What do we think about this?

[rbarthle17]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a fan of how the new era is unfolding, but if you don't adjust to work in the new reality, you'll likely struggle to compete.

You assume that everyone wants to keep trying to keep up with the Joneses. This was the impetus for 1-AA football back in 1978, cost containment. Unless something drastic changes, it's a mater of when, not if, we find ourselves in that situation again. This time though we will have a lot more company in terms of the other G5 school being there with us.

[rbarthle17]

Interesting. I agree with just about everything above. Hmmm. Perhaps I should reconsider. In any event the Athletic Department has been directed to develop a plan to ensure that we don’t get left behind. When I asked for clarification it was a bit murky but being in the top sixty when the split comes was basically the response. I don’t know that we can pull it off.

We won't be. The dollars just aren't there. They have not been there ever for that level. What we have managed to do as one of the have nots is nothing short of a miracle. But there is a definite ceiling to that.

[Saint3333]

I think it's just another nail into the sport I've enjoyed for many decades.

[mike87]

Playing D1 ball is a full-time job. I have no problem with paying the young men for their effort and commitment. I realize they get a free college education too, but that's also a huge drain on their time so there's no chance for a side gig. The game has changed and it's more than it used to be. Ignore the numbers tossed out for the SEC talent and focus on our guys. Picking up $25k-$35k a year is huge and something we should strive to do. For some key players it will need to be more. But if a stipend on tickets can provide that base I would support it gladly. $6 bucks for 7 home games, heck if I'd cut out some Bojangles that would cover it and we'd all be better off.

[AppStFan1]

Interesting. I agree with just about everything above. Hmmm. Perhaps I should reconsider. In any event the Athletic Department has been directed to develop a plan to ensure that we don’t get left behind. When I asked for clarification it was a bit murky but being in the top sixty when the split comes was basically the response. I don’t know that we can pull it off.

We won't be. The dollars just aren't there. They have not been there ever for that level. What we have managed to do as one of the have nots is nothing short of a miracle. But there is a definite ceiling to that.

100%. We will be in the second tier. I do wonder what would have happened if we had leadership back in the late 70s and early 80s so we would have gone I-A from the start.

[RankinApp]

I just read the ESPN article on Tennessee, and Georgia allowing universities to pay athletes directly like Virginia.

It's grotesque. The numbers in the article are mind blowing. Tens of millions of dollars in athletic funds, television revenue, now even more fees passed onto fans. Every school in Big 10 and SEC will follow suit.

There's no way schools like App are ever going to have the same sort of financial opportunity.

I really wish the semi-pro power schools would go ahead and pull the plug on the charade of collegiate athletics and move along.

[ArmantiWaterSafety]

Playing D1 ball is a full-time job. I have no problem with paying the young men for their effort and commitment. I realize they get a free college education too, but that's also a huge drain on their time so there's no chance for a side gig. The game has changed and it's more than it used to be. Ignore the numbers tossed out for the SEC talent and focus on our guys. Picking up $25k-$35k a year is huge and something we should strive to do. For some key players it will need to be more. But if a stipend on tickets can provide that base I would support it gladly. $6 bucks for 7 home games, heck if I'd cut out some Bojangles that would cover it and we'd all be better off.

I've thought about this exact scenario, but unless I'm in a position where I can dictate what happens (i.e., an owner/employee relationship, which is generally the only reason you'd fund someone's paycheck) and/or just have unlimited income, I'm not going to be essentially paying for their salary. It just doesn't make sense to me. I'll gladly pay my part in Yosef Club support for scholarships, but I don't see myself ever donating a cent to NIL, ESPECIALLY considering the state it's in now. To me, it's like saying "Let me help pay your 25k-35k a year salary, and then you play well and get headhunted by a big school who can pay you more" so now I'm out my donation and you also play for a school I don't care about anymore a year later.

Just to add on because I know I got off topic a bit, but these "additional fees" are just going to keep compounding as other schools implement similar. It's 10% this year, 25% next year, then 50%, then everything is unaffordable in a heartbeat.

[AppStFan1]

Playing D1 ball is a full-time job. I have no problem with paying the young men for their effort and commitment. I realize they get a free college education too, but that's also a huge drain on their time so there's no chance for a side gig. The game has changed and it's more than it used to be. Ignore the numbers tossed out for the SEC talent and focus on our guys. Picking up $25k-$35k a year is huge and something we should strive to do. For some key players it will need to be more. But if a stipend on tickets can provide that base I would support it gladly. $6 bucks for 7 home games, heck if I'd cut out some Bojangles that would cover it and we'd all be better off.

