College Football Free Agency is Upon Us

[ilovethecats]

Fundamentally I disagree with you in regards to whether or not college athletics are perceived as a job. I don't wanna get all PR on you....but I don't think you were a D1 athlete if you have this view. At least not one in the last 20 or so years. Call it whatever you want, but if it's not considered a job that is fine I guess. But the demands of being a student athlete are so much so that the possibility of having a "real" job is just not there. It's full-time, but I suppose it could be called anything. But I digress...

Fundamentally I agree that it is "perceived" as a job, and I understand the demands, but that does not make it the same. This here is part of what needs to be addressed and defined.

Let's say I agree with you and comparing the options that coaches have because it's their job is way different than the athletes because playing and going to school is not their job. Shouldn't athletes at the very least have the same options as every other student on campus? Kids switch majors, schools, divisions, states and countries every semester. They do it because they need to find something that works best for them and their futures. I don't see why athletes should be any different?

Because athletes are different. They agree to different conditions than the normal student. I totally understand that the system for the college athlete needs to be fixed.

Look, I get that we are all fans. We love these athletes. Watching them compete makes us happy. We feel like we are part of something. If we didn't, boards like this and conversations like ours wouldn't exist. But they're still just kids playing a sport and more importantly getting an education. And while I agree that it stings when Johnny All-American QB decides to leave for another school; it really should be no different than when Sally Engineer decides she wants to switch to Sally Pre-Med.

They are not the same. The athlete signs an agreement with the school that Sally doesn't.

Which is why this is a great step in the right direction. Because they SHOULD be the same regardless if one is an athlete. They are students first and all should have the opportunity to make whatever moves they need to better themselves and their future.

I like the direction it’s headed. Appreciate the conversation and your opinion though.

 

[PlayerRep]

Professional athletes can't just change teams at the drop of a hat.

 

[grizindabox]

Fundamentally I disagree with you in regards to whether or not college athletics are perceived as a job. I don't wanna get all PR on you....but I don't think you were a D1 athlete if you have this view. At least not one in the last 20 or so years. Call it whatever you want, but if it's not considered a job that is fine I guess. But the demands of being a student athlete are so much so that the possibility of having a "real" job is just not there. It's full-time, but I suppose it could be called anything. But I digress...

Fundamentally I agree that it is "perceived" as a job, and I understand the demands, but that does not make it the same. This here is part of what needs to be addressed and defined.

Let's say I agree with you and comparing the options that coaches have because it's their job is way different than the athletes because playing and going to school is not their job. Shouldn't athletes at the very least have the same options as every other student on campus? Kids switch majors, schools, divisions, states and countries every semester. They do it because they need to find something that works best for them and their futures. I don't see why athletes should be any different?

Because athletes are different. They agree to different conditions than the normal student. I totally understand that the system for the college athlete needs to be fixed.

Look, I get that we are all fans. We love these athletes. Watching them compete makes us happy. We feel like we are part of something. If we didn't, boards like this and conversations like ours wouldn't exist. But they're still just kids playing a sport and more importantly getting an education. And while I agree that it stings when Johnny All-American QB decides to leave for another school; it really should be no different than when Sally Engineer decides she wants to switch to Sally Pre-Med.

They are not the same. The athlete signs an agreement with the school that Sally doesn't.

Which is why this is a great step in the right direction. Because they SHOULD be the same regardless if one is an athlete. They are students first and all should have the opportunity to make whatever moves they need to better themselves and their future.

I like the direction it’s headed. Appreciate the conversation and your opinion though.

Yeah, because the main reason an athlete transfers has to do with being a student. An athlete can transfer at any time if it relates to academics, just like Sally.

 

[GrizLA]

I doubt UM football would be adversely affected but this could be a very bad thing for the Basketball program. For up and coming teams that scramble hard to find, recruit and develop their student athletes, how many would love to play for a Duke or Gonzaga, and the larger high profile schools?
And, it it is going to hurt the smaller conferences, those who are planning major improvements in their plants, like larger stadiums and field houses might want to reconsider their "investment" and reject inter collegiate athletics . Interest in football is down in many places and the largest crowd at UM this year has been about 4500..strange times we live in.

