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Saban addresses question about players union...
Posted on 3/31/14 at 9:54 pm
Posted on 3/31/14 at 9:54 pm
quote:
One reporter asked the inevitable question about the players union issue. Saban said he has "always been an advocate of players' rights", "the quality of life", and "having a voice". He took it further when he posited the interesting question as to how much the university reinvests in developing players?
quote:
It would be interesting to know how much - everybody knows what a scholarship is worth, that's pretty easy to figure out - but to do on a per player basis what we invest in a player to try and help him be successful. We spent something like $600,000 last year on personal development programs - all things that directly effect a player having a chance to be successful.
I can't even tell you what our academic support budget is, trying to invest in a player. And what is the value of him getting an education and graduating from school here? Not just the value of a scholarship, what's the value of him getting an education?
How much do we actually reinvest in quality of support staff to help develop players that may have a chance to go on and play at the next level, have great college careers, have a chance to win a championship?
There's a pretty significant budget around here that if you look at it, it's really invested back into the players. So, I don't think that the players just receive a scholarship.
I think a lot of players really realize that, understand that, and appreciate that. Because we can't pay them but we can reinvest and try and help them be successful in the future...
...It's not just about football. So there is a lot of value that players get from the experience that they have as college student-athletes that really benefits their chances of being successful...
...all the things I benefited from (as a scholarship football player) have helped me be very very successful and I can't really tell you what the value of that is but I think it is pretty significant.
LINK
Posted on 3/31/14 at 9:56 pm to Alahunter
He's right
Won't stop people from beating the "exploited" drum
Won't stop people from beating the "exploited" drum
Posted on 3/31/14 at 10:01 pm to goldennugget
According to this article a college athlete is worth $121,000 per year so you guys can do the math
Posted on 3/31/14 at 10:05 pm to undecided
I do not understand how/why people want these players to get paid money on top of everything else they receive.
Posted on 3/31/14 at 10:08 pm to Alahunter
nobody is forcing them to play. they deserve nothing.
Posted on 3/31/14 at 10:14 pm to AubieALUMdvm
quote:
I do not understand how/why people want these players to get paid money on top of everything else they receive.
I'm realizing there's no middle ground on this issue. Those that don't think players deserve to be paid will not change their mind no matter what arguments are made to the contrary.
Posted on 3/31/14 at 10:22 pm to diddydirtyAubie
quote:
nobody is forcing them to play. they deserve nothing.
Wow, you really think that,
Posted on 3/31/14 at 10:26 pm to undecided
I guess I have not read/heard anything yet that has convinced me. I'm usually all for people getting what they're owed.
Posted on 3/31/14 at 10:27 pm to Alahunter
Good answer.. I agree with the midget for a change
Posted on 3/31/14 at 10:30 pm to undecided
quote:
will not change their mind no matter what arguments are made to the contrary.
Some of them will if there is ever a single credible argument made to the contrary.
Posted on 3/31/14 at 10:32 pm to AubieALUMdvm
quote:
I have not read/heard anything yet that has convinced me
Here is one that I cannot understand why others do not see how serious the problem is. If these guys do not make the pros, life altering injuries may need a lifetime of care, several operations, PT, it goes on and on.
I have injuries just from H.S. ball and these guys get regularly pounded. This is just one of several justifiable issues that need a fair and honest addressing.
Posted on 3/31/14 at 10:33 pm to Evolved Simian
quote:
Some of them will if there is ever a single credible argument made to the contrary.
My problem is once it starts its going to get out of hand. I think everyone can agree on that.
Posted on 3/31/14 at 10:36 pm to Nado Jenkins83
quote:
My problem is once it starts its going to get out of hand. I think everyone can agree on that.
Frankly I am sick of people saying "If we do this it will be worst than what we have now" comments. Of course it will get out of hand, then it will adjust. Anytime you do something for the first time you are going to screw up, it takes practice, organizations are no better at change than people, maybe worse.
Posted on 3/31/14 at 10:37 pm to Mulat
quote:
If these guys do not make the pros, life altering injuries may need a lifetime of care, several operations, PT, it goes on and on.
Great point. I don't know what this has to do with paying players though? It'd be silly to think that the players would stash the extra cash away in case they have an injury that causes them to require long term care.
I could get on board with some longer term health benefits after college.
Posted on 3/31/14 at 10:48 pm to AubieALUMdvm
quote:
Great point. I don't know what this has to do with paying players though? It'd be silly to think that the players would stash the extra cash away in case they have an injury that causes them to require long term care.
I could get on board with some longer term health benefits after college.
Here's the thing, who cares what they do with the money once they get it? That's no reason to deny them access because it's been predetermined that every single player would waste the money. Does no one find that train of thought arrogant and condescending?
Also, this issue is multifaceted and about more than money. Healthcare is one issue but there's also transfer rules, infractions and rules violations, and a host of other issues
My post isn't meant to challenge you specifically because your point of view is the consensus of most CFB & CBB fans and as a member of the minority I'm genuinely taken aback at how rigid everyone is in their opinion. It's like the players are viewed as property who should be grateful for the food and shelter they receive each night
This post was edited on 3/31/14 at 10:53 pm
Posted on 3/31/14 at 10:53 pm to undecided
quote:
Here's the thing, who cares what they do with the money once they get it? That's no reason to deny them access because it's been predetermined that every single player would waste the money. Does no one find that train of thought arrogant and condescending?
Also, this issue is multifaceted and about more than money. Healthcare is one issue but there's also transfer rules, infractions and rules violations, and a host of other issues
My post isn't meant to challenge you specifically because your point of view is the consensus of most CFB & CBB fans and as a member of the minority I'm genuinely taken aback at how rigid everyone is in their opinion. It's like the players are viewed as property who should be grateful for the food and shelter they receive each night
BRAVO
Posted on 3/31/14 at 11:01 pm to undecided
If the only concern is health care then why not just provide that for them if necessary? (you mentioned other issues but I dont know how things like infractions apply here?) 99% of the time, kids are gonna be kids and spend that money on silly stuff. It seems naive to me to think otherwise. If one says "who cares what they do with the money" then I don't see how that individual is truly concerned about their long term health care knowing how they're going to spend the money.
As suggested above, the player is provided with a lot more than a scholarship. They're not property IMO - I think it's an equal trade. For football - they are not ready for the pros. Free education, housing, and meals aside - the university provides the instruction, mentorship (not just as a player), training, and exposure that will allow them to have a shot at the pros. That sort of training would cost a fortune if done privately, right?
EDIT: btw, i didn't/don't feel like you're challenging me specifically and wouldn't be uptight about it even if you were. I can handle the fact that a lot of people won't agree with me
As suggested above, the player is provided with a lot more than a scholarship. They're not property IMO - I think it's an equal trade. For football - they are not ready for the pros. Free education, housing, and meals aside - the university provides the instruction, mentorship (not just as a player), training, and exposure that will allow them to have a shot at the pros. That sort of training would cost a fortune if done privately, right?
EDIT: btw, i didn't/don't feel like you're challenging me specifically and wouldn't be uptight about it even if you were. I can handle the fact that a lot of people won't agree with me
This post was edited on 3/31/14 at 11:04 pm
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