re: Portal Extravaganza - Turner and pass the hooch edition

Well, every Auburn fan is going to need to understand that is a bygone era, and we will have to accept that the only uniform players are looking to wear are made with greenback material. Us loving Auburn is going to need to suffice from here on out. Not saying some won’t love Auburn but those expectations will leave you sad and frustrated.

quote:

---

For me, if a guy enters the portal, our time together is over.

---

If I know that my offer was fair but a kid entered the portal in hopes for maybe a few more dollars, then no, I would not allow him back. In fact, I would probably delete his number and blacklist his "agent". Doing anything less is continuing the inmates running the asylum system.

quote:

---

The big dogs are snickering at the reported $30MM budget for next year. Its been said that the average SEC roster this year was $20MM.

Im all for seeing how this shakes out because, as ive posted on this board, the portal cuts both ways. But, dammit, this does NOT create excitement for the new staff at Auburn.

---

This is my biggest concern is this turning Auburn into a losing team indefinitely. Im for NIL but limiting the portal to 1 time and sitting 1 year after at least 2 years at the school w/o a coaching change would stop the bidding war.
Im glad we are going up to 30m, but if other schools are just gonna a 1up AU then it doesnt matter. Someone with the checkbook to back it needs to decide if AU will go all out and be a top 10 team every year spending whatever it costs to have a loaded roster, or just quit adding to the shared collective and settle for the 8 win max season of 20m base roster. This kinda but not seriously spending in NIL is just a waste of money. I need to know how serious the boosters are about winning so I know how serious I need to be in supporting.

Interesting article on what players can expect in the portal (long but worth the read)

LINK

Not to beat an old drum, but this tweet is announcing Mestemaker to Ok St. Not sure if there is a certain rule that allows him to announce early or what. https://x.com/zlancaster91/status/2006203263444492766.

Tampering is obviously everywhere. Transfers are mostly going to wait until the portal opens so to not invite scrutiny.

Even if the NCAA does look into it Mestemaker he could just say I committed without their knowledge of intent.

quote:

---

For me, if a guy enters the portal, our time together is over. I’m not groveling for you to come back as tough as it may be. Just seems like a principle I’d like to stand on.

---

This is another situation that needs a rule to stop so coaches can actually focus on improving the squad without babying the current squad. I say maybe leave the door open if the coach wants but have an all around set pay-cut of half the original NIL for any player who enters then asks to stay.

I think the one portal window will be a shocker for some of these kids who "flirt" with the portal for a pay raise.

Im certain we have a board with a ranking list of kids we would entertain at every position and "someone" has reached out and said "hey if you think of entering we would be interested". As the window is approaching, if they decide to enter those conversations have already taken place and deals will happen very quickly.

Those flirting will find their spot has been filled before they can say "just kidding".....and they are left dangling in the wind. A team cant "hope" you come back and end up with a hole in the roster for the next season.

This thing of "testing the waters" has become a thing of the past. If you enter the portal you better have a place to go and a firm offer.....or you gonna get screwed.

A few of ours will end up at good schools, but watch how many listened to their "cousin the agent" and end up at some lower tier school making far less than our revised offers.

quote:

---

If you are a coach, and one of your guys enters the portal after you’ve already negotiated and offered him “fair value” in your eyes, do you still pursue him/allow him to come back? Even though he’s already walked once? Just curious everyone’s opinions.

---

I've never dealt with portal football players before but I have run a business for 20 years and think myself an owner who understands people. If an employee comes to you and asks for a raise because he is legitimately undervalued at what he does, he is doing what is best for him. If he comes to you basically shopping for more money constantly even if he hasn't earned more money, then he is a problem.

If a guy is looking around constantly, he is unhappy. It is best to part with him. This goes for both sides of a relationship, business or friendships.

quote:

---

Joe Phillips

---

woa who dat?