Georgia football head coach Kirby Smart recently shared his thoughts on the current state of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in college sports, calling on Congress to take action. In a candid conversation with Paul Finebaum, Smart expressed his concerns about the lack of regulations surrounding NIL, citing both positives and negatives.
Smart acknowledges the benefits of NIL, allowing players to earn compensation for their talents. However, he emphasizes the need for a sustainable structure to prevent imbalance and potential harm to non-revenue sports. “We’re all in a good place for compensating players… We just want it to be in a way that’s sustainable,” Smart said.
Smart’s primary concerns include ensuring freshmen don’t earn more than seniors, maintaining a fair dynamic within teams, and preventing schools from cutting non-revenue sports due to financial demands. He also notes that the NIL landscape is filled with misinformation, making it challenging for schools to navigate.
Smart’s comments highlight the complexities of the current college sports landscape. As Congress considers potential regulations, Smart urges caution, noting that change won’t happen quickly. With the House settlement decision looming, college sports are at a crossroads, and coaches like Smart are advocating for a more structured approach.
