Geo Baker In The News

[LOU-RU85]

It’s unfortunate he brought politics into his dialogue. I hope he learns from this. He’s still young.

 

[kcg88]

Right but were back to the main point. We gotta stop pretending theyre not being compensated. They are and handsomely. A fully scholly has a value of over $300k. These kids also have discretionary spending available through stipends. Free education, food, housing, training, medical, etc.

And then post grad they dont have 4-figure monthly student loan payments. And 6 figure principal obligation. And again, wherher it was geo baker or john smith play point, wed be watching the games. The individual players have little value

I agree with that and I even said the comparison to slavery was stupid and undercuts the rest of his argument. They do get compensated, the question is whether the compensation is fair which is it clearly not.

I suppose you could make the argument that the women's track and field athlete with access to the food, facilities, etc is also unfair compensation the other way, in that they're getting a great deal and the school is getting the raw end. But I would say that a) almost all athletes past the top sports are on partial scholarships, and b) I'm not that upset about the school taking a "bad" deal to sponsor sports that don't make any money because having a robust athletics program should be a net positive overall even if it loses some money.

"And again, wherher it was geo baker or john smith play point, wed be watching the games. The individual players have little value" You're not *wrong* but I still hate this argument. I would watch whether Pat Hobbs or John Smith was the AD, so why is Pat Hobbs getting $600k a year? The players are still the ones doing the actual labor here.

 

[REDRICH65]

Big mistake, Geo, of not recognizing the Black privilege you are part of in college sports. Or maybe you’d like to graduate with $$$$ of debt to pay.

 

[RUBOB72]

Because of what theyre getting in return. Do you know the benefit of not graduating with 6 figures in student debt and 4 figures of monthly student debt payments? These kids are out of touch

Kyk1827 some of these posters will never understand that it is about all students not simply the high athlete . Athletes over the past 35-40 years have been coddled and spoiled by not only coaches but the parents as well. Even if a kid came from a dirt poor environment I maintain he or she is awarded many perks which the average student will never see. And many of those students bust their arse to reach their academic goals not on a Football Field or Basketball Court. During the summer discord Geo also inserted his views .There were some who did not agree then and still do not agree now.

 

[bethlehemfan]

I worked as a construction laborer full time in the summer and 3-4 days a week during school to get through college. I dreamed of a basketball scholarship.

 

[RUsojo]

I worked as a construction laborer full time in the summer and 3-4 days a week during school to get through college. I dreamed of a basketball scholarship.

What’s your point?

 

[RUTRINI_rivals]

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/rutgers-geo-baker-ncaa-amateurism?yptr=yahoo

https://sports.yahoo.com/rutgers-se...etes-rights-modern-day-slavery-204529327.html

Why are folks offended? When have you walked in Geo's shoes? Is it so hard to appreciate what Geo is saying without being offended? You do realize that college athletes have a very unique perspective relative to the average student and when they realize that all the work and achievements during their time in college benefits someone else from a financial standpoint, it makes sense for them to question the system. Has Slavery ended in the USA? Yes! Does the principle of Slavery remain in other forms today today? You can answer that question...

 

[Anon1751594821]

Also a kick in the nads to all those who donated money to the program.

again i understand, in a small way, where he is coming from.....but hate the words.

if one did an analysis, which would be very subjective, does Rutgers actually turn a profit because of Geo?

I don’t know if Rutgers basketball turns a profit.

now Pikiell making $3,000,000......

that is a real thing for a player to have a beef with

I am for a free market system, but I have believed that coaches should be capped at let's say $1.5 million dollars a year, no matter if you are Pikiell, Calipari or Saban or anyone. If they can't live with that or don't like it, they should go to the pros or join another business. This would cut out a bunch of the cheating........

Best of Luck,
Groz

 

[kcg88]

I worked as a construction laborer full time in the summer and 3-4 days a week during school to get through college. I dreamed of a basketball scholarship.

And if you got one you'd have every right to be happy with the deal you'd be getting. It doesn't mean Geo or anyone has to be happy with the same deal.

Meanwhile the student on an academic scholarship is free to sell his services as a tutor, but Baker can't offer private basketball coaching for $.

