SEC seeks to stop Michigan from practicing over spring break in Florida

[cigaretteman]

Harbaugh continues to push the envelope. However, I do find the SEC concern for the time demands on athletes quite touching:

The Southeastern Conference is asking for a rule preventing football teams from holding practices during spring break.

The move comes nearly a week after Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said on national signing day that the Wolverines would practice in Florida over spring break starting later this month.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said Tuesday that "intentionally public and prominent" decision seems to be a move in "the wrong direction" amid the talk about easing time demands on athletes.

CBSSports.com first reported the SEC's request presented to the new NCAA Football Oversight Committee, which met on Tuesday.

Sankey says he asked the committee to "place it on their agenda for timely review." He also wants to discuss the issue of spring break practices for other out-of-season sports.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-jim-harbaugh-michigan-sec-20160209-story.html

 

[belezabro]

Alabama just completed a season that stretched from around the first/second week of August through January 11. If "easing time demands" was really a concern, the SEC commish should make a recommendation that a season of such length be under review.

 

[The Tradition]

Oh, wow. The kids would absolutely hate an all-expenses-paid trip to Florida in the springtime. What college kid would want that?

 

[artradley]

Oh, wow. The kids would absolutely hate an all-expenses-paid trip to Florida in the springtime. What college kid would want that?

Actually, I think a lot of them might not be too excited about having the football coach tell them what they need to during spring break. Regardless of the fact that the SEC is not the most credible source for bringing this up, I agree that players ought to have some control over their own lives in the off-season.

 

[The Tradition]

Actually, I think a lot of them might not be too excited about having the football coach tell them what they need to during spring break. Regardless of the fact that the SEC is not the most credible source for bringing this up, I agree that players ought to have some control over their own lives in the off-season.

Uh, you realize these guys WANT more practice because they want to WIN, don't you?

 

[belezabro]

Actually, I think a lot of them might not be too excited about having the football coach tell them what they need to during spring break. Regardless of the fact that the SEC is not the most credible source for bringing this up, I agree that players ought to have some control over their own lives in the off-season.

That does not happen however. The football program owns you year round. Christmas break and for about a week or two after spring semester are about the only times you truly can get away (unless of course your playing in the NC game).

 

[PerkyForHerky]

Actually, I think a lot of them might not be too excited about having the football coach tell them what they need to during spring break. Regardless of the fact that the SEC is not the most credible source for bringing this up, I agree that players ought to have some control over their own lives in the off-season.

I agree somewhat. But college football is a business. You are paid money (tuition, amongst other costs) to play the game. You are essentially an employee. And your employer said you need to come to work. If you don't like it, as with any other job, the option is there to quit.

 

[2bagger22]

That does not happen however. The football program owns you year round. Christmas break and for about a week or two after spring semester are about the only times you truly can get away (unless of course your playing in the NC game).

It's not uncommon to see Iowa football players roaming the beaches of PCB during spring break. They usually start spring practice a week or two following break.

 

[cigaretteman]

I agree somewhat. But college football is a business. You are paid money (tuition, amongst other costs) to play the game. You are essentially an employee. And your employer said you need to come to work. If you don't like it, as with any other job, the option is there to quit.

Shhhhh, don't you let the NCAA hear you calling "student athletes" essentially employees! They'll fight you in court over that!

 

[PerkyForHerky]

Shhhhh, don't you let the NCAA hear you calling "student athletes" essentially employees! They'll fight you in court over that!

Noone likes that word, but everyone would agree one way or another that players have gotten compensation for years for their work. Now, whether or not they need additional or other forms of payment..

 

[KitingHigh]

Shhhhh, don't you let the NCAA hear you calling "student athletes" essentially employees! They'll fight you in court over that!

It's a privledge to play college ball, not a job. If those playing don't like the way it is there is a long line of others more than happy to take their place.

 

[naturalmwa]

I agree somewhat. But college football is a business. You are paid money (tuition, amongst other costs) to play the game. You are essentially an employee. And your employer said you need to come to work. If you don't like it, as with any other job, the option is there to quit.

