The unofficial online home for fans of the UAB Blazers. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

So the question is, do we opt in? Or, will we be allowed to opt in? The 30k for half of scholarship athletes is the bare minimum. This new subdivision will be able to vote on increasing scholarship limits and other things that will only increase the cost. Even if UAB initially opts in it seems like we, along with other G5 programs who opt it, can get priced out pretty quickly. As a fan, I wish we could just fast forward this process and get to the end state so we can just go back to enjoying the games.

(12-06-2023 01:04 PM)BlazintheAtl1 Wrote:  So the question is, do we opt in? Or, will we be allowed to opt in? The 30k for half of scholarship athletes is the bare minimum. This new subdivision will be able to vote on increasing scholarship limits and other things that will only increase the cost. Even if UAB initially opts in it seems like we, along with other G5 programs who opt it, can get priced out pretty quickly. As a fan, I wish we could just fast forward this process and get to the end state so we can just go back to enjoying the games.

I imagine that part of the goal is to price out not only the UABs, but also the Vanderbilts, Mississippi States and Northwesterns, and maybe a little buyer's remorse over Rutgers.

(12-06-2023 01:21 PM)58-56 Wrote:  

(12-06-2023 01:04 PM)BlazintheAtl1 Wrote:  So the question is, do we opt in? Or, will we be allowed to opt in? The 30k for half of scholarship athletes is the bare minimum. This new subdivision will be able to vote on increasing scholarship limits and other things that will only increase the cost. Even if UAB initially opts in it seems like we, along with other G5 programs who opt it, can get priced out pretty quickly. As a fan, I wish we could just fast forward this process and get to the end state so we can just go back to enjoying the games.

I imagine that part of the goal is to price out not only the UABs, but also the Vanderbilts, Mississippi States and Northwesterns, and maybe a little buyer's remorse over Rutgers.

Exactly, it would only be the top 1/3 or less of P5 conferences that would be able to afford it. The Blue Bloods and those who have the money to be near them (Texas A&M, etc).

What these people aren't thinking about is that those P5 schools that end up with 10 win seasons or better, in a new P2 league, most of those will end up 6-6. Think of how rare it is to be undefeated in NFL; 9-3 is the most common record for division leaders right now. Do you think those fanbases could handle going 7-5 multiple yeasr? They think it would bring more eyeballs to the games but I disagree. While yes, the undefeated Michigan vs Ohio State games over the past few years have high ratings, but if Michigan is 8-4 and Ohio State is 7-5, I don't think casual football fans would watch that as opposed to 2 undefeated teams with a playoff contention on the line (or next year top 4 seed and BYE).

(12-06-2023 01:21 PM)58-56 Wrote:  

(12-06-2023 01:04 PM)BlazintheAtl1 Wrote:  So the question is, do we opt in? Or, will we be allowed to opt in? The 30k for half of scholarship athletes is the bare minimum. This new subdivision will be able to vote on increasing scholarship limits and other things that will only increase the cost. Even if UAB initially opts in it seems like we, along with other G5 programs who opt it, can get priced out pretty quickly. As a fan, I wish we could just fast forward this process and get to the end state so we can just go back to enjoying the games.

I imagine that part of the goal is to price out not only the UABs, but also the Vanderbilts, Mississippi States and Northwesterns, and maybe a little buyer's remorse over Rutgers.

Rutgers has been an awful add competitively, but there's been a few articles put out that show they've brought in hundreds of millions in extra revenue for the B1G as they opened up the NYC market to carrying the Big Ten Network. Despite making all the other teams richer, Rutgers was on an extremely reduced share until recently and that's been a big reason why they haven't been competitive.

Also, FWIW I'm thinking it'll be easier for the SEC & Big Ten to just break off and carry those bad teams with them. They'll add FSU, Clemson, etc. whenever it happens, but that seems easier than trying to get people to opt in and form new conferences.

Also, the amount of money we're talking is like $10M annually at a minimum. I hate to say it but that's just not feasible for UAB. Let those schools go off and form their own super conference garbage, ACC & B12 remnants will hang out with the rest of the G5 and have a good ole time.

Proposal may not materialize.

https://twitter.com/RossDellenger/status...5822835725

"SEC commissioner Greg Sankey again notes that his presidents and athletics directors were not notified of Baker's proposal. He sounds disappointed in that decision from the NCAA.

'Why wasn't our Board brought into this conversation sooner?'"

The NCAA vs. Power Conferences...to be continued....

(12-05-2023 01:09 PM)rook360 Wrote:  I'm out

Between season tickers
Blazer Boosters request
Magic City NIL
What more are they gonna keep asking for. It's like I've seen posted somewhere "schools have convinced fans It's the fans responsibility to pay the student athletes". If they want to run an NFL business then I can go watch the NFL. I know it's not UABs fault, but unfortunately they're caught in the wave.

That's not going to be us. That's for the bigger P4's. We don't generate enough cash to rate consideration.

(12-06-2023 10:41 AM)BatesUAB Wrote:  

(12-05-2023 06:35 PM)mixduptransistor Wrote:  

(12-05-2023 06:06 PM)blazerjay Wrote:  

(12-05-2023 04:23 PM)uabblazer2012 Wrote:  The NCAA was going to have to do something, the end result is always going to be the SEC and Big Ten splitting with the rest. This way the NCAA has a chance at a pay day. I wouldn’t be surprised if the courts say athletes are employees at some point.

I hope they enjoy their "scholarships" becoming taxable income at that point.

this is maybe the most nonsensical thing I've ever heard. you honestly think they'd rather make zero dollars than make tens of thousands and have to pay a little of it in taxes?

