As I sit in my office on my very last night in a building I've spent over three years in, I can't help but let my mind wander.
Tomorrow morning (Saturday) my family and I pack up everything we own to leave Pocatello for good. It's very much bittersweet in that we will leave behind relationships, routines and familiarity behind us. But at the same time, this is what is best for us.
As I have said, my time with the Idaho State Journal abruptly came to an end when I was moved to a different position in the office. It was abundantly clear at that point that it was time to advance to the next phase of my life. My wife and I had been talking about it for a while, but the change forced our hand.
I certainly have bitter feelings toward the situation, but it was exactly what I needed. My anger has been washed away and replaced by excitement and nervousness. There is no room in my heart for bitterness.
Back to the mind wandering thing. I have met so many incredible people and had the opportunity to do some cool things as a sports writer. I think about all the coaches who I became close with — Tony Green at Highland, Vinnie Benavidez at Pocatello and Pauline Thiros at Century, just to name a few — are people I will stay in contact with for years to come.
Then there are the players. I got really close with a lot of them. Some that come to mind immediately are Kyler Manu at Highland (Boise State football commit), Malek Harwell at Century, Mikayla Kanawyer at Highland and Andy Burtenshaw at Pocatello. There are many, many others. The point is these athletes and coaches became a part of my life, people I looked forward to talking to after their games. That experience and those people will be sorely missed.
All good things must come to an end, right? That's something I absolutely believe in. I'm also a believer in new beginnings. Sometimes when God closes a door He opens one the size of a house. That's how I feel now. With a house purchase underway and jobs lined up for my wife and I (I start Monday, actually), life could not be sweeter.
Thanks to all who were part of my journey in Pocatello. I will sincerely miss you. If you're ever in the Twin Falls area, hit me up. I'll buy you a Mountain Dew and we can catch up!
I am a former sports editor at a daily newspaper and currently a contributing writer for BroncoCountry.com, a recruiting website affiliated with scout.com. I am a proud Boise State University alum and huge fan of the Boise State Broncos. This blog contains my thoughts on life, BSU and sports in general.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
I used to work for Albertsons, that makes me part owner of the stadium, right?
I mean, I practically ran the place while I was there.
As Twitter, Facebook and the Boise media have been all over Wednesday, the Boise State football-playing facility formerly knows as Bronco Stadium will now be known as Albertsons Stadium.
To be honest, I actually like it. Joe Albertson is from Boise and he started a national grocery chain that still has its offices in the City of Trees.
Even more exciting is Albertsons paying $12.5 million over 15 years is a great sign. It wasn't that long ago that the company was struggling financially, even being sold to Cerberus Capital Management in 2006. The 2013 merger with Safeway stabilized the business and Albertsons is thriving.
Hence the hefty cash payment(s) to Boise State to hold naming rights of the stadium with its iconic Blue Turf.
Albertsons now has its name on BSU's library — a place I spent many hours "studying" and "researching" — and the stadium.
I would have been upset if it had been branded by some random, non-local entity. Taco Bell Arena is bad enough. I couldn't handle Carl's Jr. Stadium or Wendy's Coliseum.
Boise State got it right by going with a Boise company that has given so much to the community. From education to football, Albertsons deserves one of the highest spots in Treasure Valley lore. Having the name and logo on the former Bronco Stadium is a great start.
COURTESY BOISE STATE
Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/05/21/3195133/its-albertsons-stadium.html?sp=/99/104/#storylink=cpy
As Twitter, Facebook and the Boise media have been all over Wednesday, the Boise State football-playing facility formerly knows as Bronco Stadium will now be known as Albertsons Stadium.
To be honest, I actually like it. Joe Albertson is from Boise and he started a national grocery chain that still has its offices in the City of Trees.
Even more exciting is Albertsons paying $12.5 million over 15 years is a great sign. It wasn't that long ago that the company was struggling financially, even being sold to Cerberus Capital Management in 2006. The 2013 merger with Safeway stabilized the business and Albertsons is thriving.
Hence the hefty cash payment(s) to Boise State to hold naming rights of the stadium with its iconic Blue Turf.
Albertsons now has its name on BSU's library — a place I spent many hours "studying" and "researching" — and the stadium.
I would have been upset if it had been branded by some random, non-local entity. Taco Bell Arena is bad enough. I couldn't handle Carl's Jr. Stadium or Wendy's Coliseum.
