We have now entered a realm of deliberate ignorance. What is the purpose of all this? It is one thing to ensure fairness for players and allow them to profit from their name, image, and likeness. It is another level of absurdity to grant them unrestricted player movement. Sharing revenue from media rights? Sure, no issue there. However, my objection arises when it comes to tax-free sanctuaries. Everyone involved in collegiate sports should draw the line here, including the overly supportive officials in state governments who have decided that players should be exempt from taxes on NIL earnings.
Georgia has put forth a proposal to abolish a 5.49% state income tax on NIL income. Predictably, Alabama followed suit. It is likely that a majority of the SEC states will do the same.
But the crucial line that must now be drawn is not about the potential tax revenue from NIL deals or the benefits it could provide to our communities. This issue runs much deeper. It is not about what we are giving young athletes for playing a sport; it is about what we are depriving them of.
What message are we conveying to 18-year-old athletes who have been praised for their talent since childhood? Life has been a bed of roses for them, with promises of a bright future solely based on their athletic abilities. But what happens when those dreams are shattered? When they join the 98.4% of college football players who do not make it to the NFL. The reality check hits hard, and suddenly they must face the harsh truths of life: getting a job, navigating a society that does not care about past glories but only values current capabilities.
There are no free passes, no special privileges. It is absurd to bend over backward to accommodate their every need. The shortsightedness of this approach is not just the fault of the adults in the room – parents, coaches, university officials, the NCAA – who have painted a false picture of reality for college athletes; it is a dereliction of duty.
In pursuit of a mere football game, lawmakers in Georgia and Alabama are pushing for tax exemptions as if it were an endless stream of treats. And who is eagerly accepting these handouts, evading responsibility because it is convenient? When athletes sign endorsement deals as professionals, they are taxed on their earnings. This is how the world operates.
Yet these officials and fans clamoring for victories want to shield young athletes from the harsh truths of life by creating an unsustainable bubble. When an 18-year-old football player steps onto a college campus, this is the reality they confront (though not an exhaustive list):
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The offered package includes a full scholarship covering room and board, tuition, and books, along with health insurance, dental insurance, and disability insurance in case of a career-ending injury. Elite training and development are provided by top coaches and sports nutritionists. Full-time, on-demand academic tutoring is available. Players receive a competitive salary starting July 1 under the pay for play initiative. NIL deals are guaranteed, and players have the freedom to transfer schools as needed.
However, recent decisions made by the state legislatures of Georgia and Alabama have sparked concerns. Rather than adding benefits, they are stripping away accountability and responsibility. This raises questions about the future well-being of players, especially when they reach a point where they must navigate life beyond sports.
It is essential to recognize that a college education is not merely about academics or athletic performance; it is about equipping young individuals with the skills to thrive independently. From managing finances to daily chores, setting goals, and meeting deadlines, the college experience should cultivate a sense of responsibility and resilience.
Yet, the actions of certain state lawmakers seem to overlook these fundamental principles. By advocating for policies that prioritize short-term gains over long-term growth, they risk sending young athletes into a world that is far more complex and demanding than the football field. This begs the question: are we truly preparing these individuals for the challenges that lie ahead, or are we simply prioritizing sports success over holistic personal development?
Matt Hayes, the senior national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports Network, raises these concerns in his thought-provoking article. He questions the wisdom of pushing for tax shelters and other incentives that may inadvertently harm players in the long run. As we navigate the evolving landscape of college sports, it is crucial to consider the broader implications of our decisions and ensure that we are fostering an environment that nurtures not just athletic prowess but also personal growth and resilience.
