Although I completely understand the reason these athletes should be able to profit during their collegiate careers , I believe it may erode the one aspect of college athletics that to me is the most important part of youth/collegiate sports. And that is the concept of teamwork. The ability to work with others in a team environment and with unity of purpose. The benefit of learning that concept is immeasurable as people go through life. If America needs anything in 2021, it is for people in all walks of life to get along, willing to do just their part to make society better. Those who have played sports usually have a big leg up on others when it comes to that.
I would love to see Pitt football vying for a national championship, like my teen years. But, that is not very plausible. However, in the big picture, when I root on another mediocre Pitt football team that seemingly has player after player who refuse to criticize coaches, have the backs of players that are playing ahead of them, never have a bad word to say about the football program while on the team, it at least gives me hope for their future and the way the Pitt program is run. If sports are to teach life lessons, and I believe they should, that is invaluable.
I wonder over time how much this will erode team comradery, selflessness, and the team concept. When all the players are in the same boat it is easier. Kudos to Pickett for taking the lead with his first action getting a promotion for his offensive line. But, over time, when a quarterback is making $1M at some schools and the offensive guard is making nothing does it destroy the concept of teamwork? When will the first Antonio Brown player put locker room only stuff on their social media trying to gain more followers? There is a reason that pro sports have lost a lot of luster for many folks, to include me.
And, it is not just football. Many athletes in all collegiate sports are inspiring for the right reason to younger athletes. Will many of them have unrealistic expectations? Will the genuine enjoyment of playing a sport they love to play while attending college, be hindered with profit a goal? It will be interesting to see.
Narduzzi has sold and players have bought into the family and team concept at Pitt. Will he be able to continue that when players will see and hear the great financial rewards for players on huge football factories with massive donors at places like Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Notre Dame, etc.. Time will tell.
I would love to see Pitt football vying for a national championship, like my teen years. But, that is not very plausible. However, in the big picture, when I root on another mediocre Pitt football team that seemingly has player after player who refuse to criticize coaches, have the backs of players that are playing ahead of them, never have a bad word to say about the football program while on the team, it at least gives me hope for their future and the way the Pitt program is run. If sports are to teach life lessons, and I believe they should, that is invaluable.
I wonder over time how much this will erode team comradery, selflessness, and the team concept. When all the players are in the same boat it is easier. Kudos to Pickett for taking the lead with his first action getting a promotion for his offensive line. But, over time, when a quarterback is making $1M at some schools and the offensive guard is making nothing does it destroy the concept of teamwork? When will the first Antonio Brown player put locker room only stuff on their social media trying to gain more followers? There is a reason that pro sports have lost a lot of luster for many folks, to include me.
And, it is not just football. Many athletes in all collegiate sports are inspiring for the right reason to younger athletes. Will many of them have unrealistic expectations? Will the genuine enjoyment of playing a sport they love to play while attending college, be hindered with profit a goal? It will be interesting to see.
Narduzzi has sold and players have bought into the family and team concept at Pitt. Will he be able to continue that when players will see and hear the great financial rewards for players on huge football factories with massive donors at places like Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Notre Dame, etc.. Time will tell.