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June 19, 2010 at 4:58 PM #568354June 20, 2010 at 10:35 AM #567665daveljParticipant
[quote=Allan from Fallbrook]Dave: I think we’re all carefully avoiding two topics here: Firstly, that the big Div I programs bear a startling resemblance to the ownership of the NFL, especially as it relates to division of the monies received from television, merchandising/marketing and bowl appearance fees, as well as the corrupting influence of that money (see USC Football and Basketball). Secondly, that the NFL is a plantation labor system and that certain NCAA schools (University of Miami comes to mind) function as a glorified farm system for the NFL.
Whether or not the NCAA sanctions against USC are fair or not is arguable, but what’s inarguable is that USC, under Pete Carroll, was a pro-style program (and one look at the number of USC football players in the pro ranks bears this out), designed and built to deliver playoff wins and all the commensurate “goodies”, including merchandising, ESPN/major affiliate airtime, marquee bowl appearances and lots and lots of money.[/quote]
That’s exactly my point. The NCAA is a farm system to the pros. They have a monopoly on the farm system, so they keep most of the loot for themselves rather than giving it to the athletes. At least in the pros the athlete can make a decent living (and sometimes more than a decent living). The system is not at all athlete-friendly and appears to be designed to “keep the athletes in their place,” with all that implies. When you strip away all the bullshit, it looks an awful lot like legalized indentured servitude.
June 20, 2010 at 10:35 AM #567759daveljParticipant[quote=Allan from Fallbrook]Dave: I think we’re all carefully avoiding two topics here: Firstly, that the big Div I programs bear a startling resemblance to the ownership of the NFL, especially as it relates to division of the monies received from television, merchandising/marketing and bowl appearance fees, as well as the corrupting influence of that money (see USC Football and Basketball). Secondly, that the NFL is a plantation labor system and that certain NCAA schools (University of Miami comes to mind) function as a glorified farm system for the NFL.
Whether or not the NCAA sanctions against USC are fair or not is arguable, but what’s inarguable is that USC, under Pete Carroll, was a pro-style program (and one look at the number of USC football players in the pro ranks bears this out), designed and built to deliver playoff wins and all the commensurate “goodies”, including merchandising, ESPN/major affiliate airtime, marquee bowl appearances and lots and lots of money.[/quote]
That’s exactly my point. The NCAA is a farm system to the pros. They have a monopoly on the farm system, so they keep most of the loot for themselves rather than giving it to the athletes. At least in the pros the athlete can make a decent living (and sometimes more than a decent living). The system is not at all athlete-friendly and appears to be designed to “keep the athletes in their place,” with all that implies. When you strip away all the bullshit, it looks an awful lot like legalized indentured servitude.
June 20, 2010 at 10:35 AM #568259daveljParticipant[quote=Allan from Fallbrook]Dave: I think we’re all carefully avoiding two topics here: Firstly, that the big Div I programs bear a startling resemblance to the ownership of the NFL, especially as it relates to division of the monies received from television, merchandising/marketing and bowl appearance fees, as well as the corrupting influence of that money (see USC Football and Basketball). Secondly, that the NFL is a plantation labor system and that certain NCAA schools (University of Miami comes to mind) function as a glorified farm system for the NFL.
Whether or not the NCAA sanctions against USC are fair or not is arguable, but what’s inarguable is that USC, under Pete Carroll, was a pro-style program (and one look at the number of USC football players in the pro ranks bears this out), designed and built to deliver playoff wins and all the commensurate “goodies”, including merchandising, ESPN/major affiliate airtime, marquee bowl appearances and lots and lots of money.[/quote]
That’s exactly my point. The NCAA is a farm system to the pros. They have a monopoly on the farm system, so they keep most of the loot for themselves rather than giving it to the athletes. At least in the pros the athlete can make a decent living (and sometimes more than a decent living). The system is not at all athlete-friendly and appears to be designed to “keep the athletes in their place,” with all that implies. When you strip away all the bullshit, it looks an awful lot like legalized indentured servitude.
June 20, 2010 at 10:35 AM #568367daveljParticipant[quote=Allan from Fallbrook]Dave: I think we’re all carefully avoiding two topics here: Firstly, that the big Div I programs bear a startling resemblance to the ownership of the NFL, especially as it relates to division of the monies received from television, merchandising/marketing and bowl appearance fees, as well as the corrupting influence of that money (see USC Football and Basketball). Secondly, that the NFL is a plantation labor system and that certain NCAA schools (University of Miami comes to mind) function as a glorified farm system for the NFL.
Whether or not the NCAA sanctions against USC are fair or not is arguable, but what’s inarguable is that USC, under Pete Carroll, was a pro-style program (and one look at the number of USC football players in the pro ranks bears this out), designed and built to deliver playoff wins and all the commensurate “goodies”, including merchandising, ESPN/major affiliate airtime, marquee bowl appearances and lots and lots of money.[/quote]
That’s exactly my point. The NCAA is a farm system to the pros. They have a monopoly on the farm system, so they keep most of the loot for themselves rather than giving it to the athletes. At least in the pros the athlete can make a decent living (and sometimes more than a decent living). The system is not at all athlete-friendly and appears to be designed to “keep the athletes in their place,” with all that implies. When you strip away all the bullshit, it looks an awful lot like legalized indentured servitude.