I've thought about this exact scenario, but unless I'm in a position where I can dictate what happens (i.e., an owner/employee relationship, which is generally the only reason you'd fund someone's paycheck) and/or just have unlimited income, I'm not going to be essentially paying for their salary. It just doesn't make sense to me. I'll gladly pay my part in Yosef Club support for scholarships, but I don't see myself ever donating a cent to NIL, ESPECIALLY considering the state it's in now. To me, it's like saying "Let me help pay your 25k-35k a year salary, and then you play well and get headhunted by a big school who can pay you more" so now I'm out my donation and you also play for a school I don't care about anymore a year later.

Just to add on because I know I got off topic a bit, but these "additional fees" are just going to keep compounding as other schools implement similar. It's 10% this year, 25% next year, then 50%, then everything is unaffordable in a heartbeat.

As expenses go up yes they will just keep adding. Even if they keep it at 10% the amount paid will go up as ticket prices go up. 10% of a 100 dollar ticket makes it 110 dollars but if a ticket to a game becomes 200 then it is 20 bucks and so on. It might get to a point where the prices go up so much that many of us stay home and don't get as emotionally involved. CFB could just become entertainment that people don't get nearly as invested in when they are squeezed too much.

[t4pizza]

Interesting. I agree with just about everything above. Hmmm. Perhaps I should reconsider. In any event the Athletic Department has been directed to develop a plan to ensure that we don’t get left behind. When I asked for clarification it was a bit murky but being in the top sixty when the split comes was basically the response. I don’t know that we can pull it off.

When I hit that 176 mil on Powerball tomorrow night, we'll be able to pull it off!

It is truly a sad testament about the current level of college athletics when a big win like that won't even really make a difference. The cash value of that is 89.4 million and after 37% federal income tax you are at 56.3 million. While that is a really nice day, Ohio State's NIL this year alone is reported at 20 million. So that gives what, 3 good years of NIL maybe 5 since App can do more with less. Hell, that couldn't even cover a stadium expansion where we actually provide seats (not bleachers) for the ticket holder. The costs associated with college football really have gotten out of control.

[704App]

After taxes it likely won’t be enough.

Ok fine, I'll win the Mega Million too! I'll be selfish if it's for the betterment of the Mountaineers!

Sorry y'all!

[704App]

What if we did a hybrid type approach. No talent fee for season ticket holders but single game tickets get a 10% fee? Or season ticket holders get a lesser fee? And the longer your a ticket holder, the more it drops?

That way your die hards aren't penalized, your casuals family of 4 are only paying $20-$30-ish more for the game, Include one free concession item (popcorn, pretzel, soda, etc) with it to help offset the cost for the consumer with minimal impact to the bottom line for App.

Also,

[mike87]

Playing D1 ball is a full-time job. I have no problem with paying the young men for their effort and commitment. I realize they get a free college education too, but that's also a huge drain on their time so there's no chance for a side gig. The game has changed and it's more than it used to be. Ignore the numbers tossed out for the SEC talent and focus on our guys. Picking up $25k-$35k a year is huge and something we should strive to do. For some key players it will need to be more. But if a stipend on tickets can provide that base I would support it gladly. $6 bucks for 7 home games, heck if I'd cut out some Bojangles that would cover it and we'd all be better off.

I've thought about this exact scenario, but unless I'm in a position where I can dictate what happens (i.e., an owner/employee relationship, which is generally the only reason you'd fund someone's paycheck) and/or just have unlimited income, I'm not going to be essentially paying for their salary. It just doesn't make sense to me. I'll gladly pay my part in Yosef Club support for scholarships, but I don't see myself ever donating a cent to NIL, ESPECIALLY considering the state it's in now. To me, it's like saying "Let me help pay your 25k-35k a year salary, and then you play well and get headhunted by a big school who can pay you more" so now I'm out my donation and you also play for a school I don't care about anymore a year later.

Just to add on because I know I got off topic a bit, but these "additional fees" are just going to keep compounding as other schools implement similar. It's 10% this year, 25% next year, then 50%, then everything is unaffordable in a heartbeat.

Hear what you are saying but I also know that I fund a lot of paychecks. I buy cars, boats, groceries, tickets to concerts and all kinds of stuff. All that goes to pay for product and salaries, and I got no control over it, but I do enjoy what I purchase. $42. Inflate it if they want, everybody else does. I think the demand on the players has increased to the point that paying them is warranted. Again, not SEC money, our guys type money. And you pay them for this year, end of contract. Next year is next year.

