Look, this is the latest chapter of the NCAA trying to enforce NIL rules that are probably not understood. This time their target is NIL trading in the Tennessee Volunteers and their recruitment. But this time, the Volunteers and Tennessee are fighting back.
On Wednesday, the attorneys general of Tennessee and Virginia filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, alleging that the NCAA’s NIL rules violate antitrust laws.
around New York Times coverage On Tuesday, the NCAA is investigating the Tennessee NIL Collective’s use of a private jet to visit eventual Tennessee five-star quarterback commit Niko Iamareaba. The NCAA says it’s against its rules for boosters to pay for recruiting travel.
However, the volunteer army soon decided to counterattack. The governor of Tennessee is also participating.
The University of Tennessee has been proactive with the NCAA and we thank President Donde Plowman for standing up on behalf of all universities and student-athletes. pic.twitter.com/UEiI5tM2Q5
— Governor Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) January 31, 2024
The NCAA has waged many battles in its campaign against student-athlete funding, and this is, of course, a battle they may not win. Tennessee is so organized behind the Volunteers that the NCAA has too much on their plate and could be drowning in the problems they cause.
The NCAA is currently battling at least six legal challenges.
they would do this:
– More than $3 billion in retroactive NIL/Alston/TV revenue costs.
– Turn athletes into employees
– Allow athletes to form unions
– Allow athletes to make unlimited transfers
– Allow athletes to sign NIL contracts as recruits— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) January 31, 2024
If only someone had the foresight to know that the NCAA limping along on the NIL wave was going to hurt them in the long run.
If so.
Regardless, I hope the University of Tennessee kicks the NCAA’s butt in court.
