Clarity

I should clarify, perhaps, how the two items in the previous article are related.

The NCAA is going after players who engage in activities which somehow correlate to them getting paid to play football. As an amateur organization, this is forbidden, and players will be dealt with accordingly (usually ruled ineligible, sometimes after the fact).

The NFL has no minor league or developmental league of any kind. Essentially, they draft players from the college ranks (with a few rare exceptions, defensive tackle Eric Swann comes to mind). With the NFL expanding its regular season to 18 games, and decreasing its preseason games to 2, it will be more difficult to ascertain how valuable these fringe players are on a roster. These fringe players are made up of undrafted rookies, late round picks, and career special teamers.

In order to actually develop these players, evaluate how they play in a professional environment, the NFL will have to develop some sort of minor league system. Having it a separate league entirely, such as the UFL seems troublesome and meddlesome. Every other league plays by rules that are either too different or simply doesn't draw the kind of talent required to garner attention. Expanding the practice squad to full size and have the practice squads play each other seems like a good idea, it could be like the reserve system in European soccer.

Frankly, I don't see why the college players aren't paid if they are making so much money for the school. I realize most of what colleges do simply doesn't make money, at least not real money. Research universities can draw in federal money for research grants. Even in this case the professors and research aides are all paid for their time.

Whatevs, I'm starting to get rambly. Time for me to move to other topics.

-- Knuttel