The NCAA appears to have finally crunched the numbers on its investigations into NIL collectives and determined that the juice simply isn’t worth the squeeze.
According to Pete Nakos of On3 Sports, NCAA president Charlie Baker has informed member schools that the organization is pausing all investigations into NIL collectives in response to the recent preliminary injunction against them.
“In response to this latest order, the Division I Board of Directors directed NCAA enforcement staff to pause not begin investigations involving third-party participation in NIL-related activities. There will be no penalty for conduct that occurs consistent with the injunction while the injunction is in place. I agree with this decision, while the progress toward long-term solutions is underway and while we await discussions with the attorneys general. In circumstances that are less than ideal, this at least gives the membership notice of the board’s direction related to enforcement,” Baker said as part of a lengthy letter.
Baker called on NCAA members to settle potential issues in “a DI meeting room” rather than a courtroom in the event that concerns are raised on their respective campuses.
But college sports fans (and Tennessee fans in particular since their university brought this case about) see the writing on the wall. They all agree that this is just one more battle that the NCAA is conceding on the way to its seemingly-inevitable demise.
“Kneel before Tennessee, you peasants,” one user wrote.
“Now everyone can thank Tennessee…” wrote another.
“Goooood ole Rocky Top… *fist pump* Woo!” a third declared.
It’s feeling more and more over by the week for the NCAA.