Jim Delany's thoughts on pay-for-play

[Enhance]

Jim Delany gave his thoughts on pay-for-play to a small group of reporters.

 

Speaking to a small group of reporters just outside the Big Ten's new offices near Chicago O'Hare International Airport, the commish said players who want to "professionalize themselves" shouldn't attend NCAA schools, but instead should seek other avenues -- whether minor leagues (like in baseball or the NBA's D-League), training programs funded by agents or the like.

 

http://journalstar.com/sports/huskers/life-in-the-red/bravo-mr-delany/article_cde1c8de-271a-11e3-b308-0019bb2963f4.html

 

Delany goes on to say "if athletes are not comfortable on campus and want to monetize, then let the minor leagues flourish. Or go to IMG. Train at IMG."

 

I've seen compelling arguments on both sides. I tend to lean towards players getting some benefit, specifically because universities (and up until recently, the NCAA and EA) are/were making boat loads of money off of these guys and athletes don't see a cent of it. Long gone are the days of college football being considered amateur. That's my opinion - I know many will disagree.

 

All that said, I completely disagree with what Delany is saying here. The NFL can't and won't up and create a minor league that acts as their sole feeder system. They've tried, and had some success, but it will largely never impact the NFL like the college game does. Same with college basketball. Furthermore, the comment about training at IMG is just ridiculous. A lot of kids can't afford to go to school by themselves let alone pay a trainer to get them ready for the NFL. Both of these ideas are unrealistic and ludicrous, and I'm frankly shocked anybody finds credence in them.

 

I think Delany is a good commissioner, but both of these comments about minor leagues and paying to train for the NFL are dumbfounding.

 

Your thoughts?