$1m in 2 months. Not a bad start.
Alliance 412 completes $1m fundraising campaign
- Thread starter CrazyPaco
- Start date
Hopefully they give it all to Meleek Thomas 🏀. We can suck another year at football without paying decent NIL.
I am no SMF fan, but his sentiment is accurate. In terms of NIL money, $1 million is nothing in the grand scheme of things for a team, let alone a whole athletic department (numerous Pitt teams will split this). Even if it was football alone, that is still peanuts compared to what 20ish so schools (I know it is not the school itself, but you know what I am saying) are paying out to just a few football players let alone the whole team. Yet people want me to get excited because Pitt has $1 million in 2 months to split among football, men's basketball and I am assuming women's basketball, and maybe even a volleyball player or something just as absurd?
That is tough to get excited about. Before you ask, I did not, nor do I plan on contributing to the fund as it is throwing good money at bad money. Pitt will never fundraise in a way to compete truly. My charitable money is much better going to Vets, Cancer, and Kids causes, rather than to help pay to acquire the 50th best QB to go to Pitt for a year, you realize it is a yearly "salary" right? If they succeed beyond that "salary", and become the 10th best QB, unlike the NFL where they are locked in a contract for X years (generally 3-4 years), you need to come up with way more money to keep them. That is how silly NIL is.
I get the sentiment with the basketball thing, but for as many teams that can outspend us in football, even more can do it in basketball if they really care to. Because then you're adding schools like Marquette, Duke, etc. to the mix.
I know that it only takes a few players and whatnot in basketball. But we probably have less than 2,500 hardcore, no-matter-what basketball fans. At least football has about 45,000.
I know that it only takes a few players and whatnot in basketball. But we probably have less than 2,500 hardcore, no-matter-what basketball fans. At least football has about 45,000.
It is mistaken to believe this $1m campaign is the full amount raised for the year. Collectives are also not charitable contributions so that really isn't analogous. They are flat out an attempt to buy wins. It is really no different than the overly romanticized (by some) "old Golden Panther" days of the early 1980s funneling money to players. The defeatist attitude you demonstrate, however, is one that could help result in Pitt athletics being left out of a top athletics tier, because like it or not, it is where all of Pitt's aspirational peer and actual peer competitors are.
Paco I hear what your saying. I really truly do. But I have to live in reality. I live a comfortable life I'm not poor, but I'm not super Uber wealthy either. So for me to give to this Pitt fund, it would come from my charity giving fund, no matter how the IRS views it. I'm sure most people are in the same boat, and spend their charity fund money for theses. In that sense, it is analogous for my purpose.
I was a kid during the Golden Panther days but my older brother was actually a walk on and friends with great many players on those late 80 teams. The cost of doing business back then was a car during recruiting and a few thousand a season. That got you that player for 4/5 years.
With NIL the cost of an average QB is $150k person. If they light it up it goes to $500k-$1million per season. Addison left Pitt for $200k a season.
you say I have a defeatist attitude and maybe I do. But what in Pitts history suggest they will be able to keep with the Jones at those numbers? I have to be realist and say "nothing suggest they will. So my good money will become bad money."
1. This was a campaign goal. "Pitt can't raise NIL money!" Well, they met their goal. It's actually a good thing.
2. This isn't the only funding source for NIL at Pitt.
Collectives are just that: collections of fans from all manner of economic backgrounds banding together to try to affect an outcome which they mutually desire. Some give $10s of dollars, some 10s of thousands. Let's be clear, in no world, including the IRS', is putting money into an NIL collective remotely the same as supporting Pittsburgh Children's free care fund. I can go down a more circuitous route of how Pitt being competitive in major college athletics is good for the economy of Western PA, good for the university as an institution, etc, etc, which I believe to actually be true. But lets be real, it isn't the same as giving time or money to a local food bank.
Everyone has a right to decide what to do with their money: charitable, non charitable, buying a new fishing rod, whatever. For some, being part of the team that is attempting to have Pitt win more means more to them than say, that fishing rod. You've got big hitters pouring millions of their own time and treasure into this, because it means more to them, but they can't do it alone, and are simply asking for help from people that, at least on anonymous message boards, claim to want to see the same things.
