17. Tie benefits to education
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Insiders (sourced entries)
Mentioned
Swinney (2014, post-graduation annuity); Saban (2026, "nobody talks about" education); David Pollack (2026, fifth-year transfer bonus for graduates).
“But as far as paying players, professionalizing college athletics, that's where you lose me.”
Asked about the Northwestern players' union push, Swinney said he opposed paying players and professionalizing college athletics, and suggested that any improvements, such as a post-graduation annuity or stipend, should be tied to education and graduation.
“Love the last part. Need to incentivize a degree. Out on 1–2. It's not just about the players. Sometimes the coaches do not get it right about a guy. Three years is too long of a lock-in. Two would be great. One-time free transfer”
Responding to Clay Travis's plan, proposed a two-year lock-in, a one-time free transfer, and a transfer-eligible fifth year as a reward for graduating.
“And how much does anybody talk about getting an education anymore? Nobody talks about it at all”
At the White House 'Saving College Sports' roundtable, Saban asked what the guiding principles of college athletics should be. He called for a system, possibly via antitrust legislation, that lets athletes in all sports improve their quality of life while still using college to prepare for life after sports.