Boise State got it right by going with a Boise company that has given so much to the community. From education to football, Albertsons deserves one of the highest spots in Treasure Valley lore. Having the name and logo on the former Bronco Stadium is a great start.
COURTESY BOISE STATE
Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/05/21/3195133/its-albertsons-stadium.html?sp=/99/104/#storylink=cpy
Sunday, May 18, 2014
The end is (thankfully) near
As I finish up my work Saturday night (early Sunday morning, really), it dawns on me that I have less than two weeks left at the Idaho State Journal.
Way less than two weeks. And I couldn't be happier.
I will work my regular four days next week, but then I am off the Las Vegas with my wife and kids to see my mother. (Note: She doesn't care about me anymore. She wants to see her grandchildren!) My vacation comes at an opportune time as I am super anxious to leave this newspaper and move on to the next chapter of my life.
It also means I only have to work one day of my last week.
The closer I get to the end the more trunky I become. May 30th cannot get here fast enough. Well, except for the days when I get to be on vacation. They can take their sweet time.
Anyway, this is a short post, but it comes with a lovely picture of my family. It's a little old, but the cuteness factor of my children is clearly visible — it's equally obvious they get their looks from their mother.
Way less than two weeks. And I couldn't be happier.
I will work my regular four days next week, but then I am off the Las Vegas with my wife and kids to see my mother. (Note: She doesn't care about me anymore. She wants to see her grandchildren!) My vacation comes at an opportune time as I am super anxious to leave this newspaper and move on to the next chapter of my life.
It also means I only have to work one day of my last week.
The closer I get to the end the more trunky I become. May 30th cannot get here fast enough. Well, except for the days when I get to be on vacation. They can take their sweet time.
Anyway, this is a short post, but it comes with a lovely picture of my family. It's a little old, but the cuteness factor of my children is clearly visible — it's equally obvious they get their looks from their mother.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Did a blind squirrel just find a nut?
Quicker than cleaning your laminate wood floor with a Swiffer, the NCAA made the most correct decision in the history of the world.
One day after Boise State applied for a waiver to help homeless incoming recruit Antoine Turner, the hypocrites did something no one expected: They said, "OK."
As of Wednesday, May 14, Boise State University are immediately able to get Turner out of dirty hotels and his girlfriend's car and into a more comfortable, cockroach-less abode. You know, something like the Holiday Inn Express by the Boise Airport.
Finally, humanity is found in the largest collegiate athletics governing body. Finally, a logical, understanding and compassionate decision. I'm not sure what's more surprising, the fact that the NCAA actually made a good choice, or how fast it was completed.
There must be a shortage of red tape at their Indianapolis offices.
So, my question to you is; did a blind squirrel find a nut or is the NCAA actually trying to turn over a new leaf?
Antoine Turner (Photo from KTVB)
One day after Boise State applied for a waiver to help homeless incoming recruit Antoine Turner, the hypocrites did something no one expected: They said, "OK."
As of Wednesday, May 14, Boise State University are immediately able to get Turner out of dirty hotels and his girlfriend's car and into a more comfortable, cockroach-less abode. You know, something like the Holiday Inn Express by the Boise Airport.
Finally, humanity is found in the largest collegiate athletics governing body. Finally, a logical, understanding and compassionate decision. I'm not sure what's more surprising, the fact that the NCAA actually made a good choice, or how fast it was completed.
There must be a shortage of red tape at their Indianapolis offices.
So, my question to you is; did a blind squirrel find a nut or is the NCAA actually trying to turn over a new leaf?
Antoine Turner (Photo from KTVB)
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
In which I make a comparison of biblical proportions: The folks at the NCAA are the new Pharisees and Sadducees
Time to let you in on a little secret: If I wasn't a sports writer or teaching, I would be doing something with religion. The historical combined with the theological are very interesting to me.
Bet ya' didn't know that about me!
Luckily, I can combine all the things that I enjoy right now. It's my blog and I'll do it if I want to.
Anyway, this weekend, Jay Tust of KTVB produced one of the finest stories I have ever read. It was, of course, his story on incoming Boise State junior college recruit Antoine Turner. Reading his background and that he's currently homeless until the NCAA says he can arrive on campus made me upset. It brought back bitter, angry memories of BSU's Couchgate and other such injustices.
Frankly, it pissed me off.
