Video: John Oliver Dissects the Bogus Economics of the NCAA

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Humor • Views: 23,468

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John Oliver continues a string of hits, with this meticulous dissection of the terrible economics of the NCAA — also known as one of the biggest scams in America.

The NCAA doesn’t pay athletes because they consider them amateurs. The NCAA considers them amateurs because they don’t get paid.

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44 comments
1 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)  Mar 16, 2015 11:44:05am

I used to work for the Athletic Department at Northern Arizona University. My job was to keep track of “student athletes” and ensure that they were keeping up a C average and at least 12 credits per semester.

Such a fucking joke.

Shut it down, hire the “student athletes”, include free tuition as part of the compensation package but stop pretending.

2 Lidane  Mar 16, 2015 11:45:13am
3 HappyWarrior  Mar 16, 2015 11:47:30am

re: #2 Lidane

[Embedded content]

He might actually have a shot there- Sam Bradford is made of glass and he wouldn’t have to pass the ball that much with the running game of Murray, Mathews, and Sprioles.

4 The Very Reverend Battleaxe of Knowledge  Mar 16, 2015 11:49:21am

re: #3 HappyWarrior

He might actually have a shot there- Sam Bradford is made of glass and he wouldn’t have to pass the ball that much with the running game of Murray, Mathews, and Sprioles.

I’m sure he’ll lead them to domination, as the invincible Brian Bosworth did the Seahawks.

5 HappyWarrior  Mar 16, 2015 11:50:56am

re: #4 The Very Reverend Battleaxe of Knowledge

I’m sure he’ll lead them to domination, as the invincible Brian Bosworth did the Seahawks.

To the SB from the third string QB spot on the bench!

6 Fourth Football of the Apocalypse  Mar 16, 2015 11:51:34am

Ok, yeah, a billion dollars spent on ads, paper classes, players—I mean student-athletes—going hungry, but Greg Gumbel said that some of this largess went to pay for scholarships, so there’s that.

///

7 HappyWarrior  Mar 16, 2015 11:54:47am

I’ve got no problem with college sports but the focus needs to be on academics first.

8 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)  Mar 16, 2015 11:58:06am

re: #7 HappyWarrior

I’ve got no problem with college sports but the focus needs to be on academics first.

Which is why athletes should just be employees who study part-time, sort of like the way things are done in today’s US military.

9 Blind Frog Belly White  Mar 16, 2015 12:00:15pm

I’m seeing reports that the alleged (possibly confessed) shooter of two Ferguson cops claims he wasn’t even shooting at them, but rather was in an argument with someone else. This may make sense given the other things I’ve heard, like he was 125 yards away with a handgun.

This would take the wind out of the ‘Obama and Holder caused the shootings!” sails, in a rational world. In this one? I’m not holding my breath.

10 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)  Mar 16, 2015 12:02:11pm

re: #9 Blind Frog Belly White

I’m seeing reports that the alleged (possibly confessed) shooter of two Ferguson cops claims he wasn’t even shooting at them, but rather was in an argument with someone else. This may make sense given the other things I’ve heard, like he was 125 yards away with a handgun.

This would take the wind out of the ‘Obama and Holder caused the shootings!” sails, in a rational world. In this one? I’m not holding my breath.

It has fuck all to do with the DOJ report, it is just being spun to distract discussion from the findings in that report.

11 The Mother Of All Pies  Mar 16, 2015 12:02:27pm

re: #9 Blind Frog Belly White

I’m seeing reports that the alleged (possibly confessed) shooter of two Ferguson cops claims he wasn’t even shooting at them, but rather was in an argument with someone else. This may make sense given the other things I’ve heard, like he was 125 yards away with a handgun.

This would take the wind out of the ‘Obama and Holder caused the shootings!” sails, in a rational world. In this one? I’m not holding my breath.

HURR HURR THUGS!!!!1!!!

12 GlutenFreeJesus  Mar 16, 2015 12:03:38pm

re: #9 Blind Frog Belly White

Would like to have a talk with that idiot though.

“Oh. So your reaction to having an argument with someone is to shoot them? You’re not doing yourself or your community any favors.”

13 Blind Frog Belly White  Mar 16, 2015 12:03:56pm

re: #10 Wendell Zurkowitz (slave to the waffle light)

It has fuck all to do with the DOJ report, it is just being spun to distract discussion from the findings in that report.

Of course.