 

[Hoops watcher]

I doubt UM football would be adversely affected but this could be a very bad thing for the Basketball program. For up and coming teams that scramble hard to find, recruit and develop their student athletes, how many would love to play for a Duke or Gonzaga, and the larger high profile schools?
And, it it is going to hurt the smaller conferences, those who are planning major improvements in their plants, like larger stadiums and field houses might want to reconsider their "investment" and reject inter collegiate athletics . Interest in football is down in many places and the largest crowd at UM this year has been about 4500..strange times we live in.

Nobody that comes here is going to get poached early in their career and play significant minutes for a Duke or a Gonzaga. Now the Mountain West or Wazoo maybe. More likely as a Grad transfer to be a role player like Crandall from Nodak to the Zags. He wasn't polished enough to play there earlier in his career.

But given the money involved in the Dance who knows where it will go. So would you rather force a guy who starts here to stay rather than let them go to maybe contribute at a higher mid major or power 5 school? If their commitment to the program is that shallow I'd just say bye bye.

 

[ilovethecats]

Yeah, because the main reason an athlete transfers has to do with being a student. An athlete can transfer at any time if it relates to academics, just like Sally.

It might not be the main reason for ALL athletes. Who knows? We obviously have no clue why athletes make the decisions they do. Some probably based on academics but I'm sure most make the decisions based on athletics.

I guess my point is why does it matter? Other than the fact that it's a real bummer as sports fans when players we deem to be pretty good leave our favorite team to go somewhere else. Every other person who has anything to do with a football program, whether it be a coach, trainer, AD, grad assistant, statician, reporter, nutritionist, etc. can pursue better opportunities at any moment. But the kids busting their asses, working out year round, grinding to get better, in addition to making grades shouldn't have that option? I just can't wrap my head around that.

This topic is always interesting to me as a fan of an FCS team. Because many share your opinion and think these athletes should honor their commitment from high school and finish what they started at our universities regardless of the situation. Just read some threads here and at BN when we lose a kid to another school. It's often a bit ugly. But man we LOVE when we land these dropdowns from bigger schools to fill holes we might have. If we land a kid from the Pac12 or ACC we're giddy!

As I said, fundamentally we won't agree on this and that's ok. Different strokes for different folks. Personally I'll always side with the student athletes and I'll always believe they should have the option to do whatever they THINK is best for them and their future. Some work out and some don't and that's the risk they all take when moving on. But I think it's only right they have options and I think enough people in important places agree or we wouldn't be going down this road and even having this discussion.

 

[grizindabox]

Yeah, because the main reason an athlete transfers has to do with being a student. An athlete can transfer at any time if it relates to academics, just like Sally.

It might not be the main reason for ALL athletes. Who knows? We obviously have no clue why athletes make the decisions they do. Some probably based on academics but I'm sure most make the decisions based on athletics.

I guess my point is why does it matter? Other than the fact that it's a real bummer as sports fans when players we deem to be pretty good leave our favorite team to go somewhere else. Every other person who has anything to do with a football program, whether it be a coach, trainer, AD, grad assistant, statician, reporter, nutritionist, etc. can pursue better opportunities at any moment. But the kids busting their asses, working out year round, grinding to get better, in addition to making grades shouldn't have that option? I just can't wrap my head around that.

This topic is always interesting to me as a fan of an FCS team. Because many share your opinion and think these athletes should honor their commitment from high school and finish what they started at our universities regardless of the situation. Just read some threads here and at BN when we lose a kid to another school. It's often a bit ugly. But man we LOVE when we land these dropdowns from bigger schools to fill holes we might have. If we land a kid from the Pac12 or ACC we're giddy!

As I said, fundamentally we won't agree on this and that's ok. Different strokes for different folks. Personally I'll always side with the student athletes and I'll always believe they should have the option to do whatever they THINK is best for them and their future. Some work out and some don't and that's the risk they all take when moving on. But I think it's only right they have options and I think enough people in important places agree or we wouldn't be going down this road and even having this discussion.

I guess my point is that the system for student athletes need to be better, but that they are not the same as normal students nor coaches and staff, and therefore shouldn't have the same rules. I don't feel that every student athlete should or necessarily can honor a 4-5 year commitment, but giving them free reign to just leave, after pledging such commitment, isn't the easy answer. I actually think a one-time transfer rule would be sufficient as relating to playing athletics without penalty.

