UConn coach Geno Auriemma went on another rant about the NIL landscape and offered his solutions to fix the system.
This isn’t the first time the women’s basketball coach has expressed disapproval of how NIL currently works. He landed in hot water in January after lamenting the transfer portal’s challenges. During a speech, fans thought he was seemingly taking a swipe at a former player who transferred to another school.
Earlier this week, Auriemma was asked about suggestions he might have to fix NIL. Geno didn’t appear upset about NIL itself or any players getting paid. He’s seemingly frustrated that the NCAA hasn’t crafted any rules yet to fix some of the issues. Here’s what he said: (See the clip below/19:26 mark of the YouTube video. Warning: NSFW language):
“Do we keep the charade of student athlete and amateurism? Or do we call it what it is — semi-professional, pay-for-play sports? Keep the charade of student-athlete…Let’s just call it what it is. We’re gonna pay these guys to play basketball…and then let’s make it a business and figure out how do we manage this business.”
“Other sports have done it…They sign kids to contracts, and then you’re bound to your contract…Let’s do it. You already got kids holding out. You already got guys playing and going, ‘I ain’t playing until I get more money’. So, we become professional sports. Let’s say it, and let’s act it. And let’s stop the charade…”
“Let’s sign kids to a contract, and let’s put a buy-out in. Let’s make it a business because that’s exactly what it is. That would fix it. And let’s have a salary cap…”
Geno Auriemma on NIL: "Do we keep the charade of student-athlete, or do we call it what it is — semi-professional, pay-for-play sports?"
On the transfer portal: "How about we teach kids how to make a commitment and stick to it? Let's make it a business." pic.twitter.com/foijvj7cpt
— UConn on SNY (@SNYUConn) October 23, 2024
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