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It has been confirmed that President Trump will establish a commission on college sports, as reported by TheAthletic.com. Nick Saban, the former coach of Alabama, Michigan State, LSU, and the Miami Dolphins, will serve as the co-chair of the commission.
The other co-chair is expected to be a well-known businessman with strong connections to college athletics.
This development may raise concerns for players who have recently obtained the freedoms they were denied for so long. The commission is likely to work towards favoring institutions over the student-athletes who bring in revenue, under the guise of addressing issues within a corrupt system.
Saban’s stance on the matter has been clear. He questioned the priorities of college players, wondering if it was all about making money. This viewpoint is hypocritical, as Saban himself capitalized on financial opportunities as a college and professional coach.
Previously, Saban criticized changes in the college sports landscape, claiming they threatened parity in the sport. In reality, these changes challenged his ability to benefit from a system where his team often dominated.
Saban advocated for adopting NFL-style rules in 2023. However, the NFL’s regulations are the result of negotiations with a union, providing an antitrust exemption that allows for mechanisms like the draft and spending limits.
The union model is seen as the most equitable solution to the current issues. Colleges, on the other hand, aim to restrict player compensation and mobility without involving a union. Saban will play a significant role in influencing Congress to pass legislation that favors colleges, potentially granting them sweeping powers without considering players’ collective bargaining rights.
If successful, Saban may consider returning to coaching, especially if the new rules do not affect his potential earnings or ability to switch schools.