so tourneys a day? It might be a way to kill some time during the dead zone!
Ha, no…I’m a retired casino poker player, though I’ll brag I cashed in a tournament in the U.P. on my 18th birthday. I love Vegas, especially during International Fight Week. I love the food, the vibe and just the ability to go anywhere at any time. Can’t wait to get out there. See y’all next week.