Let me be clear. I hate NIL, but I am also a realist. And none of these payments guarantee success. But giving into defeat regarding the reality of NIL will guarantee defeat on the field and court.
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Can they just use the money for volleyball and soccer players to win a championship before it's too late? Not going to help much for football.
Its not going to help much for football, but 1-2 guys could help immensely for basketball. I am kinda upset we re-signed Bartholomew. Dont need to pay him to go 5-7 next year. Spend it on basketball. There's a Top 5 NBA pick living 10 miles from Oakland
Matt Rhule Says a Good QB in the Portal Can Cost $2 Million
The combination of the transfer portal and NIL has created a bidding war for college football’s most talented players who’ve become disgruntled or unhappy with their current situation. There are obvious exclusions to that rule, as sometimes a player wants to transfer to be closer to home or had...
www.heartlandcollegesports.com
Rhule said not long ago a good QB in the portal goes for 1-2 million dollars.
I mean really, just go and get some really, really good volleyball and soccer players. Not that those teams aren't good, but they can be even better. Of course, we will wait until every other teams does if first and go .500 for the next 20 years.
College Volleyball NIL Rankings
A ranking of College Volleyball recruits. These rankings are based on the potential influence they have as an individual.
If you are not investing in Alliance 412 you seriously need to stfu . And yes i contribute to both 412 and the panther club
I mean really, just go and get some really, really good volleyball and soccer players. Not that those teams aren't good, but they can be even better. Of course, we will wait until every other teams does if first and go .500 for the next 20 years.
College Volleyball NIL Rankings
A ranking of College Volleyball recruits. These rankings are based on the potential influence they have as an individual.www.on3.com
I hate when people post On3 NIL rankings. Those are estimated LEGIT NIL rankings that they feel these players are worth to companies based on social media followings.
1. They are estimates.
2. They are estimating legitimate, real NIL worth NOT PAY FOR PLAY where the real money is made
Well, they matter less. There is no way around that. People that aren't supporting the athletic department through the university or Alliance 412...their opinions are not heard by those that matter so they do matter A LOT less than the opinions of people involved in the active support of athletics.
And of course fans that actually care enough to support athletics generally don't place as much weight on the opinions of anonymous message board posters that don't. That's just common sense.
Again I hear what your saying but you are not entirely right. Not sending money is a loud message too. That one of Pitt (and the Pirates) biggest problem. They never look to see why their base is not as charitable to their sports teams compared to other institutions. I'm sure being a urban school plays a significant role, but that is not the full story either.
It's a moot point anyways. We each believe and act accordingly and neither of us are going to change each other's view.
Not Pitt specific, but NIL is out of control. The players went from no power to way too much power. College football/basketball need to figure out a solution.
You did not have to explain yourself. you are certainly not the only one who feels this way.
Not one penny for NIL. The idea of paying for play is abhorrent to me.
I've supported Pitt athletics for 40 years only to be told that it is never enough or that our alumni and general fanbase are cheap. Now we have another black hole to throw good money after bad.
Those who feel otherwise can open up their wallet (again).
This is true but that doesn't change the landscape. Until this all levels out or a court says otherwise, you have to either try to stay on the map or be willing to deal with the consequences of dropping off of it. I think Pitt has reasoned that it's probably better to try to play along for a while because doing otherwise probably dooms you to irrelevancy once the deck starts to get shuffled again. Yeah, Olympic sports are generally doing well enough but the football and basketball programs will drag you right down into the void because those are the programs that ultimately determine your fate.
Yes, this isn't what college sports is supposed to be but this is where we're at.
I've always found that the people that complain the most contribute the least.
For you guys that don't want to contribute $5 or $10 to the pay for play fund, I would recommend you find another sport to follow. This is a pro sport now. The model is that we have to pay the players' salaries. I hate that. You hate that. Everyone hates it but that's where this sport is. If you want Pitt to be good, you have to help pay the players. I wished that wasnt the case but it is.
Ok. Thanks for the advice.
FWIW, I am trying to do my best to do more sports and follow less. I am adding fishing and cycling this year.
I will quit Pitt Athletics on my timetable. Promise not to bitch (as if I ever) about it. Now those of you who can't/won't push back, open your wallet.