I think it would be very educational to have these young people start seeing at that age where their money is going, and how much of it. But I think the bigger implication is going to be on the tax status of the athletic departments. If this is about money now, it is time we start treating them like the businesses they are.

https://twitter.com/achristovichh/status...2962280496

Amanda Christovich@achristovichh
NEW: Five pro sports labor organizations are weighing in on college athlete employment status.

Unions for MLS, MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL have all endorsed a federal bill that would define college athletes as employees.

https://frontofficesports.com/five-pro-s...mployment/

From Ross Dellenger -

"Charlie Baker has now twice mentioned "100 schools" when discussing the new subdivision in his proposal. FBS has 133 schools and Power 4 has 69 schools."

I wonder if he's expecting AAC schools to opt in.

(12-07-2023 10:12 AM)hooverblazer Wrote:  From Ross Dellenger -

"Charlie Baker has now twice mentioned "100 schools" when discussing the new subdivision in his proposal. FBS has 133 schools and Power 4 has 69 schools."

I wonder if he's expecting AAC schools to opt in.

I'd be guessing so if they're looking at bringing up 100 schools. I think all of the MAC, Sun Belt, and CUSA would be out for budgetary reasons (Liberty could probably make the jump if they wanted, but that's probably it).

(12-06-2023 09:46 PM)WesternBlazer Wrote:  

(12-06-2023 10:41 AM)BatesUAB Wrote:  

(12-05-2023 06:35 PM)mixduptransistor Wrote:  

(12-05-2023 06:06 PM)blazerjay Wrote:  

(12-05-2023 04:23 PM)uabblazer2012 Wrote:  The NCAA was going to have to do something, the end result is always going to be the SEC and Big Ten splitting with the rest. This way the NCAA has a chance at a pay day. I wouldn’t be surprised if the courts say athletes are employees at some point.

I hope they enjoy their "scholarships" becoming taxable income at that point.

this is maybe the most nonsensical thing I've ever heard. you honestly think they'd rather make zero dollars than make tens of thousands and have to pay a little of it in taxes?

I think it would be very educational to have these young people start seeing at that age where their money is going, and how much of it. But I think the bigger implication is going to be on the tax status of the athletic departments. If this is about money now, it is time we start treating them like the businesses they are.

https://twitter.com/achristovichh/status...2962280496

Amanda Christovich@achristovichh
NEW: Five pro sports labor organizations are weighing in on college athlete employment status.

Unions for MLS, MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL have all endorsed a federal bill that would define college athletes as employees.

https://frontofficesports.com/five-pro-s...mployment/

This has so many holes in it. Need to kick someone off the team, takeaway their scholarship? Gonna be a legal process now. Player could get a stay while going thru appeals which means they keep their scholarship until the appeal is complete. Now you’ve got a guy who you obviously aren’t going to allow near the team but they occupy a scholly.

Scholarships are year-to-year even if a kid is a “4-year” player. Do the coaches have to file a just cause to not renew? There’s so much else…

(12-07-2023 10:12 AM)hooverblazer Wrote:  From Ross Dellenger -

"Charlie Baker has now twice mentioned "100 schools" when discussing the new subdivision in his proposal. FBS has 133 schools and Power 4 has 69 schools."

I wonder if he's expecting AAC schools to opt in.

We exist on a skeletal “stipend” from Ray (who takes his orders from Tuscaloosa). Do we get +$10 million when our existence is only begrudgingly tolerated already?

(12-05-2023 04:23 PM)uabblazer2012 Wrote:  The NCAA was going to have to do something, the end result is always going to be the SEC and Big Ten splitting with the rest. This way the NCAA has a chance at a pay day. I wouldn’t be surprised if the courts say athletes are employees at some point.

Then you have unionization, collective bargaining then possible work action. Season ticket holders get screwed over with "work stoppage".

(12-07-2023 06:11 PM)blzrclub80 Wrote:  

(12-05-2023 04:23 PM)uabblazer2012 Wrote:  The NCAA was going to have to do something, the end result is always going to be the SEC and Big Ten splitting with the rest. This way the NCAA has a chance at a pay day. I wouldn’t be surprised if the courts say athletes are employees at some point.

Then you have unionization, collective bargaining then possible work action. Season ticket holders get screwed over with "work stoppage".

Imagine arguing that your season tickets are more important than the human rights of someone

It's going to be pro sports, unions and all.

It would be the end of the transfer portal. Players would be under contract, and the only way to move would be via trades.

(12-07-2023 04:26 PM)blazr Wrote:  Scholarships are year-to-year even if a kid is a “4-year” player. Do the coaches have to file a just cause to not renew? There’s so much else…

I don't think this is correct. A coach can tell a player the he'll get no playing time and expect him to leave, but if he chooses to stay I don't think his scholly can be rescinded. I'm not sure if it still counts against the players on scholarship or not.

Is this incorrect?

Scholarships are one-year renewables.

(12-08-2023 05:08 PM)UAB Band Dad Wrote:  

(12-07-2023 04:26 PM)blazr Wrote:  Scholarships are year-to-year even if a kid is a “4-year” player. Do the coaches have to file a just cause to not renew? There’s so much else…

I don't think this is correct. A coach can tell a player the he'll get no playing time and expect him to leave, but if he chooses to stay I don't think his scholly can be rescinded. I'm not sure if it still counts against the players on scholarship or not.

Is this incorrect?

All scholarships renew every year. You can say someone has a full ride, for athletics or academics or other reasons, but they are still, technically, issued per year. Scholarships are promised for 4 years, but even in the case of the donation of trust - I win the AttallaBlaze scholarship for knowing all lyrics to Jimmy Buffet songs - that money exists in a trust that is drawn from every year. Now they are hardly snatched without warning or reason, but they still only “exist” per year.