KU/KSU Joint-Fundraise, P.J. Fleck, JMU Bowling?, + ICYMI & More | NIL Newsletter #201
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Major News
Kansas, Kansas State Set Rivalry Aside to Raise Funds
Two “rival” collectives, the Kansas-focused Legends of Kansas and the Kansas State-focused Wildcat NIL will join forces in early 2024 to raise funds.
The event, titled “Unrivaled: Uniting Kansas, Elevating Athletes,” will take place on March 4, 2024, and proceeds from the event will go towards NIL opportunities for athletes at both Kansas universities.
KSU football head coach Chris Klieman and Kansas head football coach Lance Leipold are both scheduled to speak at the event.
“I’m very excited about this unique partnership with Coach Klieman, the Legends of Kansas Collective, and Wildcat NIL to help raise NIL funds for the support of student-athletes,” said Leipold. “I look forward to an entertaining evening with some great conversation around all things football and the State of Kansas.”
“I am looking forward to being a part of this special event and talking football to our great supporters in Kansas City,” said Klieman. “Partnering with Coach Leipold and collectives from both institutions will provide a unique opportunity to connect with some of our fans while also raising NIL funds for the support of student-athletes.”
Minnesota’s P.J. Fleck Speaks on NIL, Roster Construction
“Things have completely changed and I think people have to put their head around them in college football of 2021 is not even close to where college football is in 2023. Especially in roster management, depth,” said Fleck.
Fleck, one of college football’s more outspoken coaches on the topic of NIL, didn’t criticize donors for Minnesota, but stressed that the university was not a leader in the space.
In Fleck’s opinion, this leads to two issues:
1. The inability to keep a team intact; and
2. The inability to bring anyone in.
“That's the facts of it. It's NFL free agency with no salary cap and no rules. That's the simple fact of it.”
Back in September, Fleck declared that without proper NIL support, Minnesota would simply become a “Triple-A ballclub” for other teams.
James Madison Readies for Court
JMU’s postseason dreams took two large hits this week. On Wednesday, the NCAA denied James Madison a postseason waiver.
After the 2021 season, James Madison moved from the FCS level to the FBS level, joining the Sun Belt Conference. However, NCAA rules prohibit postseason appearances (conference championships and bowl games) for two years following the transition.
James Madison’s waiver, along with waivers from Jacksonville State and Tarleton State, was denied.
On Saturday, the previously undefeated Dukes suffered their first loss of the season, to Appalachian State.
On Wednesday, before the NCAA released their ruling on the postseason waiver, a law firm—engaged by Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares—threatened legal action against the NCAA if it excludes JMU from bowl consideration.
The letter states that a potential lawsuit would focused on the “unreasonable restraint of trade in the market,” citing both the Sherman Act and the Virginia Antitrust Act. The NCAA, as seen in Alston, has a difficult time winning on Antitrust grounds.
For Athletes
NIL for Good
For the third consecutive year, Michigan Running Back Blake Corum is using NIL money to donate meals for thanksgiving in nearby Ypsilanti, MI.
Corum, a senior, handed out 600 turkeys on Sunday.
ICYMI
The South Carolina High School League Commissioner plans to present a high school NIL policy to the league’s executive committee for a vote in January. LINK
Texas A&M will host the Third Annual AMPLIFY Conference on Monday, a state mandated educational program on NIL for first-year students. LINK
Fordham launched the Rose Hill Exchange in partnership with INFLCR. LINK
“A top-10 caliber quarterback in the transfer portal is worth seven figures. But a high school quarterback isn’t worth anything because they’re not going to start.” LINK
Have you checked out OSC’s website?
Head to www.OptimumSportsConsulting.com to find important resources and features relating to all things NIL. These resources include State by State Resources for Admins, Agents and Athletes, including our initial “OSC Summaries” for over a dozen states coming soon.
More to come too, including links to helpful state information- agency laws and information about school policies, as well as seminar/congressional notes, worksheets, and much more!