Stop rooting for individual players and pull for your team....

[BreatheUT]

I make sure all my jerseys don't have anyone's name on the back.
My Ole #8, for example, bought a LONG time ago to honor back-to-back SEC-winning QB Andy Kelly, can now be worn in support of Nico Iamaleava.

The jersey was just an example but it does point out a larger issue. It's harder to have a real connection to the players on your favorite team. They are developing a mercenary mindset and as this continues to be fed, it will get worse without changes to laws.

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

Casey Clausen fans may disagree

I suppose that could be true. When Holloway played there weren't names on the back of game jerseys.

 

[tbh]

Going forward I'm keeping my money in my pocket. The players don't have power over me or you if you don't let it dictate your life. Anyone that lives on a budget will make practical decisions about where they invest their money. For me it's not in paying unproven college players for me to have a hope and a dream that the team will have a good year.

Why don't high school players get paid next?

I'm right there with you.

And as far as paying high school players...I think Valdosta (GA) High (and more recently, Colquitt Co. (GA) High) may have had the jump on that 50+ years ago.

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

These players are holding schools hostage. They are discussing this on 104.5FM in Nashville right now with Ramon Foster. Buying a freshman jersey that may not stick around as a sophomore is risky. Buy a senior's jersey like Bru. Caving to these players are a bad precedent for a university. This happened with Jonas Aidoo seemingly every year and then the guy still transfers as a senior.

I'm not going to stop actually rooting for individual players as I do. I've always cared about the team more anyway. If it's a 1 or 2 year support system, so be it. I don't buy any gear anymore other than team apparel.

 

[bpalmer28]

Anyone who has a #7 game jersey without the name is hovering 60

I had one representing Jarod Mayo but left it behind in a divorce

 

[minorvol]

I cheer for the University, not just the players. That said, I recently increased my Volunteer Club donation level because, like it or not, this is the reality of college sports today. I hope it helps. We need high-quality players, and right now, we don’t have enough top-tier talent.

I’ve seen several great suggestions for better places to donate—St. Jude’s, homeless shelters, hurricane relief, church mission trips, etc.—and I completely agree those should take priority. However, if you have the means, perhaps you can support both. I understand not everyone will agree, but my hope is that we can secure enough talent until a cap or level playing field is implemented.

 

[Oldvoldad]

It's not about Aidoo as much as players holding programs hostage year after year.

The university is negotiating with freshman to beg them to stay. It's not just UT. It is everywhere.

The fan base is left with the sh!t show.

Without the **** show, what else we gonna do in the off season. Just lay on the couch naked watching reality TV eating Cheetos?

 

[ftsandersvol]

Stop rooting for individual players and pull for your team...​

Maybe the players should heed your advise.