The biggest issue here is, "did Todd Gurley do it?" Unfortunately that's something that we won't be able to tell until the news comes out. Right now all we have is speculation, allegations, reports of impropriety, etc. there is even a video of a black man in dreadlocks signing a red helmet. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, there is no proof of who the man is what he signing and what signature is being signed. There's even no evidence of money exchanging hands. All there is is talk and reports of Tom girly doing something that is against the NCAA bylaws.
Ultimately, if he did it then he deserves to be suspended. It's socks, I don't agree with it, but unfortunately those are the rules of the game that everyone plays when they go into it with the NCAA. There have been countless articles, count last reports, countless TV documentaries, whatever you want to call it, it's happened it's been done (but I'll still digress into this mess later).
So the short of it:
Todd Gurley deserves to be suspended. If he did it (and it looks like he did). If you're going to fight the system, be ready to accept the consequences when/if the system wins.
This is the same argument that comes up every single damn time someone breaks the rules in sports.
Josh Gordon from Cleveland. "It's just weed." You broke the rules (and law). Take the punishment.
Nick Marshall from Auburn? Same thing.
Manziel from last year? Just some signatures and cash (that no one could proved changed hands). Still (probably) broke the rules.
Rules are rules. Unfair or not. We need to understand that the moment we or someone else enters into an agreement (man, NCAA really does kind of sound like it forces athletes to sign "contracts", huh?) we are bound to that agreement for the duration of the agreement. No one gets to pick and choose which ones are to be followed and which are not, except for the drafter of the agreement who (usually) reserves the right to amend the contract at any time (in this case, again, the NCAA).
To Conspire or Not to Conspire? That is the Question...
I don't buy into conspiracy theories too often. Especially without a lot of evidence or sound theory on why the conspiracy is true. JFK? Eh... some fishy things there, but nothing 100% substantial. That said, there are some interesting things about this issue that have come out.
SBNation has reported that they were contacted at the end of last month by an individual trying to get this news out after a signing session in the Spring. There's conflicting reports on the amount(s) Todd received, from various sources, there's lack of evidence of money changing hands, and then there's the real kicker of it all; the timing.
This individual paid Todd to sign crap, sold it, made money, then out of nowhere wants to offer him up on a plate. Why? Then when the story breaks, he refuses to talk. Who leaked the info? Who broke it to UGA? Why now? Why not before the season started? And then, why at all?
The merchandise that is being sold (there's a lot on eBay) would only go up as the season went on and we got closer to him potentially winning the Heisman. So what caused this individual to decide that now was the time to cash in their chips? Not only that, but the individual who released the video is now denouncing it.
David Greene in his weekly college football radio show pointed out that everything about the timing and circumstances seems to be incredibly fishy. And this is after Todd was accused of punching someone a few weeks ago in an Athens bar. Are they connected?
The answer is complicated: Yes and no. The issue here is that as someone who is high profile and highly recognizable, Gurley has a target on his back surrounded by dollar signs. People don't see a 21 year old man trying to play his ass off and get to the NFL. They say a chance to make money for themselves, regardless of what happens to him.
Now, how could this possibly all wrap into a conspiracy? We have a highly successful individual with a lot of money making potential attached to his person. We have the most competitive and voracious fan bases in the country (SEC fans) who will do some pretty screwed up stuff for/because of their team. We have access to information and the means to get it out at an alarming rate. We have the meat of the SEC Schedule coming up where the East champion is probably decided. We have one (maybe more) memorabilia brokers coming out now, which is a very interesting business decision. We have an utterly silent ESPN on the issue and the details (if you think they wouldn't know about something like this coming down the pipeline, you need to re-think what you think you know about them). We have a lot of very convenient and interesting points floating around with a way to connect the dots.
But when we connect the dots, is it a conspiracy?
No.
At least, I doubt it. But Harvey Updike, people killing people over losses, papa Newton selling his son, etc., have all shown me that nothing is out of the realm of possibility when it comes to College Football.
That Same Tired Argument
Of course this is going to bring up whether or not players should be paid and the issues that arise out of it based off of following the laws (Title XI primarily).
Should athletes be paid for their likeness and time at the university when they are the ones making them the money? These are two separate questions actually with two very separate and nuanced answers.
Should athletes be paid for their time at a university. Yes. But we need to remember that they often receive additional benefits, especially in the larger programs and sports, that your average student does not.
Athletes at Division 1 levels are granted full ride scholarships in six major sports, others have varying degrees of inclusion and assistance. Not all receive the same, and not all receive what they may need at that time. But pretty much universally, they include the price of tuition and sometime additional expenses for room and board and books. Here in Georgia, if your grades are good enough, you also get HOPE and keep it as long as your grades maintain.
"But they can't go out to eat, or do this, or do that. They can't get jobs." Believe me, I understand that. My first year of college was spent in the dorms where my student loans paid for things with HOPE. I was unable to find good employment due to some poor weather (Katrina affected my job, no BS), a lack of well paying jobs in something other than waiting tables, and the fact that I did not want to wait tables anymore. But there were times when if I got to eat a can of Dinty Moore Beef Stew it was a damn good week. So I really get and understand the ideas of not being able to experience the college life stuff or being able to just get out of their rooms.