Thanks. Appreciate the advice. But I’ll continue to follow and watch and will never give a penny. If I decide to done $5 or $10 or multiples I’ll find more worthy things to give me money to. I’d never ever get far enough down the list to an NIL fund no matter how much money I ever have and donate. Including winning the lottery (fantasy I know but making the point).
Your welcome. I hate this more than anyone, believe me. I think the players should be employees and the schools should pay them and there should be a salary cap. But I figure if I want to continue to be a fan, I have to realize the sport has changed and I need to begrudgingly pay up. I am hoping its not for too long and the schools can start paying them soon enough. Actually, there's that new rule that schools can start paying them NIL but that's just the last stop until they become employees.
Not buying tickets or contributing sends absolutely no message. Pitt athletics doesn't know you exist. That was true a decade ago. It is true now. It will be true a decade from now.
I disagree. Opinions are like AHs. Money talks, BS walks.
The only chance Pitt has is finding a whale to put up 20+ million in the fund , invest it and use the proceeds to pay the RIGHT players . ( Not coaches or facilities )
Raising a million for a Bb program is meaningful a Fb program no way .
A few subpar seasons and the funds will dry up .
Raising a million for a Bb program is meaningful a Fb program no way .
A few subpar seasons and the funds will dry up .
We are all looking forward to your 15,000 word post questioning how the funds are allocated… or do you only do that with THON?
THON: For Which Kids?
"Like any large organization, THON has flaws -- and these shortcomings are magnified by the fact that no one is willing to talk about them."
onwardstate.com
When it comes to The Four Diamonds Fund, where the money ultimately goes is cloudy
While Thon weekend at Penn State will uncover millions of dollars worth of fundraising for The Four Diamonds Fund, where exactly those funds ultimately go to from there can be muddy waters.
cache:JBL2K-OEsGYJ:https://www.spotlightpa.org/statecollege/2023/02/penn-state-thon-four-diamonds-money/ - Google Search
webcache.googleusercontent.com
Alliance 412: not a charity.
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NIL is more accurate than a “charity “ that says one thing but gives money another way
It’s not like Children’s who actually uses money for healthcare from donations
Well we won’t be getting an annual report from this Collective so there’s no way to make that statement definitively.
BTW, and for the record, I’m glad Pitt has this NIL effort. It’s just funny how some on here are quick to criticize charities with actual systems of oversight, but won’t question if any misappropriation is happening in these “Wild West” collectives.
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The 412 Alliance isn’t promising to care for children with life threatening illnesses, what they do with their money is 100% their business . Hopefully they use it as the donors intend them to do .
Alliance 412 is not a charity at all and has never pretended to be. It is a private, limited liability company that is completely independent of the university. it clearly states any contributions or membership fees are not tax deductible.
Whether its solicitations for memberships and contributions are in any way misleading regarding what intends to do with any money is up to the individual. As far as I am aware, no one who is a member seems to be complaining or unaware of the stated purpose or feels that they were misled.
I do love how the cultists are still so bent out of shape when one of their sacred cows is criticized that they'll crawl out from under their dank rocks to vomit forth the most ridiculous false equivalencies which only the most brain washed and/or stupid of individuals would try to defend. It is especially hilarious that this particular sacred cow has had numerous exposes published by multiple news organizations going back to Sarah Ganim a decade ago, who subsequently received death threats for daring to ask the same questions.
So opaque is Four Diamonds, which is entirely controlled by Penn State, that the Patriot News won't even include it on their list of notable charities. There are no audited financial reports, no filed 990s, no rankings from charity monitoring websites: only an annual unaudited fluff piece brochure they were embarrassed into producing by Ganim.
I relish the opportunity provided by cultists to remind people what a completely icky, incestuous institution Penn State is simply by opening the opportunity to directly link the words of actual journalists and Four Diamond's very own materials. Sure, if you are okay with 88 cents of every dollar that ends up at Four Diamonds via Thon, having been celebrated as having been given to help kids and their families fight cancer, being plowed into endowment funds and institution building mechanisms solely benefiting Penn State's medical center, with no independent oversight, it is your money to do what you will. Just don't obfuscate what it is primarily supporting behind populist, feel good "for the kids" slogans.
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