Let companies pay the players. Give them an area of their jerseys to place logos etc. Also let players do commercial/sneaker deals.

How is that "simple?" The issue is they want a level playing field. That would not be level.

No. If they want endorsements they should be in the NFL. I'd almost rather see them blow open the doors of age / school requirement for the pro leagues and just let the really-really good prospects go. It wouldn't effect the college game a great deal because there's still only a certain number of spots in the NFL.

If I was a student and a guy like Johnny Manziel is throwing money around like the monopoly man, while I'm eating ramen I'd be pissed. There's a reason they chose not to pay players in the early 20th century. If players want to get payed to play. Then someone needs to start a semi-pro league where they can be and college athletics need to be cut. BUT when these players start getting hurt or old, I hope they were saving that money, because they won't be getting scholarships based on their intelligence.

(06-19-2014 11:49 AM)adcorbett Wrote:  How is that "simple?" The issue is they want a level playing field. That would not be level.

There will be a division regardless. Better to let the free market determine a players worth. Players could even "unionize" and collectively get endorsements as a team.

I might actually agree with this. In the Olympics you technically are an "amateur" but the star athletes make considerable money off endorsements. No it wouldn't be "equal" but this is never going to be equal for everyone. Let those that can earn money off their name do it.

(06-19-2014 11:49 AM)adcorbett Wrote:  How is that "simple?" The issue is they want a level playing field. That would not be level.

Huh? So how about everybody on the team gets the exact same playing time? The issue is that they want money, period, not a level playing field.

The problem I see with endorsements is when companies begin to make demands of the athletes that me in direct competition with school/team requirements. For example, we need you in New York for a photo shoot or to make an appearance at an event when you should be preparing for a bowl game.

Hell yea! But only if FedEx agrees to "endorse" both men's basketball and football. If so - P5 here we come!

Programs that can scrape up the biggest "endosements" get the best recruits. Let the Endorsement Wars begin.

(06-19-2014 12:26 PM)TIGERCITY Wrote:  Programs that can scrape up the biggest "endosements" get the best recruits. Let the Endorsement Wars begin.

Essentially it would shift some endorsement money from schools to players. Peoples eyes are on the players much more than on signs/video in the stadium. This seems to be the most equitable solution and let's smaller schools off the hook. It would also directly represent a players monetary value to the institution. Seems like the fairest method to me.

So you have a "star" player getting endorsement money, while the guard who helps open the holes for him to run through gets diddly-squat. Yeah, that's great for team chemistry.

So then Nike can just pay every player millions to ensure they go to Oregon. great.

(06-19-2014 12:37 PM)JDTulane Wrote:  So then Nike can just pay every player millions to ensure they go to Oregon. great.

Only so many players see the field. What makes you think Oregon's players aren't already getting stuff from Nike? Their parents/family getting nice cars and houses on the side, happens at quite a few schools.

As to the chemistry issue, let the team collectively negotiate a team deal as well. A star QB will not be a star for long if he has a disgruntled line. Maybe QBs will pay off their line? Trickle down economics :).

(06-19-2014 12:33 PM)PirateHeist Wrote:  

(06-19-2014 12:26 PM)TIGERCITY Wrote:  Programs that can scrape up the biggest "endosements" get the best recruits. Let the Endorsement Wars begin.

Essentially it would shift some endorsement money from schools to players. Peoples eyes are on the players much more than on signs/video in the stadium. This seems to be the most equitable solution and let's smaller schools off the hook. It would also directly represent a players monetary value to the institution. Seems like the fairest method to me.

Welcome to Big Boosterville. A boosters dream come true. Crap -sham "businesses" could be created just to do this sort of thing. In any event, players could be represented using agents with the true stars going to programs bidding the best multi-year guaranteed "endorsement." A five star QB or Power Forward might demand 6 figures and beyond. The best programs will have businesses who offer the best endorsements. The opportunities here are endless.

(06-19-2014 12:42 PM)PirateHeist Wrote:  

(06-19-2014 12:37 PM)JDTulane Wrote:  So then Nike can just pay every player millions to ensure they go to Oregon. great.

Only so many players see the field. What makes you think Oregon's players aren't already getting stuff from Nike? Their parents/family getting nice cars and houses on the side, happens at quite a few schools.

As to the chemistry issue, let the team collectively negotiate a team deal as well. A star QB will not be a star for long if he has a disgruntled line. Maybe QBs will pay off their line? Trickle down economics :).

Trickle down economics doesn't work. It hasn't worked. It will never work.

If you have a friend who owns a business or works for one that controls marketing --- fans can funnel their recruiting money through that person when bidding on players. That way even us Ordinary Joes can get in on the bidding wars.

(06-19-2014 12:50 PM)TIGERCITY Wrote:  

(06-19-2014 12:33 PM)PirateHeist Wrote:  

(06-19-2014 12:26 PM)TIGERCITY Wrote:  Programs that can scrape up the biggest "endosements" get the best recruits. Let the Endorsement Wars begin.

Essentially it would shift some endorsement money from schools to players. Peoples eyes are on the players much more than on signs/video in the stadium. This seems to be the most equitable solution and let's smaller schools off the hook. It would also directly represent a players monetary value to the institution. Seems like the fairest method to me.

Welcome to Big Boosterville. A boosters dream come true. Crap -sham "businesses" could be created just to do this sort of thing. In any event, players could be represented using agents with the true stars going to programs bidding the best multi-year guaranteed "endorsement." A five star QB or Power Forward might demand 6 figures and beyond. The best programs will have businesses who offer the best endorsements. The opportunities here are endless.

Soon it will be like Euro-League Soccer... ND's uni's will have "Air Emirates" scrawled across the front.

(06-19-2014 12:50 PM)invisiblehand Wrote:  

(06-19-2014 12:42 PM)PirateHeist Wrote:  

(06-19-2014 12:37 PM)JDTulane Wrote:  So then Nike can just pay every player millions to ensure they go to Oregon. great.

Only so many players see the field. What makes you think Oregon's players aren't already getting stuff from Nike? Their parents/family getting nice cars and houses on the side, happens at quite a few schools.

As to the chemistry issue, let the team collectively negotiate a team deal as well. A star QB will not be a star for long if he has a disgruntled line. Maybe QBs will pay off their line? Trickle down economics :).

Trickle down economics doesn't work. It hasn't worked. It will never work.

Just bask in the golden shower wall street showers upon us. I agree fwiw.

Boosters already use their businesses to recruit players. A certain program in NC has a certain dealership that "rents" automobiles to players.

(06-19-2014 01:05 PM)PirateHeist Wrote:  Boosters already use their businesses to recruit players. A certain program in NC has a certain dealership that "rents" automobiles to players.

Yep -- and "renting an auto" is peanuts compared to what we'd be able to do under this no bars 'endorsement' idea ---