(09-26-2013 09:38 PM)ohio1317 Wrote:  Inspired by recent talk and Frank the Tank's blog.

Let's assume the NFL and NBA aren't going to spend a lot of money on farm systems. What do you think the NCAA model for student athletes should look like? Keep the current system or make adjustments?

Given that the schools are using the big sports as money makers and not treating them like extra circulars, but also that there is value in the student athlete model, I suggest the following (what others have called the Olympic model):

1. No direct payment to players beyond standard scholarships and grants.
2. Players may sign any endorsement deal they want. They can sell autographs and their likeness. They can also sign agents to advise them on their NFL/NBA stock.
3. Boosters may directly give to athletes, but it must be above the table and monitored by the NCAA. The NCAA should know all transactions that are going on and able to investigate foul play.
4. One year out of the sport rule continues for transfers. If you want to go to another school where boosters offer more you can, but you are sitting out a year.

The end result of this would be that a lot of the booster donations used to get high paying coaching and great facilities (the current way to get the best recruits) would likely switch to player donations. I think that seems fair.

#2, although that would tilt the favor even more to the existing high profile universities/conferences.