
There's been plenty of it, of course, but sooooo much of that has been bad. Even now as we look forward, it is a very uncertain scene.
At least for me, college athletics is part of the uncertainty, and two issues spell the root causes of my anxiety -- 1. Transfer rules 2. Compensation.
For some people, solutions . . .
Were it only true that solutions were simple, maybe I'd feel better.
Earlier this week, the Mid-American Conference announced a change to its transfer rules. Student athletes will be allowed an intraconference transfer without penalty (such as sitting out a year). Now, the NCAA's Division I Council has similarly approved a one-time transfer with immediate eligibility. Certain exceptions, however, could open the pain-free path again via waivers
Covid-related factors have already contributed to a record number of athletes in the transfer portal. I can only imagine what the future might hold.
I can certainly understand how some players can end up in bad situations. Talented players want to play, so there comes a point where when players holding down a bench spot might like to find a spot where they have a chance to play. There are, of course, a number of other reasons to seek transfers.
What happens, however, when a quarterback transfers to a conference rival? There goes the playbook -- or at least a key portion of it.
On another note, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to soon rule on a case involving compensation for student athletes.
It strikes me that there is strong potential for already powerful conferences/teams to ultimately create a bidding war -- possibly through proxy businesses/alumni -- for athlete survices. Is it a slippery slope or more akin to stepping off a Grand Canyon viewing platform?
Even professional leagues such as the NFL have salary caps. Would some sort of cap be part of the ultimate solution? Will there be divisional changes, with some college teams/conferences being partially defined by a monetary/compensation limits?
I don't have the answers, but I sense the stakes are high.