I like where you're going with this train of thought. We should keep going down this line. I see lots of good that could come by admitting athletes are employees.

 

[The Tradition]

I like where you're going with this train of thought. We should keep going down this line. I see lots of good that could come by admitting athletes are employees.

Yeah, they could file charges of discrimination.

 

[naturalmwa]

Yeah, they could file charges of discrimination.

Its funny that you think civil rights protections are a bad thing. Maybe funny is a bit polite.

 

[The Tradition]

Its funny that you think civil rights protections are a bad thing. Maybe funny is a bit polite.

It's not civil rights protections. It's a legalized shakedown.

 

[hawkssox1]

The SEC commish better circle the wagons around Ole Miss cause the shit is about to hit the fan.

 

[zwick99]

Harbaugh continues to push the envelope. However, I do find the SEC concern for the time demands on athletes quite touching:

The Southeastern Conference is asking for a rule preventing football teams from holding practices during spring break.

The move comes nearly a week after Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said on national signing day that the Wolverines would practice in Florida over spring break starting later this month.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said Tuesday that "intentionally public and prominent" decision seems to be a move in "the wrong direction" amid the talk about easing time demands on athletes.

CBSSports.com first reported the SEC's request presented to the new NCAA Football Oversight Committee, which met on Tuesday.

Sankey says he asked the committee to "place it on their agenda for timely review." He also wants to discuss the issue of spring break practices for other out-of-season sports.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-jim-harbaugh-michigan-sec-20160209-story.html

The SEC has a legit point. The flaw with the SEC is they want a different rule for oversigning. The NCAA should have one set of rules for everyone. NO more BS of SEC teams signing 35 players while B10 teams are signing 25 players. PSU under sanctions could only sign 15. Do you think the SEC signing 35 was a slight advantage?

 

[PerkyForHerky]

I like where you're going with this train of thought. We should keep going down this line. I see lots of good that could come by admitting athletes are employees.

Hell would break loose. But how else would you describe any kind of athlete who receives college assistance based solely off of their athletic involvement? This includes 1AA schools that provide partial tuition, D2/D3 that schools make an extra effort to find relief funding for.

I am 100% opposed to "pay for play" because of the implications it would have on college athletics overall. But, specifically 1A CFB and MBB players as that is the common example, are paid for their hard work. They're paid, it's just in a different manner than after their 4 years are up and in a manner that you and I are used to being compensated for our hard work (obligatory NTTAWWT).

 

[SigMaintHawk]

The SEC commish better circle the wagons around Ole Miss cause the shit is about to hit the fan.

check out what is going on at Tenn...Might need more than wagons....

 

[artradley]

It's a privledge to play college ball, not a job. If those playing don't like the way it is there is a long line of others more than happy to take their place.

It's not a privilege to play football -- the schools are lucky to have kids who will go out there and generate millions of dollars for them, while providing a lively campus experience that helps to recruit other tuition-paying students. It's a 50-50 proposition.

 

[THE_DEVIL]

No one is stopping the SEC from coming up north for spring practice. Fight fire with fire I always say.

 

[hawkssox1]

No one is stopping the SEC from coming up north for spring practice. Fight fire with fire I always say.

I hear Duluth is nice in the Spring.

 

[KitingHigh]

It's not a privilege to play football -- the schools are lucky to have kids who will go out there and generate millions of dollars for them, while providing a lively campus experience that helps to recruit other tuition-paying students. It's a 50-50 proposition.

Did you play? I did, and it certainly is a privledge. Yes, it's hard work, but also a privledge. Most kids are paying for their education. Players are given both an academic education and for some free job training and recruitment for the NFL. Also, yes, football does bring in revenue, but the school isn't getting rich off of it. That money is used to fund facility improvements and other non revenue sports and provide scholarships for student athletes. The student athletes are the beneficiaries.

 

[KitingHigh]

Did you play? I did, and it certainly is a privledge. Yes, it's hard work, but also a privledge. Most kids are paying for their education. Players are given both an academic education and for some free job training and recruitment for the NFL. Also, yes, football does bring in revenue, but the school isn't getting rich off of it. That money is used to fund facility improvements and other non revenue sports and provide scholarships for student athletes. The student athletes are the beneficiaries.

