One of the notions espoused frequently in these discussions is that “teams should break away and just form minor leagues and dump the idea that they’re ‘student athletes’”, which is a big part of your whine here.
The premise is laughable. If that happens in football, people will be as interested as they are in the G League or MiLB. Nobody will give a fuck. There will be no money above basic salaries for players and the teams will be nearly worthless.
People care because of the school affiliation and the concept that these teams are comprised of guys that do actually go to school.
If the 5 and 4 stars go elsewhere and Texas is still fielding a football team, I’ll still be watching Texas. I don’t think many folks would see it differently. And the money would still follow.
The Iamaleava situation perfectly exemplifies the mercenary problems that have plagued college football for decades. This one is just now in the wide open. “I’ve got to get mine while others are getting theirs. “ Just because that dude over there is getting more than you, it doesn’t mean you’re being unfairly compensated. Now this guy has fucked around and I am excited to watch him find out.
Chris Plank, sooner honk and halfwit, just commented on College Sports Sunday that Iamaleava has everything teams want in the NFL, basically because he’s tall and has a big arm. Do any of these people watch the games? This dude has mostly looked like complete asshole against decent to good defenses. Maybe that improves, but so far he just looks like a selfish idiot failing to make plays.
That considered, Milton got drafted and Milroe is about to apparently go in one of the first 3 rounds, so I guess the NFL is also truly full of idiots.