The counter argument is that they, especially football players, are getting a free education. To which many reply that that is not enough.
I would have probably literally killed for a free ride. Many others probably would have too. It's statistically likely that someone has. My issue with people that speak against this as a benefit to the athlete is that it devalues the education and the time spent getting one. "It's not enough to get a free education." Well screw you and my forty grand of debt. What they hell did I do that for if because they're above "just the education"? Let's continue to ignore the food, room, books, work out facilities, free tutors, personalized and team only health care -- a lot of things that the average student may not have access to. Athletes get a lot more than we may want to admit because of the billions generated and going to the schools.
Also, a lot athletic sports lose money. There are numerous articles and resources available that show that. Northern University of South Dakota's football team brings in $50 million a year. But they have Basketball (men and women's), diving (men and women's), baseball, softball, gymnastics, volleyball, lacrosse (men and women's). That's 11 teams. Nine times out of ten, only two of those programs actually produce profit. Guess which. So Football makes $50 million while having $20 million in expenses, this can range from everything to equipment, travel, coaches pay, etc. All other sports were a loss at a total of $20 million (this is not out of the realm of possibility, Hawai'i is considering ending its football program because it operates at such a loss). The Athletic Department of NUSD has to cover that loss from the profits of the Football team. Do the math from there.
All that said, should athletes be paid? No. They should not receive a paycheck like an employee. Can and should the universities provide stipends for all athletes who compete for them? Yes. Whether its a once a year thing, included with the scholarship, or just a check cut to them, whatever. But they are not employees.
Now, should athletes be allowed to cash in on their likeness? The best solution I've heard to this is yes in controlled conditions. The university or someone else would collect the money and it would be put into a trust for the athlete to get when they graduate or leave school. Of course there are numerous issues that could arise, but I think this is the best option so far.
Beating a Dead Horse Named Lazarus
It's happened again. 2009 with A.J. Green, arguably the best player on the team at the time. Now it's happened again. The issue won't go away until changes are made and there's no telling when that will be. And by then, it'll be too late.
Radi Nabulsi said in an interview yesterday that Georgia fans seem to be in a perennial state of anxiety, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Whether its players doing something stupid, or coaches being awful, or positions just not playing well, it keeps happening no matter what. Starts good, then--
We're done. It feels like we're cursed. Like Steve Spurrier sold his soul to Satan or asked God to literally damn the Georgia Bulldogs. I would put it on him if I had to.
Honestly thought, I think the team will survive this. We'll probably lose another two games without the best player in the country on the field. But rules are rules, right or wrong they may be.
I'll still bleed the red and black. We'll keep fighting. Maybe he'll be back, maybe he won't. But the program is bigger than one individual
So the short of it:
Todd Gurley deserves to be suspended. If he did it (and it looks like he did). If you're going to fight the system, be ready to accept the consequences when/if the system wins.
This is the same argument that comes up every single damn time someone breaks the rules in sports.
Josh Gordon from Cleveland. "It's just weed." You broke the rules (and law). Take the punishment.
Nick Marshall from Auburn? Same thing.
Manziel from last year? Just some signatures and cash (that no one could proved changed hands). Still (probably) broke the rules.
Rules are rules. Unfair or not. We need to understand that the moment we or someone else enters into an agreement (man, NCAA really does kind of sound like it forces athletes to sign "contracts", huh?) we are bound to that agreement for the duration of the agreement. No one gets to pick and choose which ones are to be followed and which are not, except for the drafter of the agreement who (usually) reserves the right to amend the contract at any time (in this case, again, the NCAA).
To Conspire or Not to Conspire? That is the Question...
I don't buy into conspiracy theories too often. Especially without a lot of evidence or sound theory on why the conspiracy is true. JFK? Eh... some fishy things there, but nothing 100% substantial. That said, there are some interesting things about this issue that have come out.
SBNation has reported that they were contacted at the end of last month by an individual trying to get this news out after a signing session in the Spring. There's conflicting reports on the amount(s) Todd received, from various sources, there's lack of evidence of money changing hands, and then there's the real kicker of it all; the timing.
This individual paid Todd to sign crap, sold it, made money, then out of nowhere wants to offer him up on a plate. Why? Then when the story breaks, he refuses to talk. Who leaked the info? Who broke it to UGA? Why now? Why not before the season started? And then, why at all?
The merchandise that is being sold (there's a lot on eBay) would only go up as the season went on and we got closer to him potentially winning the Heisman. So what caused this individual to decide that now was the time to cash in their chips? Not only that, but the individual who released the video is now denouncing it.
David Greene in his weekly college football radio show pointed out that everything about the timing and circumstances seems to be incredibly fishy. And this is after Todd was accused of punching someone a few weeks ago in an Athens bar. Are they connected?
