By Rick Harvey

After reading the article by James Franklin on ESPN regarding NIL and the transfer portal, here are my thoughts:

In recent years, the NCAA has succumbed to various societal pressures, adopting policies and practices that have dramatically altered the landscape of college sports. Influenced by movements such as #MeToo, which, while important in its own context, has contributed to a broader narrative of “wokeness” that has permeated many aspects of society. This shift has led to the implementation of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations and the liberalization of the transfer portal, which threaten to erode the very fabric of college athletics.

For decades, student-athletes have received comprehensive scholarships that cover not only tuition but also meals, room and board, academic materials, and access to top-tier healthcare. These scholarships provide student-athletes with a unique platform: they gain fame and recognition, all while preparing for potential future careers both on and off the field. However, the narrative that these athletes are not adequately compensated has gained traction, overshadowing the substantial benefits already in place.

The introduction of NIL rights, which allows student-athletes to profit from their personal brand, has shifted the focus from team unity and educational achievement to individual financial gain. This shift fundamentally alters the spirit of college sports, which has always been rooted in amateurism and the pursuit of academic and athletic excellence.

Coupled with the NIL, the transfer portal has exacerbated the instability in college sports. The ease with which athletes can now transfer between schools has led to a ‘free agency’ environment, undermining team cohesion and long-term program development. James Franklin, the head coach of Penn State football, highlighted these concerns in a recent ESPN article. He pointed out the predicament faced by student-athletes like Beau Pribula, who felt pressured to enter the transfer portal due to the limited opportunities at their position and the overlapping timing with the College Football Playoff (CFP).

Franklin’s concerns are emblematic of a larger issue: the current system forces student-athletes to make hasty decisions about their futures, often at the expense of their team’s success and their own personal growth. The NCAA’s shift towards policies that prioritize immediate financial gain over long-term development and stability has jeopardized the integrity of college sports.

The adoption of NIL rights and the liberalization of the transfer portal, driven by broader societal movements, have begun to unravel a cherished American institution. College sports, once a bastion of amateurism and educational opportunity, are now at risk of becoming a mere shadow of their former selves. It is imperative that we recognize and address these issues before the damage becomes irreparable.