14 Dr. Matt  Mar 16, 2015 12:05:05pm

Since this is a sports-related thread…..He returns:

Report: The Philadelphia Eagles Are Holding A Workout For Tim Tebow

15 b.d.  Mar 16, 2015 12:08:27pm

re: #14 Dr. Matt

Since this is a sports-related thread…..He returns:

Report: The Philadelphia Eagles Are Holding A Workout For Tim Tebow

[Embedded image]

Maybe he can throw a spiral if he throws lambs instead of footballs?

16 jaunte  Mar 16, 2015 12:08:35pm
17 lawhawk  Mar 16, 2015 12:09:19pm

Charles,

You’ve got this listed under Humor, but in reality, it’s business. The NCAA operates as a business - inuring benefit to the member schools and using the work of athletes to further enrich themselves, their staffs, and the athletic departments.

The NCAA likes to talk about student athletes, but the fact is that many of these people aren’t actually taking the student part seriously - to make sure that their athletic obligations are covered.

And when big name schools like UNC Chapel Hill and Syracuse are hit with sanctions (self-imposed or otherwise), over academics, you know the problem is far more widespread than anyone would care to admit.

Schools spend considerably on major stadiums/arenas while classrooms and lecturers are overlooked. Rutgers recently expanded their football stadium, even though the team is going nowhere fast. Priorities. The college figures that alums will want to support the school more if the football team does well.

I might be in the minority, but I make sure that any donations to my alma maters goes to career planning and specific programs - not to athletics, general fund (where it can end up going to support sports rather than academics, etc.)

The saddest bit is that while many may dream of the big payday in the NFL or NBA or even MLB, only a fraction ever make it. Less than 2% make the NFL or NBA (as per the video). It’s horrible odds, and these students who haven’t exactly gotten a proper education at these elite schools, are left with a paper diploma but not much else.

Forcing the NCAA to profit share with the players might be one way to spread the wealth - and begin the process of treating the college sports programs as the minor leagues to the NFL and NBA as they truly are.

18 blueraven  Mar 16, 2015 12:10:11pm

re: #9 Blind Frog Belly White

I’m seeing reports that the alleged (possibly confessed) shooter of two Ferguson cops claims he wasn’t even shooting at them, but rather was in an argument with someone else. This may make sense given the other things I’ve heard, like he was 125 yards away with a handgun.

This would take the wind out of the ‘Obama and Holder caused the shootings!” sails, in a rational world. In this one? I’m not holding my breath.

I don’t really think anyone is buying this. Not LE nor the protest leaders. He cant seem to identify who he had a beef with…claims he was robbed, I believe.

I think he is trying to save his ass a little, by claiming it was accidental…kinda, sorta. Of course I wasn’t aiming at the cops!!
In the end, I dont think it will matter.

He was the shooter. He is responsible. Not Holder. Not Obama. Not the Protesters.

19 HappyWarrior  Mar 16, 2015 12:12:30pm

The people who blame Obama and Holder for the shootings are the same assholes who espoused all sorts of violent rhetoric towards the Feds in the Bundy Ranch case.

20 Mattand  Mar 16, 2015 12:12:48pm

In a perfect world, John Oliver would win the Pulitzer for journalism.

Because at this point, at least as far as TV is concerned, he and his staff are the only ones doing it.

21 b.d.  Mar 16, 2015 12:13:30pm

Tebow getting the QB job would explain why the Eagles decided they needed to spend a bunch of money on a good running back last week.

//

22 Blind Frog Belly White  Mar 16, 2015 12:15:12pm

re: #18 blueraven

I don’t really think anyone is buying this. Not LE nor the protest leaders. He cant seem to identify who he had a beef with…claims he was robbed, I believe.

I think he is trying to save his ass a little, by claiming it was accidental…kinda, sorta. Of course I wasn’t aiming at the cops!!
In the end, I dont think it will matter.

He was the shooter. He is responsible. Not Holder. Not Obama. Not the Protesters.

Time will tell, of course. But it’s funny how the same folks who insist that it’s the criminal who is responsible for the crime are quick to blame Holder and Obama in this case.

And for what? Exposing a corrupt, racist police department. Apparently by doing that, we’ve set race relations back 50 years. The racism and corruption - that’s not the problem. Exposing it - THAT’S the problem.

Sheesh.

23 The Dude Abides  Mar 16, 2015 12:15:47pm

Making a bundle of money on video games of NCAA basketball after the players’ eligibility has expired is just greedy overkill. They’re no longer in college, they’re not “student-athletes” anymore, but we still don’t have to compensate them because we’re the NCAA.
Dicks.