 

[ilovethecats]

Yeah, because the main reason an athlete transfers has to do with being a student. An athlete can transfer at any time if it relates to academics, just like Sally.

It might not be the main reason for ALL athletes. Who knows? We obviously have no clue why athletes make the decisions they do. Some probably based on academics but I'm sure most make the decisions based on athletics.

I guess my point is why does it matter? Other than the fact that it's a real bummer as sports fans when players we deem to be pretty good leave our favorite team to go somewhere else. Every other person who has anything to do with a football program, whether it be a coach, trainer, AD, grad assistant, statician, reporter, nutritionist, etc. can pursue better opportunities at any moment. But the kids busting their asses, working out year round, grinding to get better, in addition to making grades shouldn't have that option? I just can't wrap my head around that.

This topic is always interesting to me as a fan of an FCS team. Because many share your opinion and think these athletes should honor their commitment from high school and finish what they started at our universities regardless of the situation. Just read some threads here and at BN when we lose a kid to another school. It's often a bit ugly. But man we LOVE when we land these dropdowns from bigger schools to fill holes we might have. If we land a kid from the Pac12 or ACC we're giddy!

As I said, fundamentally we won't agree on this and that's ok. Different strokes for different folks. Personally I'll always side with the student athletes and I'll always believe they should have the option to do whatever they THINK is best for them and their future. Some work out and some don't and that's the risk they all take when moving on. But I think it's only right they have options and I think enough people in important places agree or we wouldn't be going down this road and even having this discussion.

I guess my point is that the system for student athletes need to be better, but that they are not the same as normal students nor coaches and staff, and therefore shouldn't have the same rules. I don't feel that every student athlete should or necessarily can honor a 4-5 year commitment, but giving them free reign to just leave, after pledging such commitment, isn't the easy answer. I actually think a one-time transfer rule would be sufficient as relating to playing athletics without penalty.

Yes I think I agree with that take. As much as I support kids, I too don't want to see some kid going to 4 different schools in 5 years! There definitely needs to be some boundaries I suppose to keep it from complete chaos. Good point.

I think we are closer to agreeing than I thought. I have had this conversation many times with people who don't seem to look at it like you do. It's like a slave mentality in regards to student athletes and has always bothered me. But this wasn't your take so I should have paid a little closer attention to what you were saying.

Appreciate your opinion.

 

[PlayerRep]

Yeah, because the main reason an athlete transfers has to do with being a student. An athlete can transfer at any time if it relates to academics, just like Sally.

It might not be the main reason for ALL athletes. Who knows? We obviously have no clue why athletes make the decisions they do. Some probably based on academics but I'm sure most make the decisions based on athletics.

I guess my point is why does it matter? Other than the fact that it's a real bummer as sports fans when players we deem to be pretty good leave our favorite team to go somewhere else. Every other person who has anything to do with a football program, whether it be a coach, trainer, AD, grad assistant, statician, reporter, nutritionist, etc. can pursue better opportunities at any moment. But the kids busting their asses, working out year round, grinding to get better, in addition to making grades shouldn't have that option? I just can't wrap my head around that.

This topic is always interesting to me as a fan of an FCS team. Because many share your opinion and think these athletes should honor their commitment from high school and finish what they started at our universities regardless of the situation. Just read some threads here and at BN when we lose a kid to another school. It's often a bit ugly. But man we LOVE when we land these dropdowns from bigger schools to fill holes we might have. If we land a kid from the Pac12 or ACC we're giddy!

As I said, fundamentally we won't agree on this and that's ok. Different strokes for different folks. Personally I'll always side with the student athletes and I'll always believe they should have the option to do whatever they THINK is best for them and their future. Some work out and some don't and that's the risk they all take when moving on. But I think it's only right they have options and I think enough people in important places agree or we wouldn't be going down this road and even having this discussion.

I guess my point is that the system for student athletes need to be better, but that they are not the same as normal students nor coaches and staff, and therefore shouldn't have the same rules. I don't feel that every student athlete should or necessarily can honor a 4-5 year commitment, but giving them free reign to just leave, after pledging such commitment, isn't the easy answer. I actually think a one-time transfer rule would be sufficient as relating to playing athletics without penalty.

