🏅Student-athlete employment hopes just took a big hit

Hey there,

In today’s newsletter, we’ve got business to talk about.

First, we discuss Trump’s decision to let one of the NLRB’s most pro-student-athlete lawyers go, and how it might affect student-athlete employment for the foreseeable future. Then, a crazy Notre Dame NIL event is shaping up with a superstar comedian and legendary rock star. Lastly, we explain what the Ivy League’s decision to opt out of the House Settlement means for their athletics future. It’s all coming up right now!

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— Cole, Justin and Collin

The Big 3

Trump’s NLRB Shakeup has College Sports Ramifications

One of Donald Trump’s first orders of business as President was to get rid of NLRB general counsel Jennifer Abruzzo. Abruzzo, who’s been with the NLRB since 2021, was a huge advocate for student-athletes achieving employee status. 

Abruzzo’s memo in 2021 cleared the path for a variety of initiatives surrounding student-athlete rights. Remember the Dartmouth basketball unionization effort? Well, that happened in large part due to Abruzzo’s leadership. Once Trump was elected, Dartmouth saw the writing on the wall, and withdrew their unionization bid.

Most expect Trump’s presidency to be generally unfavorable to labor, but his campaign signaled a bit of a departure from prior Republican norms. His administration won’t be as labor-friendly as Biden’s, but he’s not exactly winning friends with his current labor secretary nominee. (More)

Bon Jovi & Gillis to Raise NIL for Notre Dame

Two superstars are joining forces to bring in NIL money for Notre Dame. At first, it was comedian Shane Gillis who pledged to perform a show for the school’s NIL collective. Now, legendary rocker Jon Bon Jovi has joined the party. 

On a recent post by The Irish Tribune about Gillis’ idea for a show, Bon Jovi commented “I’m in.” It seems like a comedy show/concert may be on the horizon for fans of the Fightin’ Irish. Here’s the post, you can see his comment by clicking on the link:

It’s not the first time he’s done something like this – Bon Jovi collaborated with the school in the past on a Notre Dame exclusive vinyl record. After recently losing their GM to USC, an event like this could be a huge boost for the Irish. (More)

The Ivy League opts out of the House Settlement

The Ivy League is officially opting out of the House Settlement. The league’s executive director Robin Harris, had this to say:

"This decision to 'not opt in' means the Ivy League and its schools ... will continue to provide an educational intercollegiate athletics model that is focused on academic primacy and the overall student-athlete experience… I firmly believe that the totality of the Ivy League model is a well-rounded experience that will continue to resonate in this evolving and uncertain era of college sports.” 

What’s this mean? Essentially, the Ivy League won’t be able to pay money directly to players, but they won’t need to pay into the House settlement pot either. They’re also not constrained by other somewhat controversial parts of the settlement, like roster limits. (More)

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ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Aneesah Morrow

• School: LSU

• Position: Guard

• Sport: Basketball

• Class: Senior

• Accolades: 

• 2024 All-America Honorable Mention (AP, USBWA, WBCA)

• 2024 First Team All-SEC

• 2023-24 one-time SEC Player of the Week

• 2023-24 one-time National Player of the Week

• 2024 Cheryl Miller Award Finalist

• NIL: Aneesah has become a major player in the NIL space, landing deals with brands like Panini and Outback Steakhouse.

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NIL BLITZ

♦️ Jeremiah Smith will make more next year than Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who left Ohio State as a first round pick in the 2023 NFL draft

♦️ This Ole Miss hooper is using his NIL money to help raise a 16-year old kid 

♦️ Ohio State’s athletics department ran a $37 million deficit last year

♦️ The West Coast Conference thinks that the Power Four conferences are “seizing” decision-making power

♦️ Auburn is playing in the million-dollar Players Era tournament for the next three years

♦️ Livvy Dunne thinks NCAA gymnastics is in a bad place

♦️ If passed, this leaked bill proposal would make scholarships taxable income

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BATTER UP

Today’s Poll Question:

Last Edition’s Poll Results:

Will walk-ons be a thing of the past in five years?

• Yes, unfortunately - 51%

• No, they’re too much of an institution in college sports - 49%