Coming to terms with the portal, NIL, and VFLs.

[SpaceCoastVol]

I was having a discussion this morning with a young Vol fan, and it really kind of hit me that I am having to come to terms with what the portal and NIL are doing to college sports. First of all, this isn't a whining post, but more of an acceptance and I would really like to hear from some of you other long time Vols fans. My post is somewhat cathartic, so I apologize for the length.

So here goes: NIL is here to stay. It is a fact that college football (in particular) is now a professional sport. The question in my mind is: does the acceptance of NIL money bind a player to a particular team? I am guessing that the OSU QB either doesn't have any NIL money in his account, or it does not in fact commit those athletes to the team for which he/she has taken money to play. If the latter is the case, the stupidity of 'fans' is almost laughable. (remember Patriots fans running a GoFund Me for Brady's legal fees in inflate gate?). Could Nico (for example) have gotten $X million to grace us with his presence, and hit the portal next year with no financial penalty? I would like to think that the Spyre Group would not have handed anyone a blank check without a contract of sorts, but as I said the stupidity of 'fans' is mind boggling sometimes.

The second point of conversation was the portal. I know we are all watching with bated breath as to what kind of secondary we are going to have in the bowl game as the majority have hit the portal. What does that mean going forward for coaches and fans? Are bowl games really becoming that meaningless for our players? I find that extremely sad as I always looked forward to seeing the Big Orange playing a quality OOC opponent even if it didn't mean a shot at the NC. Maybe the money and hype that are foisted on the CFP is so overwhelming that they should do away with all the other bowl games. (I HATE the thought of that however). But what does the portal do with regard to VFLs? At the Vandy game, a friend and I were watching the seniors run thru the T and he commented about how many of them were only here a year. It didn't feel the same way as in years past when you had players that had been here 3-4 years. Don't get me wrong here, I was very appreciative of the players that were here, but not in the same way as when Peyton or Billy Ratliff or Fuad ran thru the T. So how many true VFLs will we have going forward?

I apologize for the length and I hope this generates some discussion,

 

[hog88]

NIL deals cannot be tied to attending a certain university, play or performance per the rules.

 

[LouderVol]

NIL as of yet doesn't include any contract. I would imagine the collectives don't give out the full amount up front, or at least they would be dumb too. I always thought if Spyre "gave" Nico 8 million, it was structured to be 2 million per year.

as for the VFL argument I guess it comes down to personal interpretation. I would figure you only "claim" someone who finished their career at UT, but could maybe see an exception for someone who graduated and then went on to play a year elsewhere. And for me it comes down to what kind of player are they at UT, which can be tough to judge. do they show up everyday, work hard, play hard, good team mate, and stay out of trouble? Even if its for only 1 year I have a hard time taking something away from that guy. I think 2 years you definitely should include them as a VFL, Hooker was only here for 2 and I would hope he is considered a VFL.

 

[Voltopia]

Friend, this has been hashed to the moon and back on the forums many times, especially in the last week. I'm not saying that to discourage you or belittle your post, but just to let you know this has been argued and debated and discussed in many other threads.

As for your questions, I think you know the answer. "VFL" is marketing. All the things about being a Volunteer, or the Volunteers spirit, it's marketing for the business. It can mean as much or as little as you want it to for yourself, but it would be unwise to assume anything beyond that. And perhaps it's not so new as we might want to think. I mean, hell, "Big Orange Country" was marketing to get butts in seats too, after all. It's just more obvious and upfront now.

Bowl games don't matter, not at all. The playoff has seen to that. No need to dwell on it. Or invest in them.

As for the seniors running through the T, there was a comment in one of those threads I mentioned that asserted that no one thinks about these players in the context of school anyway, and that the only thing people care about is winning on the field. So. I confess that floored me - but it seems to be the way of things for many people now. It had never occurred to me to not to think of these guys as students at the school - in fact it rather seemed the point, or so I thought - but perhaps all that has passed us by.

The reality is this. They are happy to take whatever you are happy to give. Beyond that? Caveat emptor.

 

[SpaceCoastVol]

Friend, this has been hashed to the moon and back on the forums many times, especially in the last week. I'm not saying that to discourage you or belittle your post, but just to let you know this has been argued and debated and discussed in many other threads.

As for your questions, I think you know the answer. "VFL" is marketing. All the things about being a Volunteer, or the Volunteers spirit, it's marketing for the business. It can mean as much or as little as you want it to for yourself, but it would be unwise to assume anything beyond that. And perhaps it's not so new as we might want to think. I mean, hell, "Big Orange Country" was marketing to get butts in seats too, after all. It's just more obvious and upfront now.

Bowl games don't matter, not at all. The playoff has seen to that. No need to dwell on it. Or invest in them.

As for the seniors running through the T, there was a comment in one of those threads I mentioned that asserted that no one thinks about these players in the context of school anyway, and that the only thing people care about is winning on the field. So. I confess that floored me - but it seems to be the way of things for many people now. It had never occurred to me to not to think of these guys as students at the school - in fact it rather seemed the point, or so I thought - but perhaps all that has passed us by.