24 Timothy Watson  Mar 16, 2015 12:17:00pm

re: #17 lawhawk

As scrutiny increases on the use of mandatory student fees to pay for athletic programs, a state legislative study indicates Virginia’s public schools and universities are charging significant amounts to make up shortfalls.

Students at Virginia’s state-supported four-year schools had an average of 12 percent of their tuition and fees during the 2012-13 school year plowed into athletic budgets, the study said.

[…]

The General Assembly directed JLARC to study the cost efficiency of the state’s public colleges and universities and identify opportunities to reduce the cost of higher education.

Part of JLARC’s ongoing review found that total athletic spending for state programs has increased $85.9 million in the past six years, with an average growth of 43 percent.

Nationally, subsidies for athletics rose nearly $200 million from 2011 to 2012 for 228 Division I public schools, according to a USA Today study. Only 23 schools made enough money to pay for their athletic programs.

richmond.com

25 Mattand  Mar 16, 2015 12:17:05pm

re: #14 Dr. Matt

Since this is a sports-related thread…..He returns:

Report: The Philadelphia Eagles Are Holding A Workout For Tim Tebow

Embedded Image

Oh, for fuck’s sake…

For those not in the know (which is mostly everyone here), the Eagles’ head coach has made a series of controversial moves recently, one of which was getting rid of their current starting QB in favor of one who is older and more injury prone.

Nothing may come of this, but if Tebow ever plays in Philly, he better put on his big boy jock strap and play perfectly. Because shit like his Jesus salute will be met with, shall we say, colorful local critiquing from both the press and fans.

26 The Mother Of All Pies  Mar 16, 2015 12:17:44pm
27 Justanotherhuman  Mar 16, 2015 12:18:16pm

This is sad, on a couple of levels, one of which the cops first said the athlete was responsible for her own death.

Washington County, Pa., coroner: College basketball player found dead in dorm died from blood cell disorder, not from inhaling chewing gum in her sleep, as police originally reported - @NBCPhiladelphia
read more on nbcphiladelphia.com

28 HappyWarrior  Mar 16, 2015 12:19:44pm

re: #27 Justanotherhuman

This is sad, on a couple of levels, one of which the cops first said the athlete was responsible for her own death.

Washington County, Pa., coroner: College basketball player found dead in dorm died from blood cell disorder, not from inhaling chewing gum in her sleep, as police originally reported - @NBCPhiladelphia
read more on nbcphiladelphia.com

I assume that’s Sickle Cell Amenia. Steelers had a guy with that. He could never travel with the team when they played in Denver due to his condition. It’s a disease that heavily affects the African American community.

29 lawhawk  Mar 16, 2015 12:23:14pm

re: #25 Mattand

Oh, for fuck’s sake…

For those not in the know (which is mostly everyone here), the Eagles’ head coach has made a series of controversial moves recently, one of which was getting rid of their current starting QB in favor of one who is older and more injury prone.

Nothing may come of this, but if Tebow ever plays in Philly, he better put on his big boy jock strap and play perfectly. Because shit like his Jesus salute will be met with, shall we say, colorful local critiquing from both the press and fans.

After all, we’re talking about the same fans who booed and threw snowballs at Santa Claus. Tebow’s going to need more than his big boy shorts. He’s going to need a one-way ticket back to obscurity because he’s done nothing to indicate any proficiency at the pro level as QB.

ESPN throws gas on that fire:

Mind you the only reason that Tebow won that solitary game was that the Steeler defense folded like a cheap suit and blew the coverage. And Sanchez has played on horrible, no good, bad teams ever since 2011.

30 Justanotherhuman  Mar 16, 2015 12:23:36pm

French government uses new powers to block 5 websites said to condone terrorism, without court order - @BBCTech
bbc.com

While I was searching for Greensnow outrage, I did come across this, however.

Glenn Greenwald retweeted
DRUDGE REPORT @DRUDGE_REPORT * 3h 3 hours ago
SNOWDEN: Mass surveillance won’t stop terrorism… drudge.tw

Drudge? Drudge? And now, Sowden is an expert on terrorism?

31 Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 16, 2015 12:25:01pm

oh, dear…

32 wrenchwench  Mar 16, 2015 12:25:53pm

I think this is an anti-sports tweet; it’s at least an anti-racist-mascot tweet:

33 The Mother Of All Pies  Mar 16, 2015 12:25:55pm

re: #30 Justanotherhuman

French government uses new powers to block 5 websites said to condone terrorism, without court order - @BBCTech
bbc.com

While I was searching for Greensnow outrage, I did come across this, however.