Miami gets off easy after a rogue booster provided cash, drugs, hookers and who knows what else to student-athletes who already have more than enough, but Turner can't get any sort of help from Boise State until a time approved by the NCAA.
And the NCAA has its student-athletes' best interests in mind. Right. And letting a 20-year-old live in a car while there are ample resources to remedy the situation just reeks of being charitable, intelligent and is clearly in his "best interest." Give him a place to stay.
As long as it's not on a couch, right?
The blatant and unashamed hypocrisy are palpable. Has there ever been a group of people in the history if the world more two-faced, phony or pretentious than the NCAA?
Here's where my interest in religious history comes into play.
In the New Testament (in the Bible), a group of people called the Pharisees and the Sadducees were in charge of the Jewish people at the time Jesus Christ was on the earth. Quick background info. here; the Pharisees and Sadducees were a political party/social movement that was originally tasked with keeping the Law of Moses, which is a very strict set of guidelines for the Jews.
What became the calling card for the Pharisees and Sadducees made sure the Law of Moses was followed. But they did it in a way that spawned a common saying: They keep the letter of the law and ignore the spirit of the law. Meaning, the strict rules of the Law of Moses were to be followed regardless. Any emotion, logic or sense is taken out of the process. Meanwhile, they do what they want, be it in accordance with or against the established laws.
You know, kind of like the NCAA. Let's make it up as we go and hope no one notices.
The Pharisees and Sadducees taught about God, but did not love God (read the Book of Matthew, chapter 23). The NCAA teaches amateurism, but makes bank off the images and success of the amateurs.
The Pharisees and Sadducees tithed spices and regulated how many steps a person can take on the Sabbath Day (seriously), but did it all in a one-size-fits-all approach and ignored the crucial points of the Law of Moses, such as mercy, love and justice. The NCAA penalizes schools when a player/prospect receives an "impermissible" hamburger, sleeps on a couch, hitches a ride to the store, is given a piece of gum or a handful of sunflower seeds, all while truly needy student-athletes live on the street or in a car.
The Pharisees and Sadducees feigned the appearance of being clean, wholesome and endearing while in reality they were selfish, ungrateful and into some really freaky, sexual things. The NCAA fakes its love for "maintaining an appropriate balance of values" (see president Mark Emmert's speech regarding the unprecedented Penn State sanctions) in regards to student-athletes while at the same time Cam Newton and Johnny Manziel escape real punishment because of loopholes.
The Pharisees and Sadducees stoned and killed people who they saw as unfit to be in their presence. The NCAA uses people like Big 10 commissioner Jim Delaney as a spokesperson, and they demean, belittle and dismiss anyone who calls into question the fallibility of the NCAA legislation in a laughing, you're-not-worth-my-time-or-energy manner.
Basically, it all comes down to the Pharisees and Sadducees and the NCAA being a bunch of lying hypocrites who don't want to escape the status quo for fear of losing their lofty status.
Just in case you need more reason to strongly dislike the NCAA, read this wonderful piece by Sports On Earth's Patrick Hruby called "The NCAA's Theatre Of The Absurd."
Care to share your own ideas? Feel free.
Bet ya' didn't know that about me!
Luckily, I can combine all the things that I enjoy right now. It's my blog and I'll do it if I want to.
Anyway, this weekend, Jay Tust of KTVB produced one of the finest stories I have ever read. It was, of course, his story on incoming Boise State junior college recruit Antoine Turner. Reading his background and that he's currently homeless until the NCAA says he can arrive on campus made me upset. It brought back bitter, angry memories of BSU's Couchgate and other such injustices.
Frankly, it pissed me off.
Miami gets off easy after a rogue booster provided cash, drugs, hookers and who knows what else to student-athletes who already have more than enough, but Turner can't get any sort of help from Boise State until a time approved by the NCAA.
And the NCAA has its student-athletes' best interests in mind. Right. And letting a 20-year-old live in a car while there are ample resources to remedy the situation just reeks of being charitable, intelligent and is clearly in his "best interest." Give him a place to stay.
As long as it's not on a couch, right?
The blatant and unashamed hypocrisy are palpable. Has there ever been a group of people in the history if the world more two-faced, phony or pretentious than the NCAA?
Here's where my interest in religious history comes into play.
