the BigAmateurism monologues

This episode offers some thoughts on freedom and liberty one year after perhaps the most challenging Independence Day in recent American history. I reflect on my blog post from last year and discuss what has changed in revenue-producing athletes’ quest for equal treatment under the law. Athletes have made historic inroads legally and legislatively. Will this progress result in a meaningful and lasting change in how America views athletes’ rights? I discuss the power of freedom of thought and the many ways that the NCAA and its in-system stakeholder-beneficiaries manipulate public opinion to their advantage. In the wake of the Alston decision and fortuitous name, image, and likeness opportunities, the NCAA and Power 5 appear to be employing their propaganda assets for another run at Congress to achieve federal protections and immunities that may threaten the gains of this historic June/July.