Glenn Greenwald retweeted
DRUDGE REPORT @DRUDGE_REPORT * 3h 3 hours ago
SNOWDEN: Mass surveillance won’t stop terrorism… drudge.tw

Drudge? Drudge? And now, Sowden is an expert on terrorism?

TERRISM=TAKING AWAY SNOWDEN’S PASSPORT & NOT LETTING HIM RETURN TO U.S. SO HE CAN HAVE TEH UNLIMITED INTERNETS & NO CONSEQUENCES FOR STEALING

34 HappyWarrior  Mar 16, 2015 12:26:02pm

re: #29 lawhawk

After all, we’re talking about the same fans who booed and threw snowballs at Santa Claus. Tebow’s going to need more than his big boy shorts. He’s going to need a one-way ticket back to obscurity because he’s done nothing to indicate any proficiency at the pro level as QB.

ESPN throws gas on that fire:

[Embedded content]

Mind you the only reason that Tebow won that solitary game was that the Steeler defense folded like a cheap suit and blew the coverage. And Sanchez has played on horrible, no good, bad teams ever since 2011.

They were also heavily injured. Tebow had the game of his life that day but even with that, he still barely completed 50% of his passes. He’s not a good QB. And despite disagreeing with his religious world view, I have no problems with him as a guy at all, he actually seems like a genuinely nice guy but he’s not a NFL calibers starting QB. It’s okay, Tim Tebow fans, few people are. But the Robertsons of the world are convinced that Tebow is “blacklisted” because he’s a Christian which is laughable.

35 Justanotherhuman  Mar 16, 2015 12:27:44pm

re: #31 Backwoods_Sleuth

Well, hopefully he won’t be giving in to the weakness of his penis while doing this…

36 Ace-o-aces  Mar 16, 2015 12:27:52pm

re: #18 blueraven

I don’t really think anyone is buying this. Not LE nor the protest leaders. He cant seem to identify who he had a beef with…claims he was robbed, I believe.

I think he is trying to save his ass a little, by claiming it was accidental…kinda, sorta. Of course I wasn’t aiming at the cops!!
In the end, I dont think it will matter.

He was the shooter. He is responsible. Not Holder. Not Obama. Not the Protesters.

So, his defense is that he was trying to murder someone else. We are not dealing with the sharpest pencil in the pack here.

37 Timothy Watson  Mar 16, 2015 12:28:29pm

re: #36 Ace-o-aces

So, his defense is that he was trying to murder someone else. We are not dealing with the sharpest pencil in the pack here.

Transferred intent, how the frak does that work?

38 Justanotherhuman  Mar 16, 2015 12:29:18pm

I see I called him “Sowden”.

Good enough.

39 Mattand  Mar 16, 2015 12:29:38pm

re: #29 lawhawk

If he plays, and if he does okay, people will let it slide. But the fans will definitely make a mental note of it if his performance takes a dive and he keeps doing that kind of grandstanding.

40 Ace-o-aces  Mar 16, 2015 12:31:37pm

re: #37 Timothy Watson

Transferred intent, how the frak does that work?

Somewhere, a defense lawyer is crying.

41 BlueGrl21  Mar 16, 2015 12:36:15pm

Programs like Kentucky basketball are really a corporation. The players sign up for the exposure and jump to the NBA, the school and the NCAA get their revenue. I am not criticizing this, but let’s not pretend it’s some pure loyalty to the school any more. Unfortunately, those days are gone.

Student athletes need to be paid a stipend. I know the argument…that would penalize the schools without large programs and would hurt women’s sports due to less funding being available. Tough. The NCAA makes millions and millions of dollars. They can figure out how to pay their kids.

42 Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 16, 2015 12:40:02pm
43 sagehen  Mar 16, 2015 12:53:59pm

re: #18 blueraven

I don’t really think anyone is buying this. Not LE nor the protest leaders. He cant seem to identify who he had a beef with…claims he was robbed, I believe.

I think he is trying to save his ass a little, by claiming it was accidental…kinda, sorta. Of course I wasn’t aiming at the cops!!
In the end, I dont think it will matter.

He was the shooter. He is responsible. Not Holder. Not Obama. Not the Protesters.

He was caught by tips from the community; the protesters don’t like him or his actions at all, he’s counter-productive to what they’re trying to accomplish.

44 Jenner7  Mar 16, 2015 1:06:04pm

re: #31 Backwoods_Sleuth

Oh good grief!


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