The Opening Drive 4/10: Is the NCAA Finally Trying to Get Something Right?
Eligibility changes on the horizon?
It’s no secret that I’m not a fan of the NCAA, for multiple reasons. The NCAA might be the most reactive organization known to man. They are notorious for lagging behind in their decision making, especially when it comes to the important topics.
Let’s just look at some of the inept decisions that have gone down in the past:
Ohio State had players suspended for selling items that belonged to them, but Cam Newton escaped NCAA punishment, all because the money went to his dad.
Johnny Manziel was suspended for 1/2 a football game for knowingly being paid to sign autographs, yet AJ Green was suspended for 4 games for selling his own bowl game jersey.
Reggie Bush had to forefit his Heisman ( it has since been returned) and players who were in grade school were put at a disadvantage due to Bush’s family receiving “improper benefits.”
The USC/Reggie Bush situation and the Penn State/Jerry Sandusky are great examples of why the NCAA is always behind the 8-ball. They’re notorious for punishing players and coaches that weren’t even involved in the infraction.
The Great Eligibility Debate
The NCAA has fumbled the bag with NIL since it’s inception. Currently, student-athletes have a five year window to use four years of eligibility. There are exceptions for hardships and injury. Recently, the NCAA has faced numerous lawsuits from student-athletes seeking extra eligibility for numerous reasons. The trend has seen the NCAA win the initial lawsuits, but then they get tied in up appeals court and by that point the season is here and the athlete gets the season of eligibility. Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss was granted an injunction that will allow him a 6th season of football, after the initial ruling was in the NCAA’s favor. JT Daniels played six seasons over multiple schools. The list goes on and on. Until recently, eligibility issues had spiraled out of control much like NIL. However, we seem to be headed toward a day and age where the NCAA is actually attempting to get it right.
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The Proposal
The NCAA is now bringing a proposal to the table for approval that would give clear-cut guidelines regarding eligibility. Student-athletes would be granted five years of eligibility starting from their high school graduation date or their 19th birthday, whichever comes first. The caveat to this is that there are no redshirts or waivers. That stipulation should cut the number of lawsuits and challenges down, due to it’s clarity. There are three situations that would afford an athlete an extra year of elgibility and those are military service, maternity, and religious missions.
I’m not going to lie, I’m all for it. While the lack or a redshirt option for injury doesn’t thrill me, if this is what it takes to reign in the chaos that is 30 year old ninth year seniors I’m all for it. This proposal comes as President Donald Trump recently issued an executive order directing the NCAA to update their rules on such topics as NIL, the transfer portal, and eligibility by August 1st. Slate and I have discussed numerous times that while we are player-first advocates that there needs to be regulation. I hate the fact that Washington D.C has gotten involved, but if it helps finally steer NIL toward it’s rightful applications and does away with players being in college long enough to be M.D’s I’m ok with!
The NFL Draft Shall Have a Scarlet and Gray Tint
Most college football players dream of walking across the stage, shaking the commissioners hand, and hearing their name announced at the NFL Draft. This year when the draft begins in Pittsburgh there will be 16 prospective draftees in attendance. 2016 Ohio State and 2012 Alabama both had 5 players attend the draft. That record will be tied this year as Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, Carnell Tate, and Kayden McDonald will all be attending. All 5 players SHOULD and could hear their names on Thursday night during the first round.
Buckeye Film Breakdown will return soon with some fresh content.
