Can I Have Your Autograph?

The autograph controversy is getting out of hand.  In less than a week, two top players, last year's Heisman trophy winner and a front runner for this year's award, are both linked to an autograph authenticator.  James Spence Authentication has verified over 500 Todd Gurley autographs and over 900 Jameis Winston autographs.  Gurley supposedly received $400-500 to sign on one occasion.  One unnamed source on the internet claims that Gurley was paid thousands for autographs and game equipment.  No one has come forward with evidence of Winston being paid yet.

Here is the major problem.  Even though these guys know the rules and know that taking any money puts their eligibility at risk they shouldn't take all the blame.  These dealers and brokers hand these guys money to sign stuff knowing they're not going to turn it down.  The players take all the risk and the dealers get all the rewards.  There should be some way to hold these people accountable but there isn't.  It's a great business plan, as popular as college football is they know the memorabilia will sell.  The only thing that truly makes sense is for the NCAA to loosen their grip on these players so they can reap some rewards for their popularity. 

I do still believe that the players should have the sense to stay out of trouble.  Maybe it is time for the rules to change.

Todd Gurley's Greed

According to georgiadogs.com Todd Gurley has been suspended indefinitely.  Speculation is already running rampant across the internet that it could be from accepting money for memorabilia and autographs. We've heard this story before,  Johnny Football last year and of course the Ohio State players a couple years back.  It's another example of one players greed screwing things up for the rest of their team.  Gurley is a heisman front runner and a virtual lock for a high first round draft pick. Now if he remains suspended the heisman chances are gone and the chances are that the Bulldogs won't be as good without him. If he could only wait a few months he will get paid millions but he couldn't wait.  He was greedy and he was stupid.  Did he not think that this would get out?  Did he not think that someone would talk.  He was greedy enough to sell his autograph or whatever for money so of course someone will gladly sell the story of what they saw.  It'll be ok though he'll still get drafted, he'll still get paid so why should he worry about his teammates or his fans?