The reality is this. They are happy to take whatever you are happy to give. Beyond that? Caveat emptor.

I get your statement about VFL. However, it seems to have taken on another meaning which I happily apply to players like those I mentioned in my post.

Will you watch our bowl game? Being that it is meaningless and all....

You seem to have descended into the abyss which I am still clinging to the hope I can avoid. I guess it is a new world.

 

[Voltopia]

I get your statement about VFL. However, it seems to have taken on another meaning which I happily apply to players like those I mentioned in my post.

Will you watch our bowl game? Being that it is meaningless and all....

You seem to have descended into the abyss which I am still clinging to the hope I can avoid. I guess it is a new world.

I wouldn't call it the abyss. It's just where we are. If you want to consider "VFL" to mean something to you, that's great. I do think of some of the players in the past as being all orange, athletes who really made themselves part of the community and the school, but I'm skeptical that today's that players, who will come and go year to year, have any investment in that. And I don't know what other meaning it could have than "Vol For Life," but, again, without the dedication to be a part of the environment for four years, I don't know what that meaning would be exactly.

I never said I wouldn't watch the bowl. I said bowl games don't matter anymore, which they basically don't. No one remember your team next year unless it was in the playoffs (or is a midmajor like Tulane beating USC, I suppose). When teams have 4-6 starters (or even more?) sitting out their bowl games, and and when the results of the game don't really impact anyone's post-season perception of your team, I don't think they're anything to worry about. So I'll watch, but I won't worry too much if they win or lose. That's why I said I wouldn't invest in them. It's just for fun. A chance to see new guys get some touches, maybe.

It is a new world, but I don't think it's fair to characterize me as being in the abyss. I think I just see a widening gulf of hypocrisy between the decades of "student-athlete" messaging of the major college sports, versus their modern realities. Although I guess in all fairness, the presentation has rapidly approached that of other professional sports, so ... here we are. And here we're going to be.

 

[jcvols24]

You can transfer here and end up a VFL. Hooker, among many others, has proven that. Once you decide to transfer away from Tennessee, however, your VFL status is in jeopardy. There can be certain instances where you wouldn't lose this status, generally from something out of your control, but not many. In most cases, turning your back on the Vols in favor of another team is paramount to forfeiting VFL status. True VFL's would never betray the team. Don't get me started on transferring to one of our rivals. That's public enemy #1 status.

 

[SpaceCoastVol]

I wouldn't call it the abyss. It's just where we are. If you want to consider "VFL" to mean something to you, that's great. I do think of some of the players in the past as being all orange, athletes who really made themselves part of the community and the school, but I'm skeptical that today's that players, who will come and go year to year, have any investment in that. And I don't know what other meaning it could have than "Vol For Life," but, again, without the dedication to be a part of the environment for four years, I don't know what that meaning would be exactly.

I never said I wouldn't watch the bowl. I said bowl games don't matter anymore, which they basically don't. No one remember your team next year unless it was in the playoffs (or is a midmajor like Tulane beating USC, I suppose). When teams have 4-6 starters (or even more?) sitting out their bowl games, and and when the results of the game don't really impact anyone's post-season perception of your team, I don't think they're anything to worry about. So I'll watch, but I won't worry too much if they win or lose. That's why I said I wouldn't invest in them. It's just for fun. A chance to see new guys get some touches, maybe.

It is a new world, but I don't think it's fair to characterize me as being in the abyss. I think I just see a widening gulf of hypocrisy between the decades of "student-athlete" messaging of the major college sports, versus their modern realities. Although I guess in all fairness, the presentation has rapidly approached that of other professional sports, so ... here we are. And here we're going to be.

That's fair I guess. I don't think they have to be here all four years or even three. I think Hendon Hooker could be a VFL, as well as JM3. Bru? Maybe. Tyler Baron? Even if he comes back, I feel like we are an after thought and that he really doesn't see his time here as anything more than a step to somewhere else. See what I am getting at? Take basketball..... Zakai is a VFL without a doubt. Julian Philipps? naah. ZZ will always get standing Os when he shows up at an event. I think Bru will when he shows up to a game, but will Baron? I'm sure he will get respect for his play on the field, but imho he will never be even close to Al Wilson or Reggie or....... To me those guys are VFLs. Maybe it comes down to how you are received at Neyland 10 years after you leave.

The bowl matters to me. I don't care whether anybody in Oregon or Wyoming remembers us next year. I'll bet the folks in Iowa will one way or the other. You can't honestly tell me that you don't care if we lose though. I don't buy that at all. But yeah your point is taken regarding all the opt outs etc.

If anything, the gulf of hypocrisy is being bridged. They are no longer student-athletes. They are professionals. That is without doubt. I'm just glad Johnny and The General aren't here to see it.