I generally agree, especially with your first sentence. Also, what's so wrong with requiring a transfer player to sit out a year?

 

[PlayerRep]

Yeah, because the main reason an athlete transfers has to do with being a student. An athlete can transfer at any time if it relates to academics, just like Sally.

It might not be the main reason for ALL athletes. Who knows? We obviously have no clue why athletes make the decisions they do. Some probably based on academics but I'm sure most make the decisions based on athletics.

I guess my point is why does it matter? Other than the fact that it's a real bummer as sports fans when players we deem to be pretty good leave our favorite team to go somewhere else. Every other person who has anything to do with a football program, whether it be a coach, trainer, AD, grad assistant, statician, reporter, nutritionist, etc. can pursue better opportunities at any moment. But the kids busting their asses, working out year round, grinding to get better, in addition to making grades shouldn't have that option? I just can't wrap my head around that.

This topic is always interesting to me as a fan of an FCS team. Because many share your opinion and think these athletes should honor their commitment from high school and finish what they started at our universities regardless of the situation. Just read some threads here and at BN when we lose a kid to another school. It's often a bit ugly. But man we LOVE when we land these dropdowns from bigger schools to fill holes we might have. If we land a kid from the Pac12 or ACC we're giddy!

As I said, fundamentally we won't agree on this and that's ok. Different strokes for different folks. Personally I'll always side with the student athletes and I'll always believe they should have the option to do whatever they THINK is best for them and their future. Some work out and some don't and that's the risk they all take when moving on. But I think it's only right they have options and I think enough people in important places agree or we wouldn't be going down this road and even having this discussion.

There is some difference between most FBS and FCS transfers. Most FBS transfers are looking for more playing time or are not happy where they are. With this new rule, I would think there would be more talented and probably happy FCS players wanting to transfer to play at a top or better school. I'm not saying the latter shouldn't occur, but requiring players to sit out a year isn't the end of the world. The 5 to play 4 could be altered.

On the other hand, if it's all the decision of the player, and other schools aren't recruiting or indirectly recruiting from FCS, then I'd be more okay with that.

 

[PlayerRep]

I doubt UM football would be adversely affected but this could be a very bad thing for the Basketball program. For up and coming teams that scramble hard to find, recruit and develop their student athletes, how many would love to play for a Duke or Gonzaga, and the larger high profile schools?
And, it it is going to hurt the smaller conferences, those who are planning major improvements in their plants, like larger stadiums and field houses might want to reconsider their "investment" and reject inter collegiate athletics . Interest in football is down in many places and the largest crowd at UM this year has been about 4500..strange times we live in.

Attendance was 4657 at the Ida St game last Saturday.

Cat game was 7040.

 

[ilovethecats]

Yeah, because the main reason an athlete transfers has to do with being a student. An athlete can transfer at any time if it relates to academics, just like Sally.

It might not be the main reason for ALL athletes. Who knows? We obviously have no clue why athletes make the decisions they do. Some probably based on academics but I'm sure most make the decisions based on athletics.

I guess my point is why does it matter? Other than the fact that it's a real bummer as sports fans when players we deem to be pretty good leave our favorite team to go somewhere else. Every other person who has anything to do with a football program, whether it be a coach, trainer, AD, grad assistant, statician, reporter, nutritionist, etc. can pursue better opportunities at any moment. But the kids busting their asses, working out year round, grinding to get better, in addition to making grades shouldn't have that option? I just can't wrap my head around that.

This topic is always interesting to me as a fan of an FCS team. Because many share your opinion and think these athletes should honor their commitment from high school and finish what they started at our universities regardless of the situation. Just read some threads here and at BN when we lose a kid to another school. It's often a bit ugly. But man we LOVE when we land these dropdowns from bigger schools to fill holes we might have. If we land a kid from the Pac12 or ACC we're giddy!

As I said, fundamentally we won't agree on this and that's ok. Different strokes for different folks. Personally I'll always side with the student athletes and I'll always believe they should have the option to do whatever they THINK is best for them and their future. Some work out and some don't and that's the risk they all take when moving on. But I think it's only right they have options and I think enough people in important places agree or we wouldn't be going down this road and even having this discussion.

