NCAAF  > General NCAAF  > What has it become? A money monster?
December 28, 2010, 10:58 AM
I am happy to say I have seen some of the greatest games, greatest fans, greatest players ( some not making the NFL ), and greatest traditions in CFB, but when I look at where them game has gone ( including the NFL ) it sickens me. You have players getting tats for autograghs, players leaving early for the cash of the NFL ( I thought these programs were made so kids could get an education ), oh and haveing awards taken from them after they are already playing in the NFL. Does any one remeber when the bowl games mattered? When there was a chance if this team beat that team there was a light for those under rated teams to have a shot. I say this both CFB and the NFL is no more than a cash cow that has forgotten tradition and the fans.

I can remember when I used to say the NFL was the best of the best. Now I have to choke on my words when I see a convicted felon playing every Sunday. I guess the only message sent here is it don't matter as long as you can win.

What I hate the most is I love the game so much I just can't stop watching.
December 28, 2010  11:06 AM ET

I too will never stop watching, which is why the NCAA should crack down hard and quickly on players that bend the rules. Look at the NBA and college basketball. Send the thugs off early and let the college players play the game.

Fans will still watch the games and plenty of money will be made.

December 28, 2010  11:32 AM ET

I hear you brother. Unfortunately we live in a society where it's all about ME ... grabbing all I can as fast as I can ... going for the gusto ... doing whatever it takes to attain the brass ring so to speak. When this is our value system we often times can't recognize our true opportunities for greatness. I see these same characteristics in today's college athletes.

December 28, 2010  11:57 AM ET

Agreed, so what can be done to fix it? There is no efing way i will ever stop following one of the greatest games on earth.
Suggestions anyone ?

December 28, 2010  01:38 PM ET
QUOTE(#2):

I hear you brother. Unfortunately we live in a society where it's all about ME ... grabbing all I can as fast as I can ... going for the gusto ... doing whatever it takes to attain the brass ring so to speak. When this is our value system we often times can't recognize our true opportunities for greatness. I see these same characteristics in today's college athletes.

Boy do I hear ya. All about me has taken it's toll on the game and it seems that we the fans are the ones who suffer. I mean come on when will it stop? But even if the NCAA cracks down all they will do is push the ath. to the pros where you can go and serve time in prison and still have a multi million dollar job waiting for you as long as you don't kill anyone. Many years ago I was in Cal around Riverside and ment a guy that was once known as Hollywood Henderson. Ring a bell? The guy was kicked out of the NFL for cocain abuse not even given the opertunity to go to rehab. This sent a big message to all the young players. So what kind of message are they recieving when they see Vick playing every Sunday?

December 28, 2010  01:51 PM ET
QUOTE(#3):

Agreed, so what can be done to fix it? There is no efing way i will ever stop following one of the greatest games on earth.Suggestions anyone ?

The NCAA needs to crack down not only on the players but the schools as well. They also need to set up some kind of fund to help those families that are in need I think this would entice more players to stay for the full ride. But most of all monitor booster clubs, and agents make sure they all know it is a hands off policey. If the boosters want to help fine help those who are in need not just because they are a star. About the agents, the NFL needs to pull their liciense if they don't abide by the rules. And there has to be a code of conduct layed down by the NFL in order to make any of this work. But ya you are right no way I'll ever stop watching cause like you said it is the greatest game on the earth.

December 28, 2010  04:54 PM ET
QUOTE(#3):

....Suggestions anyone ?

Since Congress likes to get involved in everything, like steroids in Baseball, why don't they make a law, that ties ANYTHING outlawed by the NCAA a serious felony. Recruiting has massive financial implications on sport revenues and public universities are funded taxpayers.

Just a thought...

December 28, 2010  05:42 PM ET
QUOTE(#5):

The NCAA needs to crack down not only on the players but the schools as well. They also need to set up some kind of fund to help those families that are in need I think this would entice more players to stay for the full ride. But most of all monitor booster clubs, and agents make sure they all know it is a hands off policey. If the boosters want to help fine help those who are in need not just because they are a star. About the agents, the NFL needs to pull their liciense if they don't abide by the rules. And there has to be a code of conduct layed down by the NFL in order to make any of this work. But ya you are right no way I'll ever stop watching cause like you said it is the greatest game on the earth.

I don't know....watched a rousing game of Shin-Kicking on Sports Nation a bit ago.