[Yosef84]

Interesting. I agree with just about everything above. Hmmm. Perhaps I should reconsider. In any event the Athletic Department has been directed to develop a plan to ensure that we don’t get left behind. When I asked for clarification it was a bit murky but being in the top sixty when the split comes was basically the response. I don’t know that we can pull it off.

When I hit that 176 mil on Powerball tomorrow night, we'll be able to pull it off!

It is truly a sad testament about the current level of college athletics when a big win like that won't even really make a difference. The cash value of that is 89.4 million and after 37% federal income tax you are at 56.3 million. While that is a really nice day, Ohio State's NIL this year alone is reported at 20 million. So that gives what, 3 good years of NIL maybe 5 since App can do more with less. Hell, that couldn't even cover a stadium expansion where we actually provide seats (not bleachers) for the ticket holder. The costs associated with college football really have gotten out of control.

I really don't understand the obsession with putting seats in KBS (not bleachers). I get the comfort issue, but to pay that amount of money and decrease the capacity significantly just seems like a bad call. I can see doing certain sections if we are adding significant seats elsewhere. I found it interesting that Death Valley (Clemson) was full of bleachers (not seats) and is considered a premier facility.

[Rekdiver]

I dumped my Panthers ticks. I’m now rich but non of it going to NIL….

[AppStFan1]

I think the aspect I struggle with is trying to apply “value” to players, particularly at App. The eyeballs tell you that certain players are obviously more value based on projected rate of return. There is also value to backups as seen last Saturday. Where it gets tough is for that 3rd and 4th string QB, freshman linemen who most likely won’t play a snap this year. How about the backup punter? Everyone serves a purpose be it as scout team guys or in practice but is it fair to determine how much to pay our players? Who exactly makes that call? Is it negotiated between the player/parents/an uncle and the coaching staff? It was so much better when basically 85 guys were all treated equally. The whole thing is quickly spiraling out of control.

I was told that Florida St has a defensive lineman getting $850k. How is that working out for them and the dude that stroked that check?

Saban said watch what happens when they pay the wrong guys... Marvin Jones Jr at FSU a perfect example.

Exactly. This is all setting up for fans to turn on players. Players who are busts and don't earn their money better get ready for fans to come at them wanting a refund or something.

Fans do that now. Fans aren’t going to turn on a guy because he isn’t providing return on NIL. This is going to end up doing one of two things. Self correct or eat itself. Collectives at these big schools are going to find out very quickly that while you can buy talent. You can’t buy a team or a championship.

Oh they do for the losses in general but I am thinking it will get worse. I bet those boosters at FSU are furious more now with the fact they have blown their money than just losing. Fans don't like losing in general but take millions from them and then keep losing. It just turns up a couple notches.

I think it eats itself before it self corrects. Your point about not being able to buy a team or title is something many of us could have told them for free. Dan Snyder use to spend big money at Washington but it never amounted to a title. The fact people have to learn that lesson again shows how people forget the past and thus are doomed to repeat it.

[AppStFan1]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a fan of how the new era is unfolding, but if you don't adjust to work in the new reality, you'll likely struggle to compete.

You assume that everyone wants to keep trying to keep up with the Joneses. This was the impetus for 1-AA football back in 1978, cost containment. Unless something drastic changes, it's a mater of when, not if, we find ourselves in that situation again. This time though we will have a lot more company in terms of the other G5 school being there with us.

A lot better company as well when you consider the schools we left behind. We are now with more like minded schools instead of small private schools that have 2,000 students, average 4k attendance, and have a 10k stadium.

[bcoach]

Playing D1 ball is a full-time job. I have no problem with paying the young men for their effort and commitment. I realize they get a free college education too, but that's also a huge drain on their time so there's no chance for a side gig. The game has changed and it's more than it used to be. Ignore the numbers tossed out for the SEC talent and focus on our guys. Picking up $25k-$35k a year is huge and something we should strive to do. For some key players it will need to be more. But if a stipend on tickets can provide that base I would support it gladly. $6 bucks for 7 home games, heck if I'd cut out some Bojangles that would cover it and we'd all be better off.