There is some difference between most FBS and FCS transfers. Most FBS transfers are looking for more playing time or are not happy where they are. With this new rule, I would think there would be more talented and probably happy FCS players wanting to transfer to play at a top or better school. I'm not saying the latter shouldn't occur, but requiring players to sit out a year isn't the end of the world. The 5 to play 4 could be altered.

On the other hand, if it's all the decision of the player, and other schools aren't recruiting or indirectly recruiting from FCS, then I'd be more okay with that.

I agree with all of that. There is a lot to consider for sure. Like you, I just always look out for the kids and like them to have options.

 

[grizindabox]

Yeah, because the main reason an athlete transfers has to do with being a student. An athlete can transfer at any time if it relates to academics, just like Sally.

It might not be the main reason for ALL athletes. Who knows? We obviously have no clue why athletes make the decisions they do. Some probably based on academics but I'm sure most make the decisions based on athletics.

I guess my point is why does it matter? Other than the fact that it's a real bummer as sports fans when players we deem to be pretty good leave our favorite team to go somewhere else. Every other person who has anything to do with a football program, whether it be a coach, trainer, AD, grad assistant, statician, reporter, nutritionist, etc. can pursue better opportunities at any moment. But the kids busting their asses, working out year round, grinding to get better, in addition to making grades shouldn't have that option? I just can't wrap my head around that.

This topic is always interesting to me as a fan of an FCS team. Because many share your opinion and think these athletes should honor their commitment from high school and finish what they started at our universities regardless of the situation. Just read some threads here and at BN when we lose a kid to another school. It's often a bit ugly. But man we LOVE when we land these dropdowns from bigger schools to fill holes we might have. If we land a kid from the Pac12 or ACC we're giddy!

As I said, fundamentally we won't agree on this and that's ok. Different strokes for different folks. Personally I'll always side with the student athletes and I'll always believe they should have the option to do whatever they THINK is best for them and their future. Some work out and some don't and that's the risk they all take when moving on. But I think it's only right they have options and I think enough people in important places agree or we wouldn't be going down this road and even having this discussion.

I guess my point is that the system for student athletes need to be better, but that they are not the same as normal students nor coaches and staff, and therefore shouldn't have the same rules. I don't feel that every student athlete should or necessarily can honor a 4-5 year commitment, but giving them free reign to just leave, after pledging such commitment, isn't the easy answer. I actually think a one-time transfer rule would be sufficient as relating to playing athletics without penalty.

I generally agree, especially with your first sentence. Also, what's so wrong with requiring a transfer player to sit out a year?

IMO, these are still just kids and sometimes get all wrapped up in the excitement of committing to a school to play athletics, and when they get there, for one reason or another, it doesn't work how they thought or hoped. I don't want to penalize the kid, so why not give them one chance to find a better fit without having to sit?

 

[PlayerRep]

It might not be the main reason for ALL athletes. Who knows? We obviously have no clue why athletes make the decisions they do. Some probably based on academics but I'm sure most make the decisions based on athletics.

I guess my point is why does it matter? Other than the fact that it's a real bummer as sports fans when players we deem to be pretty good leave our favorite team to go somewhere else. Every other person who has anything to do with a football program, whether it be a coach, trainer, AD, grad assistant, statician, reporter, nutritionist, etc. can pursue better opportunities at any moment. But the kids busting their asses, working out year round, grinding to get better, in addition to making grades shouldn't have that option? I just can't wrap my head around that.

This topic is always interesting to me as a fan of an FCS team. Because many share your opinion and think these athletes should honor their commitment from high school and finish what they started at our universities regardless of the situation. Just read some threads here and at BN when we lose a kid to another school. It's often a bit ugly. But man we LOVE when we land these dropdowns from bigger schools to fill holes we might have. If we land a kid from the Pac12 or ACC we're giddy!

As I said, fundamentally we won't agree on this and that's ok. Different strokes for different folks. Personally I'll always side with the student athletes and I'll always believe they should have the option to do whatever they THINK is best for them and their future. Some work out and some don't and that's the risk they all take when moving on. But I think it's only right they have options and I think enough people in important places agree or we wouldn't be going down this road and even having this discussion.

