Nunnie on the Sideline
By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
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Granted, itās not football season, but NIL in collegiate athletics was on full display in Knoxville as Tennessee starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava entered the transfer portal after failing to negotiate a substantial raise from 2.5 million to over 4 million to play for the Vols this upcoming season. Now we have a better understanding about Miami Jim Laranegaās surprising decision to resign in the middle of the basketballĀ season rather than deal with the avarice of athletes who believe they are worth more than their current contracts. Tennessee coach Josh Heupel apparently believed that the rubicon line had been crossed and said enough is enough. Nico, I surmise, listened to his trusted advisors, family members or agents, who overestimated his value or didnāt read the pulse of Coach Heupel and the athletic administration. Miami Coach Mario Cristobol stated his program wouldnāt tolerate that behavior from his players though former Georgia Bulldog quarterback Carson Beck is being paid 4 million to be the Canesā starting quarterback. Perhaps some school, desperate for a QB, will pay Nico his asking price.Ā Until regulations and protocols are instituted, the players will roll the dice, taking advantage of the system as currently constructed. Players should be adequately compensated but not as professionals, which million dollar contracts assuredly are.
The WNBA held its draft last night in New York and surprise to no one, UConnās Paige Bueckers was the first pick, chosen by the Dallas Wings. The well organized and professionally orchestratedĀ production indicates how far the WNBA has come.
The NBA playoffs began Tuesday night withĀ 10 seed Miami Heat going on the road to play the Chicago Bulls. The advantage is obvious: teams 1-6 rest while 7-10 play to remain in contention.
Tuesday was Jackie Robinson Day in MLB in honor of the first Black to break the color barrier and his work in Civil Rights. Each player around the league wears the iconic #42 in his honor.
