See posts below. It has been a jolt.
In this particular incident--and let me be clear, it is just a news blip and unfortunately it is not about a human being--there are two overriding factors.
One, Donaldson is a jock. He had football offers in the 2022 recruiting class from the biggest and best teams, Alabama, Penn State, etc. In March, 2022 he won the Florida state high school championship in his school's class. It is not obvious why he stopped football, but the history shows a trend of bolting when the competition gets too tough. More accurately, he doesn't have so he isn't going to. Basketball in Europe or somewhere, I don't know, but he is likely does not have a viable pro career in either sport. He is good, but not that good.
Second, these guys (and some women) make serious money. Just Google "how much do college basketball players make" and you'll see the sad news. I had no idea; I still don't understand where it comes from and who pays it (although I'll add a little on that). As far as I can tell a player like Donaldson will be paid around $500,000 a year. So, anyone who thinks money isn't a factor for each decent player or major team's players is avoiding the truth. The money seems to come from the school (i.e., their revenue) and the booster and fan collectives. Somehow it is organized and disbursed. It is stunning. I could not imagine making that much money at that age.
It appears Donaldson was not "run out" of Michigan. He was, however, "recruited over." There is no compelling bond or reason to stay at Michigan. He wants the best on-court situation which is tied to money--more need plus ability to pay equals same or better than Michigan.
Donaldson is not a pioneer in terms of free agents or student-athlete rights he is just a blip--one of hundreds this year. Again, with fifteen scholarship basketball rosters there is no known reason to think there is not space. It appears voluntary. Bye.
It is a realization that this is what has happened to amateur (college) sports. It is good to know. I still don't get it entirely--I Googled it, Bryce Underwood, and it is something like $10 million. That is what changed his allegiance. I have no desire to root for him or watch him play.
"Don't feed the troll" is a quote from Olaf Scholz on a different topic and individual and I won't get into that. Sort of like my affection for the Atlanta Braves--I'm just a troll. The games are fun to watch if you can block out the commercials and talking heads and thankfully if you wait a bit that is often possible. For the rest of it, if I want corruption and people who only care about money and themselves, it is easier to watch Dateline.
Times likes this full of chaos and greed serve as reminders. What exactly do you stand for?
I probably can't shake the habit of searching for news as a way to relax on my cellphone. And I am pretty sure if the basketball team is good next year--which is likely--when league games count, I will tune in.
Above is a random quote. I know some law but not that. It seems more about market demand than NIL. I have more research to do and I'd like to see the contract. Does it say we're going to pay you this much and in return we have the unlimited right to your name, image, and likeness?
If I am watching a Michigan game or posting an image here it it because of Michigan and not the athlete. I am not making any money off it. Gosh, if I were better at Photoshop I could take or copy or buy an image of the Maryland game and erase Tre Donaldson.
If someone wants to hire you for a car commercial, fine. That is not the same as a collective formed to pay you.
UCLA--portal #1 approximately Dent $3 million from UCLA and $2 million downpayment.
Fat, drunk, arrested, and fired wasn't enough, what exactly is Denard Robinson complaining about?
Here's a quote from me as imaginary coach: Next!