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#10: The “average starter at a big-time football program now takes in about $103K a year,” according to the New York Times’ David Fahrenthold and Billy Witz, citing data from Opendorse. This year, Opendorse expects to process over $100M in payments for student-athletes, with about 80% coming through collectives, and Utah Football HC Kyle Whittingham says: “[NIL] the most important thing in college football. It’s the most important thing in recruiting, which is the most important thing to your program.” Meanwhile, charity experts were “bewildered,” per Fahrenthold and Witz, who explain that the “BPS Foundation, for instance, takes in tax-deductible donations, and then puts them at the disposal of for-profit collectives at Penn State and 24 other schools.” Moving forward many collective leaders say they are worried that donors would stop contributing, especially if they cannot claim tax deductions. Penn State donor Dick Stewart, for example, asserts: “If it’s not a 501(c)(3), I’m not going to give money to it.” Lots more from the NYT. (link)
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#9: Virginia State Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas (D-18) offers some words of warning to the NCAA: “Let me remind the NCAA that they are required by their charter to follow state laws where they operate. If they continue to hold [James Madison football] hostage to a technical rule and stop them from competing in the postseason they will face a very unfriendly future from our legislature.” She adds to President Charlie Baker directly: “Since you are new, ask around about the legislative help Virginia has had to give your organization over the years. I've been in the Senate for 32 years and can think of a number of issues you all have needed help on. Virginia will go to war on this.” (link)
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#8: Tarleton State AD Lonn Reisman will retire this spring after 31 years leading the Texans. President James Hurley: “Five years ago, when we made the decision to embark on the NCAA Division I reclassification journey, Lonn and I made a commitment to see it through together. We have successfully completed the process, established a culture of athletic excellence, and made significant investments into infrastructure and budgets. I cannot think of a better leader in athletics to have led us through this journey than Lonn Reisman. […] Tarleton State University is thriving in every possible way," said President Hurley. "This is an elite destination for students and student-athletes from all over the country. We are excited to see who will come in and build off Lonn's incredible legacy and continue the commitment to success and excellence that is here at Tarleton State.” Parker Executive Search will assist with the search for Reisman’s successor. (link)
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#7: Michigan State AD Alan Haller has issued an apology for the use of Adolph Hitler’s image as part of a trivia game on the video board at Spartan Stadium on Saturday. “Michigan State Athletics is responsible for all content shown on its video boards. Before it was displayed, the video was not viewed in its entirety by anyone in athletics, exposing a failure in our process. The video was not part of a sponsorship and had no affiliation with any of our corporate partners or our community. An initial assessment was conducted, and an involved employee has been identified and suspended with pay pending the results of an investigation. The investigation will determine any future appropriate actions. Looking forward, Michigan State Athletics will ensure greater oversight and processes surrounding any material displayed in relation to one of our athletics events. We are committed to ensuring this never happens again and to better demonstrating the inclusive community that we are.” (link); MSU also announces it “will not be using the third-party source going forward and will implement stronger screening and approval procedures" (link); The third-party source in question, The Quiz Channel: “To be clear, I was unaware Michigan State was using my content for entertainment, and this was an unsolicited and unauthorized use. An appropriate trivia question in an inappropriate setting.” (link)
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#6: Army West Point will join the AAC as a Football-only member starting in 2024-25, per Yahoo's Ross Dellenger. (link) |
#5: UTEP reportedly left its road white jerseys in El Paso on accident, instead packing its home blue jerseys for Wednesday night’s game at Sam Houston State, per KTSM’s Colin Deaver. (link) |
#4: Northwestern State has canceled the remainder of its football season due to the passing of junior safety Ronnie Caldwell. The school has also accepted the resignation of HC Brad Laird, who explains his decision to step down: “Due to the loss of Ronnie and the emotional burden it has caused me, I don’t feel I can give my all to these players or this program. Any coach will tell you that their players become like family, so the loss of Ronnie was like losing a son. I love this program and this university and I know it will persevere and move forward with the competitive spirit that is at the core of our DNA.” President Marcus Jones: “Ronnie was a beloved member of our community, and we miss him dearly. While our instinct was to return to the field of play following his death, we’ve since learned that the hurt on our team was too deep. Now it is in the best interest of our players, coaches, and staff to pause and to take this time to mourn, to heal, and to support Ronnie’s family.” (link)
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#3: Texas Tech will switch from Under Armour to Adidas beginning in July 2024, as revealed by Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes. (link)
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#2: New Portland State President Ann Cudd shows how strong of a leader she’ll be… literally. Check out this video of Cudd pushing sleds with the football team and deadlifting to the cheers of the Vikings student-athletes. Cudd then fully suits up & it looks like ran out of the tunnel with the squad before a game. Can’t say I’ve seen this before from an institutional CEO! (link)
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#1: The MAAC announces Merrimack and Sacred Heart as its newest full members, effective July 1, 2024. MAAC Commissioner Travis Tellitocci: “The addition of both schools extends our presence in major metropolitan areas, elevates our brand and enriches our conference..” MAAC/Quinnipiac President Judy Olian: “Merrimack and Sacred Heart are two institutions that share our emphasis on the overall well-being of our student-athletes. … All of us in the MAAC are enthusiastic to expand the conference with these two schools as they share our values and commitment to the academic, athletic and personal growth of our students.” (link)
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