Confessions of a Former NFL Agent

And the NCAA thinks it can control this stuff. Why they even try is beyond me.

Students making straight A's don't get these scholarships and they don't have pimps to turn too. Last time I check most colleges have dorms and serve food. I don't feel sorry for them because I'm sure of they went to the coach and said I'm out of money and hungry they would get a warm meal. Lets stop making excuses for these guys.

Actually that would be a violation by NCAA rules.

Edit:
Man you just have no concept of what it is like to be one of these guys. Imagine you come from a poor neighborhood, single mom, she has no job, 4 brothers and sisters, the roof leaks, people get shot every other day in the neighborhood and your playing football for a BCS school and will probably get drafted in two years. You're basically on hold for a major payday that can fix all that crap for your family. And you're supposed to trun down easy money? It'll never happen. Once those guys start taking the money then all the other ones who don't need it as much take it. I feel sorry they have to work for free while their schools fund their entire athletic deaprtment off their backs and the NCAA turns a blind eye to the needs of the students it purports to protect.

Great Read, It's funny because I live in a Big College city and know current NFL Stars that played here and most of those players were " taking care of " if you know what I mean..

It happens at every big time program

With all the $$ the schools make off these kids, they should at least receive some sort of stipend. With school and ball they don't have much time left over for a job, so that's why you end up with agents giving them money, cars, meals, etc.

That's very debatable. Most economists that have researched Div. 1 college athletics conclude that most schools don't make a profit off football & basketball. The consistently successful schools do, but for every one of them there are 10-20 schools that invested millions in capital improvements such as stadiums & they're still waiting to get out of the red.

In addition, revenue generating sports pay for non-revenue sports & title 9 requires schools to fund women's sports equitably, most if not all of which don't generate revenue.

The system is defnitely flawed, but paying the kids, even a small stipend, would really be an ethical challenge & regulatory nightmare IMO. How would such a stipend be regulated? One of the problems w/college athletics is each school tries to keep up w/the jones.' It's not enough to have a huge state of the art stadium, big programs have indoor practice facilities, new gyms & a/v equipment, etc. I can imagine how some schools would find a way to circumvent ncaa rules to pay players more than what their stipend allowed.

Well they're going to get paid either way. You can try to regulate it and do it legally, or you have what's going on now.

Actually that would be a violation by NCAA rules.

Edit:
Man you just have no concept of what it is like to be one of these guys. Imagine you come from a poor neighborhood, single mom, she has no job, 4 brothers and sisters, the roof leaks, people get shot every other day in the neighborhood and your playing football for a BCS school and will probably get drafted in two years. You're basically on hold for a major payday that can fix all that crap for your family. And you're supposed to trun down easy money? It'll never happen. Once those guys start taking the money then all the other ones who don't need it as much take it. I feel sorry they have to work for free while their schools fund their entire athletic deaprtment off their backs and the NCAA turns a blind eye to the needs of the students it purports to protect.

Imagine you're that dude and you've earned a 5 year scholarship far removed from the ghetto you grew up in, where there is plenty to eat everyday, a structured environment with coaches & trainers there to imrpove your game, academic advisors to guide you into classes you can handle & tutors that will help you learn whatever you're having trouble with in class.

I know I'm painting the idyllic picture, but it's not as if athletes don't get anything. Most of these guys aren't going pro, so "waiting for a payday" is not an option for them. Their payday is an education that they otherwise couldn't afford.

Well they're going to get paid either way. You can try to regulate it and do it legally, or you have what's going on now.

Exactly

Imagine you're that dude and you've earned a 5 year scholarship far removed from the ghetto you grew up in, where there is plenty to eat everyday, a structured environment with coaches & trainers there to imrpove your game, academic advisors to guide you into classes you can handle & tutors that will help you learn whatever you're having trouble with in class.

How does any of this help your single mom raise her other 4 kids back in the hellhole they live in? It's called incentivization and it can't be satisfied with anything that a gollege football program can offer. There will ALWAYS be kids who take the money. Lots of them. And if some take it...well then you know..

Show me the money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's exactly what I'm saying. I'm not saying make these kids millionaires in college, but they should at least receive enough money to not have to worry about food and board while their schools make huge profits off their athletic exploits.
edittt