 

[RUfaninMIA]

The only reason there is any money in college athletics is because of the college, once you subtract the schools from the equation there is almost no money. How many of these guys after years of college training will get in to the NBA development league, and how profitable is that league, how many diehard fans are out bidding on player merch for the development league guys?

And everyone’s salary is reduced by the shared cost of the overhead of the business and every top performing division subsidizes other divisions, always, and easily replaceable employees don’t get significant raises.

 

[anon_0k9zlfz6lz9oy]

I agree with that and I even said the comparison to slavery was stupid and undercuts the rest of his argument. They do get compensated, the question is whether the compensation is fair which is it clearly not.

I suppose you could make the argument that the women's track and field athlete with access to the food, facilities, etc is also unfair compensation the other way, in that they're getting a great deal and the school is getting the raw end. But I would say that a) almost all athletes past the top sports are on partial scholarships, and b) I'm not that upset about the school taking a "bad" deal to sponsor sports that don't make any money because having a robust athletics program should be a net positive overall even if it loses some money.

"And again, wherher it was geo baker or john smith play point, wed be watching the games. The individual players have little value" You're not *wrong* but I still hate this argument. I would watch whether Pat Hobbs or John Smith was the AD, so why is Pat Hobbs getting $600k a year? The players are still the ones doing the actual labor here.

We agree on alot here.

1) the players are being compensated
2) they have a pretty good deal
3) they could have a better deal

Here’s the thing. If I was Alabama, id be alllllll for NIL as if recognize that itd just legalize us paying players and we have deeeeeeep pockets of donors to pool money and pay players. But were Rutgers, our players would get very little $ and wed have an even tougher time landing recruits. So from my perspective as an RU fan,the way i see it is just a total end to competitive college athletics. Its already kinda bad, itd get worse though

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

I am for a free market system, but I have believed that coaches should be capped at let's say $1.5 million dollars a year, no matter if you are Pikiell, Calipari or Saban or anyone. If they can't live with that or don't like it, they should go to the pros or join another business. This would cut out a bunch of the cheating........

Best of Luck,
Groz

Fascinating argument. There are many problems with college athletics. This is near the top.

college coaches benefit from free market system using labor that isn’t in a free market system.

one can see a slavery angle when looking at the coach as the master.

 

[koleszar]

And if you got one you'd have every right to be happy with the deal you'd be getting. It doesn't mean Geo or anyone has to be happy with the same deal.

Meanwhile the student on an academic scholarship is free to sell his services as a tutor, but Baker can't offer private basketball coaching for $.

Academic scholarship students aren't given a monetary stipend like athletic scholarship students.

 

[kcg88]

We agree on alot here.

1) the players are being compensated
2) they have a pretty good deal
3) they could have a better deal

Here’s the thing. If I was Alabama, id be alllllll for NIL as if recognize that itd just legalize us paying players and we have deeeeeeep pockets of donors to pool money and pay players. But were Rutgers, our players would get very little $ and wed have an even tougher time landing recruits. So from my perspective as an RU fan,the way i see it is just a total end to competitive college athletics. Its already kinda bad, itd get worse though

I mean, how much worse can the gap between Alabama football and Rutgers football actually get? Or Kentucky basketball and Rutgers basketball? It's not as if we're good and they're bad this year because we got better recruits than them for once.

Also, players DO want to play. I would think that most (not all) would rather be a starter at Rutgers than the 11th man on Kentucky, even if they got paid more at Kentucky.

 

[RUBOB72]

I agree with that and I even said the comparison to slavery was stupid and undercuts the rest of his argument. They do get compensated, the question is whether the compensation is fair which is it clearly not.

I suppose you could make the argument that the women's track and field athlete with access to the food, facilities, etc is also unfair compensation the other way, in that they're getting a great deal and the school is getting the raw end. But I would say that a) almost all athletes past the top sports are on partial scholarships, and b) I'm not that upset about the school taking a "bad" deal to sponsor sports that don't make any money because having a robust athletics program should be a net positive overall even if it loses some money.

"And again, wherher it was geo baker or john smith play point, wed be watching the games. The individual players have little value" You're not *wrong* but I still hate this argument. I would watch whether Pat Hobbs or John Smith was the AD, so why is Pat Hobbs getting $600k a year? The players are still the ones doing the actual labor here.