The answer is complicated: Yes and no. The issue here is that as someone who is high profile and highly recognizable, Gurley has a target on his back surrounded by dollar signs. People don't see a 21 year old man trying to play his ass off and get to the NFL. They say a chance to make money for themselves, regardless of what happens to him.
Now, how could this possibly all wrap into a conspiracy? We have a highly successful individual with a lot of money making potential attached to his person. We have the most competitive and voracious fan bases in the country (SEC fans) who will do some pretty screwed up stuff for/because of their team. We have access to information and the means to get it out at an alarming rate. We have the meat of the SEC Schedule coming up where the East champion is probably decided. We have one (maybe more) memorabilia brokers coming out now, which is a very interesting business decision. We have an utterly silent ESPN on the issue and the details (if you think they wouldn't know about something like this coming down the pipeline, you need to re-think what you think you know about them). We have a lot of very convenient and interesting points floating around with a way to connect the dots.
But when we connect the dots, is it a conspiracy?
No.
At least, I doubt it. But Harvey Updike, people killing people over losses, papa Newton selling his son, etc., have all shown me that nothing is out of the realm of possibility when it comes to College Football.
That Same Tired Argument
Of course this is going to bring up whether or not players should be paid and the issues that arise out of it based off of following the laws (Title XI primarily).
Should athletes be paid for their likeness and time at the university when they are the ones making them the money? These are two separate questions actually with two very separate and nuanced answers.
Should athletes be paid for their time at a university. Yes. But we need to remember that they often receive additional benefits, especially in the larger programs and sports, that your average student does not.
Athletes at Division 1 levels are granted full ride scholarships in six major sports, others have varying degrees of inclusion and assistance. Not all receive the same, and not all receive what they may need at that time. But pretty much universally, they include the price of tuition and sometime additional expenses for room and board and books. Here in Georgia, if your grades are good enough, you also get HOPE and keep it as long as your grades maintain.
"But they can't go out to eat, or do this, or do that. They can't get jobs." Believe me, I understand that. My first year of college was spent in the dorms where my student loans paid for things with HOPE. I was unable to find good employment due to some poor weather (Katrina affected my job, no BS), a lack of well paying jobs in something other than waiting tables, and the fact that I did not want to wait tables anymore. But there were times when if I got to eat a can of Dinty Moore Beef Stew it was a damn good week. So I really get and understand the ideas of not being able to experience the college life stuff or being able to just get out of their rooms.
The counter argument is that they, especially football players, are getting a free education. To which many reply that that is not enough.
I would have probably literally killed for a free ride. Many others probably would have too. It's statistically likely that someone has. My issue with people that speak against this as a benefit to the athlete is that it devalues the education and the time spent getting one. "It's not enough to get a free education." Well screw you and my forty grand of debt. What they hell did I do that for if because they're above "just the education"? Let's continue to ignore the food, room, books, work out facilities, free tutors, personalized and team only health care -- a lot of things that the average student may not have access to. Athletes get a lot more than we may want to admit because of the billions generated and going to the schools.
Also, a lot athletic sports lose money. There are numerous articles and resources available that show that. Northern University of South Dakota's football team brings in $50 million a year. But they have Basketball (men and women's), diving (men and women's), baseball, softball, gymnastics, volleyball, lacrosse (men and women's). That's 11 teams. Nine times out of ten, only two of those programs actually produce profit. Guess which. So Football makes $50 million while having $20 million in expenses, this can range from everything to equipment, travel, coaches pay, etc. All other sports were a loss at a total of $20 million (this is not out of the realm of possibility, Hawai'i is considering ending its football program because it operates at such a loss). The Athletic Department of NUSD has to cover that loss from the profits of the Football team. Do the math from there.
All that said, should athletes be paid? No. They should not receive a paycheck like an employee. Can and should the universities provide stipends for all athletes who compete for them? Yes. Whether its a once a year thing, included with the scholarship, or just a check cut to them, whatever. But they are not employees.
Now, should athletes be allowed to cash in on their likeness? The best solution I've heard to this is yes in controlled conditions. The university or someone else would collect the money and it would be put into a trust for the athlete to get when they graduate or leave school. Of course there are numerous issues that could arise, but I think this is the best option so far.
Beating a Dead Horse Named Lazarus
It's happened again. 2009 with A.J. Green, arguably the best player on the team at the time. Now it's happened again. The issue won't go away until changes are made and there's no telling when that will be. And by then, it'll be too late.
Radi Nabulsi said in an interview yesterday that Georgia fans seem to be in a perennial state of anxiety, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Whether its players doing something stupid, or coaches being awful, or positions just not playing well, it keeps happening no matter what. Starts good, then--
We're done. It feels like we're cursed. Like Steve Spurrier sold his soul to Satan or asked God to literally damn the Georgia Bulldogs. I would put it on him if I had to.
Honestly thought, I think the team will survive this. We'll probably lose another two games without the best player in the country on the field. But rules are rules, right or wrong they may be.
I'll still bleed the red and black. We'll keep fighting. Maybe he'll be back, maybe he won't. But the program is bigger than one individual