In the New Testament (in the Bible), a group of people called the Pharisees and the Sadducees were in charge of the Jewish people at the time Jesus Christ was on the earth. Quick background info. here; the Pharisees and Sadducees were a political party/social movement that was originally tasked with keeping the Law of Moses, which is a very strict set of guidelines for the Jews.
What became the calling card for the Pharisees and Sadducees made sure the Law of Moses was followed. But they did it in a way that spawned a common saying: They keep the letter of the law and ignore the spirit of the law. Meaning, the strict rules of the Law of Moses were to be followed regardless. Any emotion, logic or sense is taken out of the process. Meanwhile, they do what they want, be it in accordance with or against the established laws.
You know, kind of like the NCAA. Let's make it up as we go and hope no one notices.
The Pharisees and Sadducees taught about God, but did not love God (read the Book of Matthew, chapter 23). The NCAA teaches amateurism, but makes bank off the images and success of the amateurs.
The Pharisees and Sadducees tithed spices and regulated how many steps a person can take on the Sabbath Day (seriously), but did it all in a one-size-fits-all approach and ignored the crucial points of the Law of Moses, such as mercy, love and justice. The NCAA penalizes schools when a player/prospect receives an "impermissible" hamburger, sleeps on a couch, hitches a ride to the store, is given a piece of gum or a handful of sunflower seeds, all while truly needy student-athletes live on the street or in a car.
The Pharisees and Sadducees feigned the appearance of being clean, wholesome and endearing while in reality they were selfish, ungrateful and into some really freaky, sexual things. The NCAA fakes its love for "maintaining an appropriate balance of values" (see president Mark Emmert's speech regarding the unprecedented Penn State sanctions) in regards to student-athletes while at the same time Cam Newton and Johnny Manziel escape real punishment because of loopholes.
The Pharisees and Sadducees stoned and killed people who they saw as unfit to be in their presence. The NCAA uses people like Big 10 commissioner Jim Delaney as a spokesperson, and they demean, belittle and dismiss anyone who calls into question the fallibility of the NCAA legislation in a laughing, you're-not-worth-my-time-or-energy manner.
Basically, it all comes down to the Pharisees and Sadducees and the NCAA being a bunch of lying hypocrites who don't want to escape the status quo for fear of losing their lofty status.
Just in case you need more reason to strongly dislike the NCAA, read this wonderful piece by Sports On Earth's Patrick Hruby called "The NCAA's Theatre Of The Absurd."
Care to share your own ideas? Feel free.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Details on the Glorfields' next adventure
As I announced last week, my days at the Idaho State Journal are numbered.
A combination of things led me to realize it was time for a change in scenery, career and life. It was a tough decision as I thoroughly enjoyed the relationships I built and the friends I made. Fortunately I am still able to write -- one of my true passions -- as the kind folks at BroncoCountry.com have brought me on as a contributor.
I cannot wait to leave Pocatello in my dust. Our next adventure brings us to Twin Falls. My wife Meagan and I have wanted to live in Twin for a while now. Here family is there and mine is in Boise -- much closer than Poky. Plus, the heart of Bronco Nation is within reach. This has me excited.
I will be working for T-Mobile at the Twin Falls store while Meagan will be teaching geometry at her alma mater, Wendell High School.
I am planning on taking the ABCTE, a test for people in the business world to earn their teaching certificates according to the experiences earned in their respective professions. I minored in Spanish in college (Boise State, duh!) and will receive teaching degrees in English/writing and Spanish.
I look forward to teaching, hopefully coaching and eventually earning my administration degree.
But, I will need to study and prepare for the ABCTE. Wish me luck!
I'm stoked for what life is bringing my family. We have some great opportunities in Twin Falls and it's up to us to make them happen.
And, best of all, I will be able to attend Boise State sporting events once again! I can't wait to bring my 3-(almost 4-)year-old son Sawyer to his first Bronco home game. He's excited as well.
So, Bronco Nation, I look forward to being a bigger part of the Bleed Blue movement. I hope to meet most, if not all of you, at some point.
The Glorfield family is Attacking the Future. Get out of our way.
A combination of things led me to realize it was time for a change in scenery, career and life. It was a tough decision as I thoroughly enjoyed the relationships I built and the friends I made. Fortunately I am still able to write -- one of my true passions -- as the kind folks at BroncoCountry.com have brought me on as a contributor.