Labor? Now that’s really funny... These players have a choice ... accept a full scholarship worth a great deal of money. If they feel it’ s unfair then don’t accept the 200k -300k over 4-5 seasons. Pay your own way. Now I also believe if the schools use these athletes in advertisements, fund raising or their likenesses on TV for proven financial gains then we can negotiate . But you minus those $$$$ out of the scholarship . The problem is when schools start paying salaries college D1 sports will be finished. The fans and alums will begin to limit donations and gifts. Don’t laugh as it is very likely. How did Rutgers do in year 2019-2020 financially? Not very good and that is after our entitlements from the B1G .Lost 119 million on athletics? Yes it’s modern day slavery in the minds of certain groups in this country. Most of the media is a proponent of paying that is who is pushing much of this agenda.

 

[Knight Ed_rivals]

He is free to stop playing and pay for his tuition/room/food like everyone else anytime he wants.

 

[RUTRINI_rivals]

Slavery:


Modern day “slavery”:

I honestly don't blame you for posting this! Your attempt to make Geo out as some privilege kid failed. You will never understand why Geo is saying what he said because you cannot fathom a modern day system that strips young people of their own identity and profit from the fruits of their labor.

 

[anon_0k9zlfz6lz9oy]

I mean, how much worse can the gap between Alabama football and Rutgers football actually get? Or Kentucky basketball and Rutgers basketball? It's not as if we're good and they're bad this year because we got better recruits than them for once.

Also, players DO want to play. I would think that most (not all) would rather be a starter at Rutgers than the 11th man on Kentucky, even if they got paid more at Kentucky.

I agree. Where the loophole lies though is the under the table agreements, “come here and XYZ dealership is gonna sign a $25,000” promo deal with you the day you arrive on campus.” “Come here and the day you arrive on campus were going to host an autograph meet and greet. $2500 entry and youre guaranteed $10,000.”

that’s where the issues arise. And again, if we had a deep donor pool id probably be 10000000% behind NIL haha, im admittedly biased here

 

[RUBOB72]

I mean, how much worse can the gap between Alabama football and Rutgers football actually get? Or Kentucky basketball and Rutgers basketball? It's not as if we're good and they're bad this year because we got better recruits than them for once.

Also, players DO want to play. I would think that most (not all) would rather be a starter at Rutgers than the 11th man on Kentucky, even if they got paid more at Kentucky.

You need to up your donations to RU athletics.

 

[RUBOB72]

I honestly don't blame you for posting this! Your attempt to make Geo out as some privilege kid failed. You will never understand why Geo is saying what he said because you cannot fathom a modern day system that strips young people of their own identity and profit from the fruits of their labor.

Nobody called him privileged nor do I buy the childish whine of” young people are being stripped of their identity”. Is that within the “ everyone gets a trophy”... “ Don’t keep score”...

 

[RUDead]

If he equates being on scholarship to slavery, I question the value of the Rutgers education.

 

[koleszar]

I mean, how much worse can the gap between Alabama football and Rutgers football actually get? Or Kentucky basketball and Rutgers basketball? It's not as if we're good and they're bad this year because we got better recruits than them for once.

Also, players DO want to play. I would think that most (not all) would rather be a starter at Rutgers than the 11th man on Kentucky, even if they got paid more at Kentucky.

How worse could it get? Picture Eddie Jordan basketball and Chris Ash football for pretty much, forever. Rutgers is not known for deep pocket boosters it's the reason we have the worst facilities in the B1G. Now picture every B1G team surpassing Rutgers. Where you have hope now that we'll get better, that will be dashed forever.

 

[RUTRINI_rivals]

I stand with Geo

100%

 

[RUsojo]

I agree. Where the loophole lies though is the under the table agreements, “come here and XYZ dealership is gonna sign a $25,000” promo deal with you the day you arrive on campus.” “Come here and the day you arrive on campus were going to host an autograph meet and greet. $2500 entry and youre guaranteed $10,000.”

that’s where the issues arise. And again, if we had a deep donor pool id probably be 10000000% behind NIL haha, im admittedly biased here

Unfortunately loopholes are prevalent in all walks of business.

If the roster limit stays in place than nothing changes for Rutgers.

In fact, I could see a scenario where if you’re paying players you need less roster spots. Could actually make things more competitive.

 

[RUBOB72]

It’s unfortunate he brought politics into his dialogue. I hope he learns from this. He’s still young.