Thanks for the discussion.

 

[SpaceCoastVol]

You can transfer here and end up a VFL. Hooker, among many others, has proven that. Once you decide to transfer away from Tennessee, however, your VFL status is in jeopardy. There can be certain instances where you wouldn't lose this status, generally from something out of your control, but not many. In most cases, turning your back on the Vols in favor of another team is paramount to forfeiting VFL status. True VFL's would never betray the team. Don't get me started on transferring to one of our rivals. That's public enemy #1 status.

Who'o who'o could you be referring to?

 

[hog88]

That's fair I guess. I don't think they have to be here all four years or even three. I think Hendon Hooker could be a VFL, as well as JM3. Bru? Maybe. Tyler Baron? Even if he comes back, I feel like we are an after thought and that he really doesn't see his time here as anything more than a step to somewhere else. See what I am getting at? Take basketball..... Zakai is a VFL without a doubt. Julian Philipps? naah. ZZ will always get standing Os when he shows up at an event. I think Bru will when he shows up to a game, but will Baron? I'm sure he will get respect for his play on the field, but imho he will never be even close to Al Wilson or Reggie or....... To me those guys are VFLs. Maybe it comes down to how you are received at Neyland 10 years after you leave.

The bowl matters to me. I don't care whether anybody in Oregon or Wyoming remembers us next year. I'll bet the folks in Iowa will one way or the other. You can't honestly tell me that you don't care if we lose though. I don't buy that at all. But yeah your point is taken regarding all the opt outs etc.

If anything, the gulf of hypocrisy is being bridged. They are no longer student-athletes. They are professionals. That is without doubt. I'm just glad Johnny and The General aren't here to see it.

Thanks for the discussion.

Johnny’s players got paid.

 

[Raebo]

I get your statement about VFL. However, it seems to have taken on another meaning which I happily apply to players like those I mentioned in my post.

Will you watch our bowl game? Being that it is meaningless and all....

You seem to have descended into the abyss which I am still clinging to the hope I can avoid. I guess it is a new world.

I am addicted to college football, especially watching Tennessee. The bowl game is not "meaningless" because it feeds my addiction. Bottom line though it means money for the schools/conferences/broadcasters/sponsers and coaches like it for the extra practice to get ready for next year and it helps recruiting. Other than those things in reality they don't mean anything else. I guess most of the players like it because they enjoy the game and it is the last game for many of them. Other than the above they are no more meaningful than a rowing event or wrestling etc. which I couldn't care less about.

 

[DukeDaisySam]

You can transfer here and end up a VFL. Hooker, among many others, has proven that. Once you decide to transfer away from Tennessee, however, your VFL status is in jeopardy. There can be certain instances where you wouldn't lose this status, generally from something out of your control, but not many. In most cases, turning your back on the Vols in favor of another team is paramount to forfeiting VFL status. True VFL's would never betray the team. Don't get me started on transferring to one of our rivals. That's public enemy #1 status.

Do you think the players really care about a VFL status?

 

[volfanhill]

Do you think the players really care about a VFL status?

I'm trying to figure out why we use it. It was a stupid program poorly created by a loser HC

 

[LouderVol]

I am addicted to college football, especially watching Tennessee. The bowl game is not "meaningless" because it feeds my addiction. Bottom line though it means money for the schools/conferences/broadcasters/sponsers and coaches like it for the extra practice to get ready for next year and it helps recruiting. Other than those things in reality they don't mean anything else. I guess most of the players like it because they enjoy the game and it is the last game for many of them. Other than the above they are no more meaningful than a rowing event or wrestling etc. which I couldn't care less about.

I agree. I have never understood the "bowls are meaningless now" group. they have always been meaningless. they didn't mean more because they were fewer. they meant more back in the day because you didn't get to watch every game on TV, but there was a better chance your bowl game was on TV. so if you were a fan of a team or the sport in general it mattered.

I love watching college football, I would watch bowl games into June or July if they existed. The 8 months without D1 college football suck. and the "meaningless" bowl games make sure its not 9 months without college football. Not only do they provide money and exposure, but you also get 15 extra practices, and with all the opt outs its also a chance to get your young guys playing time. so you are prepping for the next season. you can also try out new/different things. and generally speaking its also the best OOC game you are going to play in the year.

 

[SpaceCoastVol]

Do you think the players really care about a VFL status?

Nah. They all just want to get paid.


Is that correct?

 

[BreatheUT]

As I'm watching this Georgia Southern vs Ohio game, it hit me that if you are a fan of a successful small school then you better not get to comfortable with your best player/s. Ohio has had players enter the portal probably for a offer to a bigger program for NIL potential.

This can decimate a small program that has spent years developing guys into good players only to possibly be tampered with. I can understand Debo's tampering complaint but mostly for small schools. The fans get robbed.

 

[BreatheUT]

Joey Galloway just called the portal a circus act. I agree. What a mess that's been created.