the BigAmateurism monologues

On June 30th at 4:20 PM, the NCAA issued a press release announcing that NCAA athletes nationwide would be allowed to make money from their name, image, and likeness. While presented as an NCAA Division I Board of Director’s action, Emmert was the featured spokesman. Emmert said, “This is an important day for college athletes since they all are now able to take advantage of name, image, and likeness opportunities.” This “important day” for college athletes arrived despite Emmert, not because of him. The press release suggested NCAA unanimity on its “interim” action. This episode analyzes the NCAA statement and the dysfunctional, incestuous NCAA governance structure that is designed to protect the financial and institutional interests of the Power 5 conferences and the NCAA national office.