And like I said, there are millions of kids that wish they could play college ball, that aren't given the opportunity.

 

[naturalmwa]

Hell would break loose. But how else would you describe any kind of athlete who receives college assistance based solely off of their athletic involvement? This includes 1AA schools that provide partial tuition, D2/D3 that schools make an extra effort to find relief funding for.

I am 100% opposed to "pay for play" because of the implications it would have on college athletics overall. But, specifically 1A CFB and MBB players as that is the common example, are paid for their hard work. They're paid, it's just in a different manner than after their 4 years are up and in a manner that you and I are used to being compensated for our hard work (obligatory NTTAWWT).

I forget what the court or NCAA calls them, but I'm ok with calling them employees and giving them a pay raise.

 

[artradley]

Did you play? I did, and it certainly is a privledge. Yes, it's hard work, but also a privledge. Most kids are paying for their education. Players are given both an academic education and for some free job training and recruitment for the NFL. Also, yes, football does bring in revenue, but the school isn't getting rich off of it. That money is used to fund facility improvements and other non revenue sports and provide scholarships for student athletes. The student athletes are the beneficiaries.

I'm not sure how the school isn't getting rich from it. It's not like a university is going to snort blow and kill hookers -- it uses the money in ways that benefit the college.

I only played in high school, my son played some in college and a nephew played in college. As a parent I never agreed with the argument that the school was somehow doing kids a favor by letting them play sports, any more than they're doing them a favor by "letting" them attend class. I know a lot of people believe this is the case, and I believe they're all looking at it wrong.

I will say this. If the coach starts out with a specific schedule that specifies when kids have to do what, which includes any off-season obligations, then once you've signed up for it you are committed. However, to suddenly tell them they have do training - out of state - during Spring Break I think is onerous on the kids and their families. A lot of these kids live a long way from their college, and the only time they have to spend with their family are these breaks. It's not fair to take it away from them. Telling them they are ungrateful if they don't accept anything that gets thrown at them is, imo, the peak of arrogance.

 

[KitingHigh]

I'm not sure how the school isn't getting rich from it. It's not like a university is going to snort blow and kill hookers -- it uses the money in ways that benefit the college.

I only played in high school, my son played some in college and a nephew played in college. As a parent I never agreed with the argument that the school was somehow doing kids a favor by letting them play sports, any more than they're doing them a favor by "letting" them attend class. I know a lot of people believe this is the case, and I believe they're all looking at it wrong.

I will say this. If the coach starts out with a specific schedule that specifies when kids have to do what, which includes any off-season obligations, then once you've signed up for it you are committed. However, to suddenly tell them they have do training - out of state - during Spring Break I think is onerous on the kids and their families. A lot of these kids live a long way from their college, and the only time they have to spend with their family are these breaks. It's not fair to take it away from them. Telling them they are ungrateful if they don't accept anything that gets thrown at them is, imo, the peak of arrogance.

You are missing the fact that Michigan is t doing this to put extra work on the players. They are using it to give them an all expense paid trip to Florida and as a recruiting tool. The SEC is fighting it because they don't want Michigan encroaching on their recruiting turf.

This isn't about time spent practicing.

 

[The Tradition]

I'm not sure how the school isn't getting rich from it. It's not like a university is going to snort blow and kill hookers -- it uses the money in ways that benefit the college.

I only played in high school, my son played some in college and a nephew played in college. As a parent I never agreed with the argument that the school was somehow doing kids a favor by letting them play sports, any more than they're doing them a favor by "letting" them attend class. I know a lot of people believe this is the case, and I believe they're all looking at it wrong.

I will say this. If the coach starts out with a specific schedule that specifies when kids have to do what, which includes any off-season obligations, then once you've signed up for it you are committed. However, to suddenly tell them they have do training - out of state - during Spring Break I think is onerous on the kids and their families. A lot of these kids live a long way from their college, and the only time they have to spend with their family are these breaks. It's not fair to take it away from them. Telling them they are ungrateful if they don't accept anything that gets thrown at them is, imo, the peak of arrogance.