I cannot wait to leave Pocatello in my dust. Our next adventure brings us to Twin Falls. My wife Meagan and I have wanted to live in Twin for a while now. Here family is there and mine is in Boise -- much closer than Poky. Plus, the heart of Bronco Nation is within reach. This has me excited.
I will be working for T-Mobile at the Twin Falls store while Meagan will be teaching geometry at her alma mater, Wendell High School.
I am planning on taking the ABCTE, a test for people in the business world to earn their teaching certificates according to the experiences earned in their respective professions. I minored in Spanish in college (Boise State, duh!) and will receive teaching degrees in English/writing and Spanish.
I look forward to teaching, hopefully coaching and eventually earning my administration degree.
But, I will need to study and prepare for the ABCTE. Wish me luck!
I'm stoked for what life is bringing my family. We have some great opportunities in Twin Falls and it's up to us to make them happen.
And, best of all, I will be able to attend Boise State sporting events once again! I can't wait to bring my 3-(almost 4-)year-old son Sawyer to his first Bronco home game. He's excited as well.
So, Bronco Nation, I look forward to being a bigger part of the Bleed Blue movement. I hope to meet most, if not all of you, at some point.
The Glorfield family is Attacking the Future. Get out of our way.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
The NFL Draft is over — here's what stood out to me
Once again, Boise State has its presence known in the NFL Draft.
DeMarcus Lawrence went to Dallas in the second round, a perfect fit scheme-wise for the outside linebacker/defensive end. He is literally the second coming of DeMarcus Ware, who recently left the Cowboys for Denver.
As long as Lawrence continues to work hard, stays out of trouble (not sure how much some curfew suspensions troubled NFL teams) and gets some consistent coaching, he will be a huge piece, if not a star, for a long time in Dallas.
It was great to see a pair of other Broncos make it the League as well. Center Matt Paradis went to Denver in the sixth round and tackle Charles Leno went to Chicago in the seventh.
Interesting note: Boise State has had four consecutive left tackles drafted in to the NFL, dating back to Daryn Colledge in 2006 (Ryan Clady, Nate Potter, Leno).
Even more interesting note: Paradis seemed a long shot to make it to the NFL back in high school. He played at Council, a tiny town in the central western part of Idaho. They play eight-man football there. He walked on at Boise State. When his named was called Saturday, his immediately became one of the coolest in the entire draft.
Receivers Geraldo Boldewijn (Atlanta Falcons) and Aaron Burks (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and defensive tackle Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe (San Diego Chargers) were all signed as undrafted free agents. Quarterback Joe Southwick will be at the Oakland Raiders rookie mini-camp next week, but has not signed with a team yet.
In the non-Boise State thought department, we have, "What's wrong with Texas?!"
The 2014 NFL Draft was tangible evidence of the decay and stagnant state of the Longhorn program under Mack Brown. This is why many boosters, donors and rich people heavily involved in Texas football wanted him out of there.
They got their wish, but it was one year too late, appearantly.
However, let me add one huge disclaimer. Jackson Jeffcoat, the All-American defensive end did not go drafted. This is a huge oversight by every single team and general manager in the league. Jeffcoat has the talent and the pedigree to be a big-time player.
Seattle signed Jeffcoat as an UDFA and got a huge steal. Expect him to make the team and contribute.
The Michael Sam story is cool as he will become the first ever openly gay NFL player after the St. Louis Rams drafted the Missouri defensive lineman.
All this crossed my mind at some point over the last three days. What did I miss?
Share your thoughts!
DeMarcus Lawrence went to Dallas in the second round, a perfect fit scheme-wise for the outside linebacker/defensive end. He is literally the second coming of DeMarcus Ware, who recently left the Cowboys for Denver.
As long as Lawrence continues to work hard, stays out of trouble (not sure how much some curfew suspensions troubled NFL teams) and gets some consistent coaching, he will be a huge piece, if not a star, for a long time in Dallas.
It was great to see a pair of other Broncos make it the League as well. Center Matt Paradis went to Denver in the sixth round and tackle Charles Leno went to Chicago in the seventh.
Interesting note: Boise State has had four consecutive left tackles drafted in to the NFL, dating back to Daryn Colledge in 2006 (Ryan Clady, Nate Potter, Leno).
Even more interesting note: Paradis seemed a long shot to make it to the NFL back in high school. He played at Council, a tiny town in the central western part of Idaho. They play eight-man football there. He walked on at Boise State. When his named was called Saturday, his immediately became one of the coolest in the entire draft.