December 28, 2010  05:45 PM ET
QUOTE(#5):

The NCAA needs to crack down not only on the players but the schools as well. They also need to set up some kind of fund to help those families that are in need I think this would entice more players to stay for the full ride. But most of all monitor booster clubs, and agents make sure they all know it is a hands off policey. If the boosters want to help fine help those who are in need not just because they are a star. About the agents, the NFL needs to pull their liciense if they don't abide by the rules. And there has to be a code of conduct layed down by the NFL in order to make any of this work. But ya you are right no way I'll ever stop watching cause like you said it is the greatest game on the earth.

When you make the player pay, and pay dearly, will it stop.

The Bush's and Newton's (if he is found guilty...if not him then the next one coming down the road) don't have any incentive to not take the money, then why not?

If there is no penalty, they will get the money now, and more later while the school and players remaining will get the punishment.

Comment #9 has been removed
December 28, 2010  08:54 PM ET
QUOTE:

+1 D2 & HM. I just read an article a few days ago that NCAA will be handing out stiffer penalties, especially to repeat offenders and it even mentioned the return of the 'death penalty', TV bans and the like.

+1...but, IMHO, until they get to the player, there is no incentive for them to abide by the rules. And it isn't fair to the rest of the team (see U$C and SMU) to suffer because of a Bush or a James...

December 28, 2010  09:24 PM ET

I'll throw something out for all to chew on,,,, No player is allowed into the NFL without a college degree,,, also while we be at it,, severe recruiting restriction shall be placed on all schools that graduate less than 90 percent of their student athletes.
WHAT IS THE LAW !!! "not to walk on all fours"?? WHAT IS THE LAW !!!!
Discuss amongst yourselves.

Comment #13 has been removed
December 28, 2010  09:45 PM ET
QUOTE(#13):

I'll support that college degree proviso, Van, when the No Clue At All (NCAA) completely plugs the loophole for oversigned recruit roster schemes and certain colleges (who shall remain unnamed) quit treating their student-athletes as mere chattel.

Really? Gee, i didn't think anyone would like me ideas,, do you really think it has wheels??

December 28, 2010  09:46 PM ET
QUOTE(#12):

I'll throw something out for all to chew on,,,, No player is allowed into the NFL without a college degree,,, also while we be at it,, severe recruiting restriction shall be placed on all schools that graduate less than 90 percent of their student athletes. WHAT IS THE LAW !!! "not to walk on all fours"?? WHAT IS THE LAW !!!!Discuss amongst yourselves.

BS you need a college degree to go into the NFL...whats next sheep voting = Ivy League Football!

December 28, 2010  10:17 PM ET
QUOTE(#15):

BS you need a college degree to go into the NFL...whats next sheep voting = Ivy League Football!

Ok,, puff,puff,puff,, here,, how bout this,,, we will also legalize all weed, smoking and growing on all campuses that comply with the new rules of holding and maintaining a 90 percent grad rate for all student athletes, deal?

Comment #17 has been removed
December 28, 2010  10:30 PM ET
QUOTE(#17):

The Bachelor's Degree=NFL rule you propose is idealistic, Van, but a worthy challenge to colleges nationwide. Some do it right (Stanford, et al). Pro careers only last five years on average. Having a sheepskin would be the necessary parachute for life after the NFL.

Well yeah, exactly, no one gets burned that gets cut, and it elevates the College game to a whole new level/challenge. Right?

Maybe start up an NFL jr league for all the talented players with less class room skills.

December 28, 2010  10:31 PM ET

Hang on there, buckaroos. What convicted felon? you mean the one who has served his time and continues to serve probabtion and give all his money (well most) to pay his debt and to various charities? That convicted felon?

Seriously. No one condones it, and yes he's been given an oppurtunity that most wouldn't have. But that's the way it is. Let it go already. Jesus.

December 28, 2010  10:34 PM ET
QUOTE(#19):

Hang on there, buckaroos. What convicted felon? you mean the one who has served his time and continues to serve probabtion and give all his money (well most) to pay his debt and to various charities? That convicted felon?Seriously. No one condones it, and yes he's been given an oppurtunity that most wouldn't have. But that's the way it is. Let it go already. Jesus.

But Pit bulls are so cute. How can we forgive?

 
December 28, 2010  10:36 PM ET
QUOTE(#19):

Hang on there, buckaroos. What convicted felon? you mean the one who has served his time and continues to serve probabtion and give all his money (well most) to pay his debt and to various charities? That convicted felon?Seriously. No one condones it, and yes he's been given an oppurtunity that most wouldn't have. But that's the way it is. Let it go already. Jesus.

I'm all for 2nd chances and applaud Vick for making the most of his.

But can you give us a list of these charities he gives to? I heard the opposite, that he doesn't give much money...but he does go and talk to kids and to SPCA meetings....

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