As we have discussed in class one of the more controversial topics surrounding higher education is the NCAA and how the athletes on teams are dealing, or in some cases, breaking the NCAA rules for their own personal gain. For those unfamiliar, or who simply need a refresher, the NCAA has “strict” rules preventing their athletes from receiving any form of payment, both monetarily and materially. Athletes who have been caught breaking said rules received both massive fines and suspensions, part of the issue regarding athletes striving for more money incentives is the mindset that seems to be present that being paid to go to these expensive schools to learn isn’t a perk. This was evident in when Cardale Jones of OSU tweeted out that he is “here to play football not play school” and that classes are worthless. Personally, I think this kind of mindset should be tempered and schools should find ways to facilitate a learning culture throughout the university, including athletes who sometimes do not do any real work in their specific classes.
Recent news broke in the case of Laremy Tusil who was able to receive money perks as well as a few unconfirmed perks such as a car and paying for his apartment. He was shunned for this and it resulted in him a first round projected player in the NFL draft to be drafted by Miami in the 2nd round losing out on millions of dollars. However, a new way to make money off of NCAA football has become evident and it can be well assumed that it will become more prevalent in the near future.
Introducing Breana Dodd. Dodd is a University of Tennessee student, yet her name is well known around the college football circle as “Hottest college football girlfriend of the season” by Barstool. Dodd is currently dating Josh Smith a wide receiver on the University’s team who of course cannot receive any payment. That doesn’t stop businesses from using Dodd who is tangently connected to the NCAA in order to advertise their brand. Jolly Rancher is using Dodd’s fame and recognition as a football girlfriend to help sell their product, and advertise to her 23,000 instagram followers. Important and absolutely imperative to note that Jolly Rancher said they didn’t choose Breana Dodd because she is dating a football player but rather she was just one of around 30 students chosen to help advertise. Personally, I find this hard to believe but to play Devil’s advocate, lets say they didn’t solely choose Breana due to her relationship but her massive following, wouldn’t you argue that her massive following was a sub-product of dating the football player? It is truly odd to me that a Football player cannot receive any payment but someone who has reached a level of prominence through a relationship facilitated by football can. However, I truly do commend Dodd for being able to make money off of her brand, its truly impressive and I find nothing wrong with her doing it personally.
LINK: http://www.slate.com/articles/sports/sports_nut/2016/05/breana_dodd_can_get_paid_to_endorse_candy_her_boyfriend_college_football.html
