While probably not directly relevant, I suspect I am far more conservative politically than a number of the crew here -- just as it was over at the old site. I mention this to provide some background. Those on "my side of the fence" moan about the college football seasons being cancelled in the same tones as they decry the injection of politics into professional sports.
While I do not care for the politics in the NBA, MLB, and NFL I am thoroughly on the side of the college players (in all sports) and sincerely believe that these young men and women should be afforded every opportunity to NOT jeopardize their young lives for the sake of fans and revenue.
Part of my reason for this opinion is -- pardon my corny sentiment -- the fact that these are our youth and to put them at risk is very similar to asking our youth to fight and die in an unnecessary war. It seems an unfair sacrifice. But also, there is the question of economics and a quid pro quo contract where education is offered in return for the athletes' performance for school revenue.
I am sorry; for me that does not fly.
Professional NFL, MLB, and NBA athletes are paid handsomely -- even at a minimum six-figure salary level -- to take such risks. They can opt out and sacrifice their salaries if they feel that strongly. However, a year at UCLA is about what? Around $100,000? While that's more than an entry level salary in the workplace, it sure as hell is NOT professional league minimums. Coupled with the fact that they are asked to mostly take video courses and not on campus?
Screw that!
Were I an athletically endowed running back who ran a 4.1 40 or point guard who could ring it up from downtown, I'd sign up for courses at Orange Coast College, buy myself a set of weights, and maintain my health and ability until this whole mess passes over.
We old guys can skip a Fall (or Spring) without heading out to the Rose Bowl or Jackie Robinson stadium. A lot of us have given up the NFL since Kaepernick's specious protests began several years ago. (They strangely coincided with his being benched is my opinion - but that's politics.)
I was - literally - a lifelong Niner fan who went as a kid to see games at Kezar stadium in Golden Gate Park. Now I could care less about the NFL, have absolutely no interest in the NBA and, sadly, MLB is falling into that category as well.
But I really care for these young folks. I do like UCLA athletics (or did before the great Guerrero slide) and enjoy watching the young kids play almost for the love of the game alone! But, as I said above, I would not expect these young men and women to jeopardize their lives just for the sake of my sitting my fat ass on the fifty yard line or mid-court and vicariously root for the old alma mater.
Wordy and not well argued, but that's how I feel. If the kids are getting a free ride at UCLA and sitting out a year then so be it. I don't mind my tax money going for something like that so long as they are safe.
Like the Cub fans used to say: there's always next year!
Yeah, I always assumed I am much more liberal than most of our readers, so I try not to let that slide in as much in the articles. But it's hard to look at *waves hands at everything* and not think those in charge don't actually care about the well-being of the student-athletes, which is a huge problem.
My brother is a Democrat (served as a representative in the NH statehouse for almost a decade) and I am an "other/decline to state". We love the stock market, guns, motorcycle racing, and other interests. We have a saying: nothing will come between us except a table, two chairs, two glasses, a bucket of ice, and a decent bottle of whiskey.
I can assure you that I have the same fraternal feeling for you, Joe, and the crew.
I think Trevor Laurence may have had the best take of anyone. He is the adult in the room, the only one I've seen say anything that gives a crap about the athletes.
nice post. I think the difference between the pompous fellows like Kaepernick and Lebron, etc. and our Bruin athletes (and student athletes from other schools) is that college athletes generally do not act entitled. They haven't achieved anything yet, and they know it. They know they still have to work hard and nothing will be handed to them.
I'm also a huge niner fan, but did not give up on the NFL when Kap began his kneeling. I guess i figured it was just a few malcontents. I won't be watching this season though. Already declined my Sunday Ticket renewal. For me, it was the "black national anthem stuff." I'm just absolutely floored by that. In total shock. I'm a huge Laker fan too, but have not caught but 1 min of the NBA restart and will not watch any of the playoffs. But, I really do hope to see UCLA football and basketball this season.
no i didn't. see that's the problem with this SJW movement. If you disagree, you miss the point. No, dude. I just disagree with you. Free country -- move on.
So then why didn't you just say "I disagree with Kaep, time to move on"? Instead, you sit here insulting what he believes in? Pretty hypocritical (and wrong, too, which is a nice bonus).
Well written. A complete failure by those paid the big $$ - Larry Scott, AD’s, and coaches to develop a comprehensive plan protecting players (“student athletes” as we’re repeatedly told) There should have been multiple contingencies in place. Maybe season still would have been postponed but at least they would’ve tried
As you suggest, even if all the executives cared about was there bottom line, they should have made a plan to ensure safety so that the players wouldn't unite and therefore also use the opportunity to raise other serious concerns that could lead to a crumbling of their unfair model.
Dimitri,
I agree.
