Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, December 16, 2023

14

SPORTSSPORTS

Mountain View News Saturday, December 16, 2023 

 
We understand that when 
we do a job, we hope and 
expect to be paid for the 
work we do. Some of us may 
even get a “bonus” for doing 
extra or special work for assisting the company or business in 
achieving it’s goals. In sports, no one recognizes great talent 
and ability more than I do, BUT.. …How much “appreciation” 
is just too much!?

Football, basketball, baseball, hockey… and now, college 
athletics (a job?) – We have been putting a lot of dollars into 
the hands of these “players.” Not doctors, medical researchers, 
teachers, 

Fifty million a year. How much is that per inning? Or $500,000 
to each player for winning an added tournament during their 
regular season. And now, a 700 million dollar contract for a 
pitcher and pinch hitter with an arm problem. This guy will 
bring publicity to his team and a couple of good stories for TV 
and the sports page. So, who will really pay for these and so 
many other high dollar contracts? Yes, sports 
is big business. They (teams, venues etc) 
must be making money. Congratulations to 
the players and coaches and others who can 
get that kind of money … But these teams 
are not in the business of losing money… 
so who will eventually pay? I guess we will. 

Media people may think it’s great. They get to 
write these stories… and…. They get into games 
free with a media credential anyway so they 
can write these stories. But the rest of us will 
be checking the season’s ticket prices that go up every year. 
How about parking, beverages, food, memorabilia, jerseys, 
programs, popcorn etc. AND for some of us, we will also be 
paying for the chance to watch some of our favorite teams 
on TV. Yep, teams make lots more dollars on television rights 
(networks and cable and streaming) 

Okay, those are the professionals. What about the college 
athlete? The youngsters who are going to school and also 
playing a sport. The “amateur” athletes. Enter: Name Image 
Likeness (NIL) and the PORTAL. No longer does a student get 
into college with an athletic scholarship and a chance for a free 
college degree. Get coaching as a freshman and sophomore, 
practice and training and food, housing to become part of a 
university team program. Working up to the chance to play 
on the first string the junior senior year reaching for victories 
and traditions. 

Now, an unsatisfied player--- underappreciated or over played 
by another at his position—can look elsewhere to play and be 
more appreciated at a different school. There are agents and 
scouts who are looking for just such a player. The word on the 
streets is that it can cost between one and three million dollars 
to “sign” a transfer quarterback to a major program. Other 
positions can take advantage of this option as well. For the 
college athlete… have a great freshman and sophomore year, 
then go “free agency.” Look for the highest bidder. Someone 
will pay. Get NIL also. Look for the program in a city that has 
good media options and appeal for sponsorships. 

Gone are the days I remember when an athlete on scholarship 
could not get anything that was not available to the rest of the 
student body. A free dinner at a restaurant? NO! A trip back 
home to see a dying relative? NO! Free tickets to a game? NO! 
In past days, I did believe some of the rules were unfair. But 
the powers that be have certainly reversed their rulings and 
philosophy regarding amateurs in many sports and levels. 

Do I blame the players? How can I? It seems to be about 
money, making a living, getting paid on all levels. Even high 
school parents are planning their kids next moves toward the 
future through making money. Not getting a great education 
at a great school but how can they manipulate the system to 
get to the bank. Start here, transfer there. For some, school 
and sports may not be just for making friends, being proud 
of from where you graduated. High power players and high 
power dollars are a big deal. 

We’ll watch and see how/when/if the increase is passed on to 
us. Will we need a second job?

Happy Holidays..

Look for me @coachharveyhyde. or Harveyhyde.com 

HUDDLE UP


With HARVEY HYDE

$$$$. 

WHEN IS ENOUGH 
ENOUGH? 


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com