He never will... it’s ok to be an activist but make sure you are not limiting it to only you . Geo is supposedly educated and we wish to understand but he picks the exact wrong time. It is almost as though it was about Geo and not the entire group of athletes.

 

[bethlehemfan]

What’s your point?

Shouldn’t be hard to figure out even for you.

 

[Mr. Magoo1]

I’m actually surprised African American groups don’t have an issue with him throwing the word “slavery” around like this and thereby trivializing it. I understand what he’s trying to say, and don’t disagree with some of it, but he’s talking about something that he can quit anyday he wants to and become a normal student with normal debt and yet he “chooses” not to.

 

[LOU-RU85]

Why are folks offended? When have you walked in Geo's shoes? Is it so hard to appreciate what Geo is saying without being offended? You do realize that college athletes have a very unique perspective relative to the average student and when they realize that all the work and achievements during their time in college benefits someone else from a financial standpoint, it makes sense for them to question the system. Has Slavery ended in the USA? Yes! Does the principle of Slavery remain in other forms today today? You can answer that question...

You must have had your college paid for. It’s extremely difficult to work extensive hours and still go to college full-time. You don’t know what Geo’s shoes look like compared to others. You don’t have to be black or brown or any color for that matter to struggle. Who’s to say which struggle is more difficult. Certainly not you and not Geo. Enough of the separation of people. So many people are tired of that. We are after all Americans one and all.

 

[anon_0k9zlfz6lz9oy]

Unfortunately loopholes are prevalent in all walks of business.

If the roster limit stays in place than nothing changes for Rutgers.

In fact, I could see a scenario where if you’re paying players you need less roster spots. Could actually make things more competitive.

The case could be made that it helps basketball, hurts football. 1-2 players change a basketball program haha. If they pass NIL. Get like 10 boosters together and pay a kid $50,000 for an autograph session. Football, you just need way too many players tho. And then do you pay each guy all 4 years? Or just as a freshman? If so does he transfer to a school now that he doesnt have to sit and get paid there? It would ruin college athletics and at that point youd have to wonder if colleges even think the programs are worth keeping open

 

[RUsojo]

Shouldn’t be hard to figure out even for you.

Lol true. It’s obvious. But of course my post was just as obviously questioning how your point was relevant to this discussion but ya missed that one off the bat!

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

.

 

[LOU-RU85]

He never will... it’s ok to be an activist but make sure you are not limiting it to only you . Geo is supposedly educated and we wish to understand but he picks the exact wrong time. It is almost as though it was about Geo and not the entire group of athletes.

He’s pretty young and at that age it’s easy to get caught up in causes you don’t fully comprehend. He’s a smart individual, I think he will learn from it. Anyway, I hope he does.

 

[RUTRINI_rivals]

Nobody called him privileged nor do I buy the childish whine of” young people are being stripped of their identity”. Is that within the “ everyone gets a trophy”... “ Don’t keep score”...

Geo and all the student athletes have earned everything they have in life because they worked hard for it. Talent alone didn't get them to Rutgers. I have the utmost respect for you as a fan an Geo as an athlete because we belong to the Rutgers Family. Anyone making argument that Geo in not intelligent is frankly being Racist. Anyone making the argument that Geo is out of line with his analogy to Slavery, I would ask that person to walk in Geo' shoes and imagine what it would be like...and ask yourself what is the common truth that exists between the two SYSTEMS? Who benefits?

 

[RUsojo]

The case could be made that it helps basketball, hurts football. 1-2 players change a basketball program haha. If they pass NIL. Get like 10 boosters together and pay a kid $50,000 for an autograph session. Football, you just need way too many players tho. And then do you pay each guy all 4 years? Or just as a freshman? If so does he transfer to a school now that he doesnt have to sit and get paid there? It would ruin college athletics and at that point youd have to wonder if colleges even think the programs are worth keeping open

It’s like any other business - you play the players on the roster each year. I don’t see how it would ruin college football/basketball. You’d have the same players. And imo, it’s very possible you have less roster turnover, and even more possible that talent is better distributed amongst teams.