Receivers Geraldo Boldewijn (Atlanta Falcons) and Aaron Burks (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and defensive tackle Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe (San Diego Chargers) were all signed as undrafted free agents. Quarterback Joe Southwick will be at the Oakland Raiders rookie mini-camp next week, but has not signed with a team yet.
In the non-Boise State thought department, we have, "What's wrong with Texas?!"
The 2014 NFL Draft was tangible evidence of the decay and stagnant state of the Longhorn program under Mack Brown. This is why many boosters, donors and rich people heavily involved in Texas football wanted him out of there.
They got their wish, but it was one year too late, appearantly.
However, let me add one huge disclaimer. Jackson Jeffcoat, the All-American defensive end did not go drafted. This is a huge oversight by every single team and general manager in the league. Jeffcoat has the talent and the pedigree to be a big-time player.
Seattle signed Jeffcoat as an UDFA and got a huge steal. Expect him to make the team and contribute.
The Michael Sam story is cool as he will become the first ever openly gay NFL player after the St. Louis Rams drafted the Missouri defensive lineman.
All this crossed my mind at some point over the last three days. What did I miss?
Share your thoughts!
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Thoughts on student-athletes seeking payment
At the forefront of the minds of everyone who calls themselves college sports fans — and those who play said sports — is a question: Should student-athletes be paid?
The outside perception is that these players get benefits, experiences and privileges that other students do not. These benefits include free trips, including air fare, hotels and meals with their teammates during away games.
They also receive free clothes, and, the big one of course, a free education. Meanwhile, the rest of us are left to pile up student-loan debts and find our own way to live through the college years.
Athletes feel they’re being taken advantage of as universities make large dollar amounts off their image, and they are left out when that money-colored pie gets cut up and shared.
I believe most people get their point. You may or may not agree with it, but the idea is clear and understandable.
Think about it. Would you like your boss to pay you with trips, clothes, etc. and no cash? How would you pay for anything other than the most basic of living expenses?
Clearly this isn't an infallible example. Student-athletes are not employees (yet at least. The Northwestern football team is working on that). But the point remains the same.
Here’s my solution, and it involves a choice: An athlete can have tuition, books and housing paid for, along with the free trips, clothes and hotel stays athletes get for games. You know, just like it is now. Or they can pick a cash equivalent (made in payments) and they can pay for everything themselves, including their own airfare to away games.
Those who pick the second option much purchase the team-approved clothing (travel outfits, etc.) and pay to fly with those who chose No. 1. If they don't/can't, they won't play. Think about the financial and life lessons this will teach.
Easier said than done, I understand. But the principle this choice teaches is valuable and is more than equitable.
Clearly there is plenty more to be discussed on this matter. I simply offer these thoughts as my two cents and to generate discussion.
Thoughts?
The outside perception is that these players get benefits, experiences and privileges that other students do not. These benefits include free trips, including air fare, hotels and meals with their teammates during away games.
They also receive free clothes, and, the big one of course, a free education. Meanwhile, the rest of us are left to pile up student-loan debts and find our own way to live through the college years.
Athletes feel they’re being taken advantage of as universities make large dollar amounts off their image, and they are left out when that money-colored pie gets cut up and shared.
I believe most people get their point. You may or may not agree with it, but the idea is clear and understandable.
Think about it. Would you like your boss to pay you with trips, clothes, etc. and no cash? How would you pay for anything other than the most basic of living expenses?
Clearly this isn't an infallible example. Student-athletes are not employees (yet at least. The Northwestern football team is working on that). But the point remains the same.
Here’s my solution, and it involves a choice: An athlete can have tuition, books and housing paid for, along with the free trips, clothes and hotel stays athletes get for games. You know, just like it is now. Or they can pick a cash equivalent (made in payments) and they can pay for everything themselves, including their own airfare to away games.
Those who pick the second option much purchase the team-approved clothing (travel outfits, etc.) and pay to fly with those who chose No. 1. If they don't/can't, they won't play. Think about the financial and life lessons this will teach.
Easier said than done, I understand. But the principle this choice teaches is valuable and is more than equitable.
Clearly there is plenty more to be discussed on this matter. I simply offer these thoughts as my two cents and to generate discussion.
Thoughts?
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