All Or Nothing

         A question I’m being asked often these days, in light of the movement to compensate some college athletes, is if I feel exploited by not being allowed to receive endorsement money when I played football. I’m told that even though the money years ago was not nearly as large as today still relatively speaking it was substantial. It’s been suggested, particularly since I was a business student, that I should have gone to Coach Royal and pointed out the unfairness. Because I was not in the habit of telling Coach Royal how I thought things should be done, you cannot imagine the size of the knot the mere thought of such a conversation puts in my stomach.

         Fifty years ago most high school football players were thinking what a thrill it would be to have the chance to play college ball and their parents were thinking how wonderful it would be for their child to be able to get a college education. Now both groups are dreaming about the money that might be rolling in later from pro ball. Certainly some high school players in the past were offered illegal compensation, but I don’t think it was widespread. As a matter of fact I know for certain it didn’t include everyone. (I imagined asking for something extra and being told I was wanted but not that badly).

         The rules being proposed would allow players (in all sports) to make money off of their name, image and likeness, something currently prohibited by the NCAA. To try and insure they are paid fairly, the athletes are allowed to employ an agent, which they should probably do while still in high school to help evaluate potential endorsements before making a college decision. Coaches on the other hand should probably have businessmen accompany them on recruiting visits to point out some likely opportunities and how they would compare favorably to what others might be mentioning.

         It has been stressed that the potential payments will not be made by the schools causing many people to argue that the highest profile payers are the only ones likely to benefit from the change. If the schools and coaches are realizing huge financial rewards off the backs of the ones performing, shouldn’t all of the performers share in the ever increasing wealth? A number of people have suggested a more fair system would be simply giving every player an allowance or stipend. Another idea, advocated by a few observers which I personally would not have been in favor of, would permit payments based on performance. I would have been afraid that because my performances tended to be uneven there could have been weeks when I was deemed to actually owe money and might have ended the season with the school having a stack of my IOUs.

         If it is finally decided that payment can only be in the form of endorsements, I would advise all the quarterbacks out there to devise a plan which makes it possible for you to share any money you might receive with your blockers, just in case those guys might feel they are contributing to your success.