Will it happen? Idk. I think the system will change in someway within the next few years. First steps being letting players get compensated for revenue streams related to their skill

 

[koleszar]

The case could be made that it helps basketball, hurts football. 1-2 players change a basketball program haha. If they pass NIL. Get like 10 boosters together and pay a kid $50,000 for an autograph session. Football, you just need way too many players tho. And then do you pay each guy all 4 years? Or just as a freshman? If so does he transfer to a school now that he doesnt have to sit and get paid there? It would ruin college athletics and at that point youd have to wonder if colleges even think the programs are worth keeping open

It would kill Olympic sports. What you would see is a paring down of sports to those which are revenue generating and those which meet the Title XI requirements. In the quest to become revenue neutral it would be AD's only choice.

You'd be left with Football/Men's basketball and find 98 scholarships on the women's side. That's it and when it happens people will *****, "this isn't what we wanted" or "had no idea this would happen", just like when Title iX was enacted.

 

[anon_0k9zlfz6lz9oy]

It’s like any other business - you play the players on the roster each year. I don’t see how it would ruin college football/basketball. You’d have the same players. And imo, it’s very possible you have less roster turnover, and even more possible that talent is better distributed amongst teams.

Will it happen? Idk. I think the system will change in someway within the next few years. First steps being letting players get compensated for revenue streams related to their skill

Whats this mean

 

[LOU-RU85]

Geo and all the student athletes have earned everything they have in life because they worked hard for it. Talent alone didn't get them to Rutgers. I have the utmost respect for you as a fan an Geo as an athlete because we belong to the Rutgers Family. Anyone making argument that Geo in not intelligent is frankly being Racist. Anyone making the argument that Geo is out of line with his analogy to Slavery, I would ask that person to walk in Geo' shoes and imagine what it would be like...and ask yourself what is the common truth that exists between the two SYSTEMS? Who benefits?

Dude - it’s a game. I played it. It’s a lot of fun. It’s not like he is being asked to dig ditches - lol.

 

[RUTRINI_rivals]

You must have had your college paid for. It’s extremely difficult to work extensive hours and still go to college full-time. You don’t know what Geo’s shoes look like compared to others. You don’t have to be black or brown or any color for that matter to struggle. Who’s to say which struggle is more difficult. Certainly not you and not Geo. Enough of the separation of people. So many people are tired of that. We are after all Americans one and all.

Lou my brother, yes. I agree we are all tired of the dividing lines and the foolish arguments pulling us apart. Let's see what Geo does on the court tomorrow because we all will be rooting like hell for our team. I stand up for my family every day.

 

[Mr. Magoo1]

Geo and all the student athletes have earned everything they have in life because they worked hard for it. Talent alone didn't get them to Rutgers. I have the utmost respect for you as a fan an Geo as an athlete because we belong to the Rutgers Family. Anyone making argument that Geo in not intelligent is frankly being Racist. Anyone making the argument that Geo is out of line with his analogy to Slavery, I would ask that person to walk in Geo' shoes and imagine what it would be like...and ask yourself what is the common truth that exists between the two SYSTEMS? Who benefits?

wait...so anyone who thinks Geo is not intelligent is racist??? Lol...why? Because he’s black?? That’s racist thinking right there. I happen to think Geo is intelligent but there are stupid people of all races. stupidity is an equal opportunity affliction.

 

[SleepingGiantIsAwake]

Here’s my view, not in any particular order but key point is the last one:

1. I’m all for a modest stipend for all D1 athletes. Lots of sacrifice and missing out on “normal” college life in arguably what should be best and most fun years of your life.
2. I like the idea of capping coaches salaries. Solves a lot of issues.
3. I respect everyone’s opinion and freedom of speech, IMO Geo’s throwing the term “slavery” into this is ignorant and hurtful to all who actually endured the criminality of slavery. D1 athletes are free to choose if and for who they want to play (if offered) to play a sport which most of them love.
4. Last point, and this is my strong view, is the players need to get over themselves. Colleges aren’t forcing them to do anything. If all these D1 players decided to boycott, there would be kids that would gladly accept the scholarships. I don’t really care “who” is playing. I love hoops. I go to watch high school and even grammar school hoops, AAU, etc I coached a lot of youth hoops). I would go route for RU hoops no matter who is playing for us. I will always cheer and support every kid that has freely chosen to play at RU. If the kids accept their scholarships to play the sport they love, play on TV, have celebrity like status on campus, get to market the fact after college they played D1, etc they should realize these blessings and be thankful.