Own the group chat with The Weekender, highlighting the biggest stories in college sports, standout writing from Eleven Warriors, and a glance at what’s next.
Mayfield feels disrespected
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield had some strong comments about his treatment from the franchise after they acquired Deshaun Watson last month. In an interview with the “Ya Never Know” podcast, Mayfield said he felt “100 percent” disrespected by how the Browns handled the situation.
“I was told one thing and they completely did another,” Mayfield said.
While Mayfield remains a Brown as of today, there are rumblings the Carolina Panthers are interested in the former No. 1 overall pick. One Panther, however, is less than thrilled.
Looks like #Panthers WR Robby Anderson does not want Baker Mayfield pic.twitter.com/2BINflMbsF
— JPA Football (@jpafootball) April 15, 2022
Nick Saban talks NIL
Alabama head coach Nick Saban had some strong comments this week about what’s happening with name, image and likeness benefits in college sports, telling Ralph D. Russo of the Associated Press, “I don’t think what we’re doing right now is a sustainable model.”
“The concept of name, image and likeness was for players to be able to use their name, image and likeness to create opportunities for themselves. That’s what it was,” Saban said. “So last year on our team, our guys probably made as much or more than anybody in the country.”
Paying a player to attend a particular school is still a violation of NCAA rules, but NIL deals have quickly become intertwined with recruiting — both high school prospects and the growing number of college transfers.
“But that creates a situation where you can basically buy players,” Saban said. “You can do it in recruiting. I mean, if that’s what we want college football to be, I don’t know. And you can also get players to get in the transfer portal to see if they can get more someplace else than they can get at your place.”
Saban is the second-high profile college football coach in the last two weeks to raise concerns about college athletes making NIL money, as they were published just days after an interview in which Clemson coach Dabo Swinney compared college football players with Delta baggage handlers.
North Carolina reloads
Fresh off a record 21st Final Four appearance, the North Carolina men's basketball team seems poised to make a run at No. 22 in the 2022-23 season. Frontcourt star Armando Bacot announced Wednesday he is returning for his senior season in Chapel Hill. The 6'10" big man averaged 16.3 points per game and 13.1 rebounds per game while setting an ACC record with 31 double-doubles.
Tar Heel forever pic.twitter.com/lBbbrb0hTT
— Armando Bacot Jr. (@iget_buckets35) April 13, 2022
Fellow starter Leaky Black also announced his return to the Tar Heels to take advantage of his fifth year offered because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Black played in 38 of 39 games for the Heels this past season and averaged 4.9 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.
@UNC_Basketball pic.twitter.com/yi2uoZgT1p
— Rechon Leaky Black (@RechonBlack) April 15, 2022
ICYMI
A Three-Headed Monster at Running Back
Dan Hope takes a look at running back Evan Pryor's spring game performance and how he could play himself into a rotational spot in the backfield in 2022.
LeBeau Wishes He Could Play in Shoe Again
Former Buckeye and NFL great Dick LeBeau wishes he could return to the field in Ohio Stadium just one more time, even if it means losing more teeth.
C.J. Stroud Wears Dwayne Haskins Jersey in Ohio State Spring Game
Griffin Strom details the touching tribute made from one Ohio State quarterback to another in Saturday’s spring game.
