The Rules They Are A-Changin'

Change is a necessary part of athletics. Players change equipment or motions to give themselves an edge over the competition. Coaches can their strategy to beat the opponent. General managers change players in an attempt to put the best product on the field as possible. Leagues change the rule of the game to enhance the product for its athletes and fans. This past week, the NCAA made two major changes to the rules of it's athletic programs, changes that will greatly affect the lives of young student-athletes.

This past week, the NCAA voted to changes the rules regarding athlete meals and penalties for drug use, allowing unlimited meals for all Division 1 athletes and reducing the suspension to a half season penalty for positive tests for "non-performance enhancing drugs." Prior to this change in meals, the NCAA regulated all athletes to "3 meals a day or a food stipend." In addition, there were often confusing distinctions between what constituted a meal vs. a snack, such as a bagel with or without cream cheese. Many of these restrictions led to ridiculous sanction scenarios for athletes, such as Oklahoma University self-reporting $5 worth of overeating by some of its players at a banquet. In regards to the drug changes, the NCAA is looking to differentiate penalties for performance enhancing drugs vs. street drugs whose used would not positively affect athlete performance. By reducing the suspension from a full-season to a half season, the NCAA looks to shift its attention to some of the more harmful drugs that affect its product.

A bagel a day keeps the NCAA at bay

In my eyes, this relaxing by the NCAA on some of its more ridiculous and outdated rules displays that the organization is ready to change its image into one more attuned to the needs of its student-athletes. Instead of punishing these young men and women with restrictions and overly harsh penalties, the NCAA now seems to be looking out for the well being and safety of its participants, whether that is by providing them the means to the right nutrition or by putting the focusing on rehabilitation vs. punishment when it comes to drug use. I hope to see more of these changes over the next few years, beyond just drug use and the resulting munchies.

New NCAA sport: Competitive Post Game Eating

It's Springtime for Football

Maybe it is the fact that the weather is finally starting to get better, but it truly feels like Spring in D.C. right now. We can all finally venture out without having to put on about four layers or wonder if it could just randomly snow for no good reason and shut down school (more specifically, cancel SMPA Social for what seems like the 10th time). It's the perfect pick-me-up from a long winter, coming along to revitalize everyone and motivate everyone. It is also the start of a new beginning, a time to rebuild and start a new year off right. The same applies to college football, where Spring practices mark the beginning of a new season and a means for young players to get noticed. One of the best things about these practices, however, is that every once and a while, the coaches and players let loose.

Over the past few weeks, videos of hilarious team wide events have flooded the Internet. From a team wide dance off to a kick return drill featuring linemen and coaches, videos of coaches and players making fools of themselves on the field are a great way to break the tension of a long day of practices. It allows the players to have a good laugh and grow closer to their teammates, while also giving fans a quick glimpse into the lives of some of their favorite players. As many of the Spring training games rapidly approach, it is nice as a fan to see that these young players are not only highly skilled athletes, but truly a family who have an unbreakable bond.

I need that shirt #ttu: Too Turnt Up

What I see as the most important takeaway from these videos: they remind the fans that this is a game. Too often, we become caught up in the intensity of this sport, pushing our teams to be the best, destroying the opponent, and earning bragging rights. We ask young men, some still only children, to carry the burden of the entire university and fans on their backs. We are quick to blame when things don't go as planned, building up the season as the be all, end all for these young men. What we all seem to forget is that football is a game, that it's sole purpose is to entertain. Young children want to play this game because it is fun to run around with their friends on the schoolyard to haul in the winning touchdown during lunch. College players continue to play the game for the same reasons. The fans, the players, and the coaches need to remember to not take this game too seriously and to have fun while they are still able to play.

I love these videos and hope that more show up soon. Only makes me more excited to see how much fun these teams will have each Saturday afternoon.

Hopefully Spring practice is a little more fun for Brutus this year

State of the College Union

Last week, I talked about the NLRB ruling that gave the football players of Northwestern the right to unionize as employees of the university. It is a landmark ruling, one that will challenge the NCAA and it's ever growing revenue streams. Along with the Kessler and O'Bannon cases, the rights of players is the biggest story of the off season.

Two days ago, I had the opportunity to hear Kain Colter speak at the Aspen Institute in D.C. Colter was the Senior Quarterback of the Wildcats this past season and is the leader of the current unionization efforts of the players. During this meeting, he talked about the reasoning behind his decision to unionize. What makes his efforts different that the O'Bannon or Kessler cases is that Colter is not calling for player salaries or marketing rights. Colter's goal is to improve both the physical and mental health of college players, with calls to improve health benefits for athletes as well as improved educational benefits. Part of his goals include having the university pay for sports-related injures rather than have the financial burden fall solely on the young athletes. In addition, Colter hopes to improve the educational resources available to students, citing the recent accusations of UNC athletes as embarrassing for the entire athletic community.

Colter has become the face of the unionization efforts

What struck me most about this meeting was Colter's understanding of the gravity of his decision to move forward with the unionization efforts. He realizes that there will be a long battle with the NCAA over these issues, one that will not be resolved within the next few years. Even in the face of this long uphill battle, he remains confident that he and his fellow players will prevail, helping the athletes of the next generation receive the benefits that they deserve. I, too, believe that they will eventually succeed. The young men are not asking for salaries or marketing rights, but asking to receive benefits for their safety and to have access to a better education, the main reason for going to college. Everyone is entitled to safety and an education. This young men are simply attempting to access those rights.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0OoHDjhh-0

Link to a video interview with Kain Colter