June 20, 2010 at 10:35 AM #568648daveljParticipant[quote=Allan from Fallbrook]Dave: I think we’re all carefully avoiding two topics here: Firstly, that the big Div I programs bear a startling resemblance to the ownership of the NFL, especially as it relates to division of the monies received from television, merchandising/marketing and bowl appearance fees, as well as the corrupting influence of that money (see USC Football and Basketball). Secondly, that the NFL is a plantation labor system and that certain NCAA schools (University of Miami comes to mind) function as a glorified farm system for the NFL.
Whether or not the NCAA sanctions against USC are fair or not is arguable, but what’s inarguable is that USC, under Pete Carroll, was a pro-style program (and one look at the number of USC football players in the pro ranks bears this out), designed and built to deliver playoff wins and all the commensurate “goodies”, including merchandising, ESPN/major affiliate airtime, marquee bowl appearances and lots and lots of money.[/quote]
That’s exactly my point. The NCAA is a farm system to the pros. They have a monopoly on the farm system, so they keep most of the loot for themselves rather than giving it to the athletes. At least in the pros the athlete can make a decent living (and sometimes more than a decent living). The system is not at all athlete-friendly and appears to be designed to “keep the athletes in their place,” with all that implies. When you strip away all the bullshit, it looks an awful lot like legalized indentured servitude.
June 20, 2010 at 12:44 PM #567735Allan from FallbrookParticipant[quote=davelj]
That’s exactly my point. The NCAA is a farm system to the pros. They have a monopoly on the farm system, so they keep most of the loot for themselves rather than giving it to the athletes. At least in the pros the athlete can make a decent living (and sometimes more than a decent living). The system is not at all athlete-friendly and appears to be designed to “keep the athletes in their place,” with all that implies. When you strip away all the bullshit, it looks an awful lot like legalized indentured servitude.[/quote]
Dave: The tight end from my high school team went on to play three years of pro ball after college. It turns out that three years is the average NFL career (hence the joke that “NFL” stands for “Not For Long”). You need to play a minimum of five years to be eligible for union benefits and pension (through the NFLPA).
I bring this anecdote up for two reasons. The first is that my friend averaged about $350K – $400K per year for the three years that he played. After paying union dues, taxes, agent’s fees, etc, he netted about $300K TOTAL for his time, which isn’t exactly a king’s ransom. He’s had no less than a dozen surgeries, stretching back to college and now suffers from arthritis at the ripe old age of 45. The second reason I bring this up is because he plowed his money into part ownership of a gym up in the Bay Area after his NFL time was over. His gym was frequented by players from SJSU and Stanford, along with some 49ers and Raiders. The pro players all suffered from money problems (i.e. not knowing how to manage money effectively), and quite a few of them were working as UPS drivers, especially those that had been cut or were on waivers.
My point is that the only people making money and keeping it are the colleges and the owners. Indentured servitude is a great expression and perfectly captures the situation.
I hear what you’re saying, but I don’t see anything changing. Its a rigged game, but the players keep coming and keep playing, and nothing really changes.
June 20, 2010 at 12:44 PM #567827Allan from FallbrookParticipant[quote=davelj]
That’s exactly my point. The NCAA is a farm system to the pros. They have a monopoly on the farm system, so they keep most of the loot for themselves rather than giving it to the athletes. At least in the pros the athlete can make a decent living (and sometimes more than a decent living). The system is not at all athlete-friendly and appears to be designed to “keep the athletes in their place,” with all that implies. When you strip away all the bullshit, it looks an awful lot like legalized indentured servitude.[/quote]
Dave: The tight end from my high school team went on to play three years of pro ball after college. It turns out that three years is the average NFL career (hence the joke that “NFL” stands for “Not For Long”). You need to play a minimum of five years to be eligible for union benefits and pension (through the NFLPA).
I bring this anecdote up for two reasons. The first is that my friend averaged about $350K – $400K per year for the three years that he played. After paying union dues, taxes, agent’s fees, etc, he netted about $300K TOTAL for his time, which isn’t exactly a king’s ransom. He’s had no less than a dozen surgeries, stretching back to college and now suffers from arthritis at the ripe old age of 45. The second reason I bring this up is because he plowed his money into part ownership of a gym up in the Bay Area after his NFL time was over. His gym was frequented by players from SJSU and Stanford, along with some 49ers and Raiders. The pro players all suffered from money problems (i.e. not knowing how to manage money effectively), and quite a few of them were working as UPS drivers, especially those that had been cut or were on waivers.
My point is that the only people making money and keeping it are the colleges and the owners. Indentured servitude is a great expression and perfectly captures the situation.
I hear what you’re saying, but I don’t see anything changing. Its a rigged game, but the players keep coming and keep playing, and nothing really changes.