While probably not directly relevant, I suspect I am far more conservative politically than a number of the crew here -- just as it was over at the old site. I mention this to provide some background. Those on "my side of the fence" moan about the college football seasons being cancelled in the same tones as they decry the injection of politics into professional sports.
While I do not care for the politics in the NBA, MLB, and NFL I am thoroughly on the side of the college players (in all sports) and sincerely believe that these young men and women should be afforded every opportunity to NOT jeopardize their young lives for the sake of fans and revenue.
Part of my reason for this opinion is -- pardon my corny sentiment -- the fact that these are our youth and to put them at risk is very similar to asking our youth to fight and die in an unnecessary war. It seems an unfair sacrifice. But also, there is the question of economics and a quid pro quo contract where education is offered in return for the athletes' performance for school revenue.
I am sorry; for me that does not fly.
Professional NFL, MLB, and NBA athletes are paid handsomely -- even at a minimum six-figure salary level -- to take such risks. They can opt out and sacrifice their salaries if they feel that strongly. However, a year at UCLA is about what? Around $100,000? While that's more than an entry level salary in the workplace, it sure as hell is NOT professional league minimums. Coupled with the fact that they are asked to mostly take video courses and not on campus?
Screw that!
Were I an athletically endowed running back who ran a 4.1 40 or point guard who could ring it up from downtown, I'd sign up for courses at Orange Coast College, buy myself a set of weights, and maintain my health and ability until this whole mess passes over.
We old guys can skip a Fall (or Spring) without heading out to the Rose Bowl or Jackie Robinson stadium. A lot of us have given up the NFL since Kaepernick's specious protests began several years ago. (They strangely coincided with his being benched is my opinion - but that's politics.)
I was - literally - a lifelong Niner fan who went as a kid to see games at Kezar stadium in Golden Gate Park. Now I could care less about the NFL, have absolutely no interest in the NBA and, sadly, MLB is falling into that category as well.
But I really care for these young folks. I do like UCLA athletics (or did before the great Guerrero slide) and enjoy watching the young kids play almost for the love of the game alone! But, as I said above, I would not expect these young men and women to jeopardize their lives just for the sake of my sitting my fat ass on the fifty yard line or mid-court and vicariously root for the old alma mater.
Wordy and not well argued, but that's how I feel. If the kids are getting a free ride at UCLA and sitting out a year then so be it. I don't mind my tax money going for something like that so long as they are safe.
Like the Cub fans used to say: there's always next year!
Yeah, I always assumed I am much more liberal than most of our readers, so I try not to let that slide in as much in the articles. But it's hard to look at *waves hands at everything* and not think those in charge don't actually care about the well-being of the student-athletes, which is a huge problem.
Dimitri,
My brother is a Democrat (served as a representative in the NH statehouse for almost a decade) and I am an "other/decline to state". We love the stock market, guns, motorcycle racing, and other interests. We have a saying: nothing will come between us except a table, two chairs, two glasses, a bucket of ice, and a decent bottle of whiskey.
I can assure you that I have the same fraternal feeling for you, Joe, and the crew.
Keep up the good work and say hello to Joe.
I think Trevor Laurence may have had the best take of anyone. He is the adult in the room, the only one I've seen say anything that gives a crap about the athletes.
nice post. I think the difference between the pompous fellows like Kaepernick and Lebron, etc. and our Bruin athletes (and student athletes from other schools) is that college athletes generally do not act entitled. They haven't achieved anything yet, and they know it. They know they still have to work hard and nothing will be handed to them.
I'm also a huge niner fan, but did not give up on the NFL when Kap began his kneeling. I guess i figured it was just a few malcontents. I won't be watching this season though. Already declined my Sunday Ticket renewal. For me, it was the "black national anthem stuff." I'm just absolutely floored by that. In total shock. I'm a huge Laker fan too, but have not caught but 1 min of the NBA restart and will not watch any of the playoffs. But, I really do hope to see UCLA football and basketball this season.
Why were Kap's protests specious?
millionaire claiming he's oppressed? lmfao
You clearly missed the point
no i didn't. see that's the problem with this SJW movement. If you disagree, you miss the point. No, dude. I just disagree with you. Free country -- move on.
I have no idea what your point is. What is it?
So then why didn't you just say "I disagree with Kaep, time to move on"? Instead, you sit here insulting what he believes in? Pretty hypocritical (and wrong, too, which is a nice bonus).
Well written. A complete failure by those paid the big $$ - Larry Scott, AD’s, and coaches to develop a comprehensive plan protecting players (“student athletes” as we’re repeatedly told) There should have been multiple contingencies in place. Maybe season still would have been postponed but at least they would’ve tried
As you suggest, even if all the executives cared about was there bottom line, they should have made a plan to ensure safety so that the players wouldn't unite and therefore also use the opportunity to raise other serious concerns that could lead to a crumbling of their unfair model.