Most schools lose money on their football programs. But they reap marketing and reputation benefits that make up for the financial drain.

 

[hawkssox1]

I'm not sure how the school isn't getting rich from it. It's not like a university is going to snort blow and kill hookers -- it uses the money in ways that benefit the college.

I only played in high school, my son played some in college and a nephew played in college. As a parent I never agreed with the argument that the school was somehow doing kids a favor by letting them play sports, any more than they're doing them a favor by "letting" them attend class. I know a lot of people believe this is the case, and I believe they're all looking at it wrong.

I will say this. If the coach starts out with a specific schedule that specifies when kids have to do what, which includes any off-season obligations, then once you've signed up for it you are committed. However, to suddenly tell them they have do training - out of state - during Spring Break I think is onerous on the kids and their families. A lot of these kids live a long way from their college, and the only time they have to spend with their family are these breaks. It's not fair to take it away from them. Telling them they are ungrateful if they don't accept anything that gets thrown at them is, imo, the peak of arrogance.

Baseball teams have been going south forever what the h is the difference?

 

[cigaretteman]

Baseball teams have been going south forever what the h is the difference?

They go south during the regular season to compete in games and tournaments, not to conduct Spring practice during spring break.

 

[joelbc1]

Oh, wow. The kids would absolutely hate an all-expenses-paid trip to Florida in the springtime. What college kid would want that?

If it makes any SEC team feel better......I bet they could come to Iowa and practice during their "spring break".....just to keep things equal.

 

[artradley]

You are missing the fact that Michigan is t doing this to put extra work on the players. They are using it to give them an all expense paid trip to Florida and as a recruiting tool. The SEC is fighting it because they don't want Michigan encroaching on their recruiting turf.

This isn't about time spent practicing.

Is it voluntary? If it is, then that's different.

 

[thewop]

Classic SEC Whining. If Michigan had a more desirable climate than Alabama, they'd have no issue with it.

They've never had an issue with Baseball or Rowing teams going south for spring break, so the timing seems VERY suspicious to become concerned with the student's well-being.

BTW - Harbaugh wins, he's got the SEC and everyone else talking about him and Michigan in February.

 

[joelbc1]

You are missing the fact that Michigan is t doing this to put extra work on the players. They are using it to give them an all expense paid trip to Florida and as a recruiting tool. The SEC is fighting it because they don't want Michigan encroaching on their recruiting turf.

This isn't about time spent practicing.

Really? Damn....IIf this is the case, I'm a little surprised the SEC didn't think of it first. 'Cause you do know that in the SEC, if you're not cheatin' you're not tryin'!

 

[thewop]

They go south during the regular season to compete in games and tournaments, not to conduct Spring practice during spring break.

Same difference though, since the southern schools actually play many more regular season games than the Northern teams due to weather. I wonder if their complaint included that as well. The SEC is nothing more than a laughing stock with this move.

 

[SigMaintHawk]

Classic SEC Whining. If Michigan had a more desirable climate than Alabama, they'd have no issue with it.

They've never had an issue with Baseball or Rowing teams going south for spring break, so the timing seems VERY suspicious to become concerned with the student's well-being.

BTW - Harbaugh wins, he's got the SEC and everyone else talking about him and Michigan in February.

He is also making some smart staff moves..He has created 2 jobs recently for a coach from Prattville, Al and is in the process of hiring the HC from Miami-Flannagan high..He has signed a few players from each of these schools recently..Including the Flannagan coaches son this past cycle..

 

[thewop]

He is also making some smart staff moves..He has created 2 jobs recently for a coach from Prattville, Al and is in the process of hiring the HC from Miami-Flannagan high..He has signed a few players from each of these schools recently..Including the Flannagan coaches son this past cycle..

Yea, OSU has pulled that before too. To me, that's a lot more shady than things like satellite camps and remote spring practices, but it's not illegal. I'm sure the SEC has no problem with that though, because I'm sure they're doing all that and more.

 

[hawkssox1]

They go south during the regular season to compete in games and tournaments, not to conduct Spring practice during spring break.

BS they go south to play games in warm weather.