I've thought about this exact scenario, but unless I'm in a position where I can dictate what happens (i.e., an owner/employee relationship, which is generally the only reason you'd fund someone's paycheck) and/or just have unlimited income, I'm not going to be essentially paying for their salary. It just doesn't make sense to me. I'll gladly pay my part in Yosef Club support for scholarships, but I don't see myself ever donating a cent to NIL, ESPECIALLY considering the state it's in now. To me, it's like saying "Let me help pay your 25k-35k a year salary, and then you play well and get headhunted by a big school who can pay you more" so now I'm out my donation and you also play for a school I don't care about anymore a year later.

Just to add on because I know I got off topic a bit, but these "additional fees" are just going to keep compounding as other schools implement similar. It's 10% this year, 25% next year, then 50%, then everything is unaffordable in a heartbeat.

We have given to Yosef for many years. More than happy to contribute to scholarships. I will never give a dime to pay players any more than the scholarships. I paid for my kids to go and I am just not going to pay for a salary to someones kid who is getting a free ride.
As a side note I know a couple of ex athletes who have been approached for contributions to pay players. I'll clean it up and just say it was not accepted well by folks who were afraid to accept a hotdog from a resturant.

[AppStFan1]

Playing D1 ball is a full-time job. I have no problem with paying the young men for their effort and commitment. I realize they get a free college education too, but that's also a huge drain on their time so there's no chance for a side gig. The game has changed and it's more than it used to be. Ignore the numbers tossed out for the SEC talent and focus on our guys. Picking up $25k-$35k a year is huge and something we should strive to do. For some key players it will need to be more. But if a stipend on tickets can provide that base I would support it gladly. $6 bucks for 7 home games, heck if I'd cut out some Bojangles that would cover it and we'd all be better off.

I've thought about this exact scenario, but unless I'm in a position where I can dictate what happens (i.e., an owner/employee relationship, which is generally the only reason you'd fund someone's paycheck) and/or just have unlimited income, I'm not going to be essentially paying for their salary. It just doesn't make sense to me. I'll gladly pay my part in Yosef Club support for scholarships, but I don't see myself ever donating a cent to NIL, ESPECIALLY considering the state it's in now. To me, it's like saying "Let me help pay your 25k-35k a year salary, and then you play well and get headhunted by a big school who can pay you more" so now I'm out my donation and you also play for a school I don't care about anymore a year later.

Just to add on because I know I got off topic a bit, but these "additional fees" are just going to keep compounding as other schools implement similar. It's 10% this year, 25% next year, then 50%, then everything is unaffordable in a heartbeat.

We have given to Yosef for many years. More than happy to contribute to scholarships. I will never give a dime to pay players any more than the scholarships. I paid for my kids to go and I am just not going to pay for a salary to someones kid who is getting a free ride.
As a side note I know a couple of ex athletes who have been approached for contributions to pay players. I'll clean it up and just say it was not accepted well by folks who were afraid to accept a hotdog from a resturant.

I bet they did not accept that well. I think you are like many other parents and I 100% can see why. I don't blame you at all.

[AppSt94]

I was told that Florida St has a defensive lineman getting $850k. How is that working out for them and the dude that stroked that check?

Saban said watch what happens when they pay the wrong guys... Marvin Jones Jr at FSU a perfect example.

Exactly. This is all setting up for fans to turn on players. Players who are busts and don't earn their money better get ready for fans to come at them wanting a refund or something.

Fans do that now. Fans aren’t going to turn on a guy because he isn’t providing return on NIL. This is going to end up doing one of two things. Self correct or eat itself. Collectives at these big schools are going to find out very quickly that while you can buy talent. You can’t buy a team or a championship.

Oh they do for the losses in general but I am thinking it will get worse. I bet those boosters at FSU are furious more now with the fact they have blown their money than just losing. Fans don't like losing in general but take millions from them and then keep losing. It just turns up a couple notches.

I think it eats itself before it self corrects. Your point about not being able to buy a team or title is something many of us could have told them for free. Dan Snyder use to spend big money at Washington but it never amounted to a title. The fact people have to learn that lesson again shows how people forget the past and thus are doomed to repeat it.

Donors writing those checks aren’t like fans in that there is a level of expectation to influence.

[Stonewall]

I recall giving to Yosef when I got my first real paycheck. It might have been $25 . At the time it was a sacrifice. Through the ups and downs , there have been plenty, I found a way to keep it going , and growing. There is a limit though especially given the change in the priorities of college athletics and college athletes. Frankly I could do more but I’m just not motivated to do so. I think losing last years basketball team in mass was a defining moment. Personally. I know each one of those guys. Wake up call. Anyway …There are other needs and causes I see as more deserving.