My wife and I were talking about a recent letter issued by a number of PAC 12 football players making a number of certain demands of the college football conference. Many of the demands have a monetary root, such as health insurance coverage after the conclusion of their collegiate career.
I can’t help but thinking that the parasite doesn’t fully understand the demand it’s making on its host or what resentment this breeds among fans. Here are a few points to ponder.
If players really want to be treated like semi-pro players, why doesn’t a semi-pro football league develop, such as the NBA has done with overseas leagues and other domestics leagues? That can allow those that don’t care about school to enter a paying league and not have to focus on school. This is what the agitators want isn’t it? How many eyes and butts in seats would be needed to make such a league financially viable? Answer…I have no clue! The XFL has been dead on arrival twice within 20 years.
Don’t people realize that the popularity of football is on the downhill swing? I don’t have numbers to point to…I’m talking about your author’s initiative understanding of what’s going on in society. The politicization of sports has been increasing in the last decade. That drives away fans. Add to this the fact that technology is making more activities more accessible to more people (think electronic bikes), an excessive amount of content to watch, and the rise of virtual sports. All these areas detract from eyeballs on college or professional football whether it’s via a television or a butt in a seat.
In light of the fact that we might not see a college football season, and if we do it’s most likely be with empty stands, it’s probably not the best time to ask for a handout beyond the scholarship, housing, food and now professional endorsements that are allowed.