I guess my point is that the system for student athletes need to be better, but that they are not the same as normal students nor coaches and staff, and therefore shouldn't have the same rules. I don't feel that every student athlete should or necessarily can honor a 4-5 year commitment, but giving them free reign to just leave, after pledging such commitment, isn't the easy answer. I actually think a one-time transfer rule would be sufficient as relating to playing athletics without penalty.

I generally agree, especially with your first sentence. Also, what's so wrong with requiring a transfer player to sit out a year?

IMO, these are still just kids and sometimes get all wrapped up in the excitement of committing to a school to play athletics, and when they get there, for one reason or another, it doesn't work how they thought or hoped. I don't want to penalize the kid, so why not give them one chance to find a better fit without having to sit?

How many of the kids you just described need to move from FCS to FBS to find the better fit?

 

[SACCAT66]

I guess my point is that the system for student athletes need to be better, but that they are not the same as normal students nor coaches and staff, and therefore shouldn't have the same rules. I don't feel that every student athlete should or necessarily can honor a 4-5 year commitment, but giving them free reign to just leave, after pledging such commitment, isn't the easy answer. I actually think a one-time transfer rule would be sufficient as relating to playing athletics without penalty.

I generally agree, especially with your first sentence. Also, what's so wrong with requiring a transfer player to sit out a year?

IMO, these are still just kids and sometimes get all wrapped up in the excitement of committing to a school to play athletics, and when they get there, for one reason or another, it doesn't work how they thought or hoped. I don't want to penalize the kid, so why not give them one chance to find a better fit without having to sit?

How many of the kids you just described need to move from FCS to FBS to find the better fit?

Tre'von Strong went from MSU to Utah for a better fit

 

[HookedonGriz]

I generally agree, especially with your first sentence. Also, what's so wrong with requiring a transfer player to sit out a year?

IMO, these are still just kids and sometimes get all wrapped up in the excitement of committing to a school to play athletics, and when they get there, for one reason or another, it doesn't work how they thought or hoped. I don't want to penalize the kid, so why not give them one chance to find a better fit without having to sit?

How many of the kids you just described need to move from FCS to FBS to find the better fit?

Tre'von Strong went from MSU to Utah for a better fit

So an n=1. You just proved his point.

 

[SACCAT66]

IMO, these are still just kids and sometimes get all wrapped up in the excitement of committing to a school to play athletics, and when they get there, for one reason or another, it doesn't work how they thought or hoped. I don't want to penalize the kid, so why not give them one chance to find a better fit without having to sit?

How many of the kids you just described need to move from FCS to FBS to find the better fit?

Tre'von Strong went from MSU to Utah for a better fit

So an n=1. You just proved his point.

It is the only one I knew off the top of my head... you could also say Prukop, the kid from Eastern Washington (shooter as you all call him), and I believe there was a couple more that I can't think of. Not trying to prove a point, just saying that it does happen, maybe not a lot, but it does.

 

[grizindabox]

I guess my point is that the system for student athletes need to be better, but that they are not the same as normal students nor coaches and staff, and therefore shouldn't have the same rules. I don't feel that every student athlete should or necessarily can honor a 4-5 year commitment, but giving them free reign to just leave, after pledging such commitment, isn't the easy answer. I actually think a one-time transfer rule would be sufficient as relating to playing athletics without penalty.

I generally agree, especially with your first sentence. Also, what's so wrong with requiring a transfer player to sit out a year?

IMO, these are still just kids and sometimes get all wrapped up in the excitement of committing to a school to play athletics, and when they get there, for one reason or another, it doesn't work how they thought or hoped. I don't want to penalize the kid, so why not give them one chance to find a better fit without having to sit?

How many of the kids you just described need to move from FCS to FBS to find the better fit?

Therein lies the rub, but my guess is much less than those former FBS to FCS guys that will stay FBS.

 

[CDAGRIZ]

How many of the kids you just described need to move from FCS to FBS to find the better fit?

Tre'von Strong went from MSU to Utah for a better fit

So an n=1. You just proved his point.

It is the only one I knew off the top of my head... you could also say Prukop, the kid from Eastern Washington (shooter as you all call him), and I believe there was a couple more that I can't think of. Not trying to prove a point, just saying that it does happen, maybe not a lot, but it does.

1. Put some respect on Shoota's name. He's a Christian father.
2. There is no way he's going to transfer to Oregon. I heard it on good authority that he's staying put.