June 20, 2010 at 12:44 PM #568332Allan from FallbrookParticipant[quote=davelj]
That’s exactly my point. The NCAA is a farm system to the pros. They have a monopoly on the farm system, so they keep most of the loot for themselves rather than giving it to the athletes. At least in the pros the athlete can make a decent living (and sometimes more than a decent living). The system is not at all athlete-friendly and appears to be designed to “keep the athletes in their place,” with all that implies. When you strip away all the bullshit, it looks an awful lot like legalized indentured servitude.[/quote]
Dave: The tight end from my high school team went on to play three years of pro ball after college. It turns out that three years is the average NFL career (hence the joke that “NFL” stands for “Not For Long”). You need to play a minimum of five years to be eligible for union benefits and pension (through the NFLPA).
I bring this anecdote up for two reasons. The first is that my friend averaged about $350K – $400K per year for the three years that he played. After paying union dues, taxes, agent’s fees, etc, he netted about $300K TOTAL for his time, which isn’t exactly a king’s ransom. He’s had no less than a dozen surgeries, stretching back to college and now suffers from arthritis at the ripe old age of 45. The second reason I bring this up is because he plowed his money into part ownership of a gym up in the Bay Area after his NFL time was over. His gym was frequented by players from SJSU and Stanford, along with some 49ers and Raiders. The pro players all suffered from money problems (i.e. not knowing how to manage money effectively), and quite a few of them were working as UPS drivers, especially those that had been cut or were on waivers.
My point is that the only people making money and keeping it are the colleges and the owners. Indentured servitude is a great expression and perfectly captures the situation.
I hear what you’re saying, but I don’t see anything changing. Its a rigged game, but the players keep coming and keep playing, and nothing really changes.
June 20, 2010 at 12:44 PM #568438Allan from FallbrookParticipant[quote=davelj]
That’s exactly my point. The NCAA is a farm system to the pros. They have a monopoly on the farm system, so they keep most of the loot for themselves rather than giving it to the athletes. At least in the pros the athlete can make a decent living (and sometimes more than a decent living). The system is not at all athlete-friendly and appears to be designed to “keep the athletes in their place,” with all that implies. When you strip away all the bullshit, it looks an awful lot like legalized indentured servitude.[/quote]
Dave: The tight end from my high school team went on to play three years of pro ball after college. It turns out that three years is the average NFL career (hence the joke that “NFL” stands for “Not For Long”). You need to play a minimum of five years to be eligible for union benefits and pension (through the NFLPA).
I bring this anecdote up for two reasons. The first is that my friend averaged about $350K – $400K per year for the three years that he played. After paying union dues, taxes, agent’s fees, etc, he netted about $300K TOTAL for his time, which isn’t exactly a king’s ransom. He’s had no less than a dozen surgeries, stretching back to college and now suffers from arthritis at the ripe old age of 45. The second reason I bring this up is because he plowed his money into part ownership of a gym up in the Bay Area after his NFL time was over. His gym was frequented by players from SJSU and Stanford, along with some 49ers and Raiders. The pro players all suffered from money problems (i.e. not knowing how to manage money effectively), and quite a few of them were working as UPS drivers, especially those that had been cut or were on waivers.
My point is that the only people making money and keeping it are the colleges and the owners. Indentured servitude is a great expression and perfectly captures the situation.
I hear what you’re saying, but I don’t see anything changing. Its a rigged game, but the players keep coming and keep playing, and nothing really changes.
June 20, 2010 at 12:44 PM #568720Allan from FallbrookParticipant[quote=davelj]
That’s exactly my point. The NCAA is a farm system to the pros. They have a monopoly on the farm system, so they keep most of the loot for themselves rather than giving it to the athletes. At least in the pros the athlete can make a decent living (and sometimes more than a decent living). The system is not at all athlete-friendly and appears to be designed to “keep the athletes in their place,” with all that implies. When you strip away all the bullshit, it looks an awful lot like legalized indentured servitude.[/quote]
Dave: The tight end from my high school team went on to play three years of pro ball after college. It turns out that three years is the average NFL career (hence the joke that “NFL” stands for “Not For Long”). You need to play a minimum of five years to be eligible for union benefits and pension (through the NFLPA).
I bring this anecdote up for two reasons. The first is that my friend averaged about $350K – $400K per year for the three years that he played. After paying union dues, taxes, agent’s fees, etc, he netted about $300K TOTAL for his time, which isn’t exactly a king’s ransom. He’s had no less than a dozen surgeries, stretching back to college and now suffers from arthritis at the ripe old age of 45. The second reason I bring this up is because he plowed his money into part ownership of a gym up in the Bay Area after his NFL time was over. His gym was frequented by players from SJSU and Stanford, along with some 49ers and Raiders. The pro players all suffered from money problems (i.e. not knowing how to manage money effectively), and quite a few of them were working as UPS drivers, especially those that had been cut or were on waivers.
My point is that the only people making money and keeping it are the colleges and the owners. Indentured servitude is a great expression and perfectly captures the situation.
I hear what you’re saying, but I don’t see anything changing. Its a rigged game, but the players keep coming and keep playing, and nothing really changes.
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