(12-30-2021, 10:25 AM)OutsiderFan Wrote: Why should D1 football players get "rewards" athletes playing other sports don't get? I mean every other NCAA sport and level, if you don't make the tournament, your season is over. You don't get to play exhibition games against other teams, go to amusement parks, have karaoke contests, and take home swag.
As I am sure you know, D1 football players get that "reward" because people will pay big money to see them play these games. The NIT exists for a similar reason. Not about players. As far as playing in the bowl game being a "reward", I think players are "socialized" into making a bowl game a reward. Playing in a lower-tier bowl is actually more of a pain in the ass than fun. Getting a bit of "swag" isn't actually worth the time and effort, and the players are realizing that more and more. Nobody will care that you got a ring from the "Who cares" bowl in 2021. However, being "bowl eligible" is a sign of competence. The extra practices make you a better team next year. These benefits are real, and the guys coming back next year know that. It is politic for the players to say they think this is all great, but the opt-outs are a trend. The number of teams that are physically present but that don't actually "show up" is also a trend.
Quote:FCS had I believe 24 teams qualify for playoffs this year. The regular season was played to determine who those 24 would be. Your season was over if you weren't one of them. What's wrong with that?
Nothing, as far as I am concerned. Actually, I kind of liked it when it was Rose Bowl or nothing. However, we aren't going back there as long as the other games make money.
