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Today’s Case

FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt doesn’t like the current NIL landscape

As the two-year mark of NIL draws near (July 1), there are some advantages and disadvantages of it, along with both fans and critics of the system.

Speaking on his show recently, FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt says NIL has started to favor the players far too much, especially considering how far other things around them have come over the last decade or two.

Select quotes via Klatt: “I think that the pendulum has swung too far towards the players. Again, they’re gonna sound like they’re contradictions but they’re not. We are entering into a golden age of college football because of NIL. And, yet, the parameters surrounding NIL have swung way too far toward the player.

“There’s got to be some parameters because, in every contract worth its salt and every relationship worth its salt, there’s got to be equal benefits as well as equal responsibility. There’s got to be come recourse. Is it great that they’re getting these things? Yes. (But) does there need to be some parameters? Absolutely. Because every good contract has both benefit and responsibility.

“Until that happens, schools are going to have to take a hard look at where they are investing the money. How is their collective working, how much they are giving to them in the form of cash.”

The Verdict:

• While Klatt sounds like an NIL hater, his statements do have truth to them

  • I agree with him that the quality of life for student-athletes is its highest ever, and they should be afforded these necessities and luxuries. I also agree that there should be some parameters on NIL deals to protect both parties.

    • In the end, I truly feel Klatt just wants a fair system for both players and schools to benefit from.

• Pendulum swing towards the players is one major advantage of NIL

  • I disagree with Klatt on his take that the pendulum has swung too far in favor of the athletes

    • The NCAA has been profiting off student-athletes since it’s existence - it’s only fair that these athletes should earn their fair share from their brand.

      • Yes, some athletes are earning five and six-figure NIL deals, but the majority of them are earning two and three-figure deals. They are entitled to that money, as even an extra $50 per month can make a significant difference.

    • Student-athletes are maximizing their NIL within the guidelines set forth to them. They are not getting deals with prohibited businesses.

• Does the current NIL model need change? Perhaps - and said adjustments are being made at the state level.

  • Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri have signed new NIL laws which blocks the NCAA from investigating any workings related to name, image and likeness. (This was highlighted in last Friday’s newsletter.)

    • Look for more states to pass similar bills, although these bills still protect the school and athletes more than the NCAA.

Summer is the best time for athletes to work on personal branding!

I provide three reasons why in this video!

Question of the Day

Are you happy with the current state of NIL?

• Yes, it’s fine as-is

• Yes, but changes are needed

• No, an overhaul is necessary

• No, and it should be eliminated

Vote on the Sports Court Instagram Story and comment below.

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Court is adjourned. Go be great!!