Geo Baker In The News

[anon_0k9zlfz6lz9oy]

“Modern day slavery” is an expression of exploitation. He said all college basketball players not owning their own name and likeness is “modern day slavery”. Slavery is no more (in this country). There is no slavery. Hence, “modern day slavery” does not mean slavery as it’s an institution that existed before “modern day”.

He couldve just substituted “******* ********” for slavery and there wouldve been zero issue. Him comparing this to slavery is indefensible and people need to stop trying to defend it

 

[RUsojo]

“Modern day slavery” is an expression of exploitation. He said all college basketball players not owning their own name and likeness is “modern day slavery”. Slavery is no more (in this country). There is no slavery. Hence, “modern day slavery” does not mean slavery as it’s an institution that existed before “modern day”.

Of course there is still slavery. Human trafficking is slavery. Uighers are enslaved in China right now.
Modern day slavery is a term used by the ignorant. It's also stupid, because "giving up the rights to your likeness while you get a scholarship" isn't slavery under any definition.

Human trafficking is legal in this country? News to me.

 

[RUsojo]

He couldve just substituted “****ing ********” for slavery and there wouldve been zero issue. Him comparing this to slavery is indefensible and people not to stop trying to defend it

He didn’t compare it to slavery! You are comparing it to slavery!

 

[anon_0k9zlfz6lz9oy]

I quess some just want Geo to shut up and play--- how does that sound?? pretty f'in sad

If the choice is

A) shut up and play
B) support comparing being a full scholarship d1 athlete to slavery

yeah, shut up and play. All he simply had to do was not used the words “modern day slavery” and it wouldve been no problem. But he made a clown of himself and ruined what otherwise were some decent points

 

[RUDead]

Human trafficking is legal in this country? News to me.

Who said it was legal? You said there was no more slavery. You are totally wrong.

 

[kcg88]

The problem with Geo’s and other similar takes on the topic is, ill-fitting slavery analogy aside, when you criticize something without attempting to propose a real solution you aren’t really saying anything at all. It may as well be gibberish. Does Geo understand the counterarguments regarding unfettered name/image/likeness rights, and the reasons rules have existed for decades? It sounds nice to say someone should be able to profit off their own name, until you confront the concern that there’s nothing to stop setting up a card table for athletes at big programs where they sign autographs for boosters at $300 a pop. And if the NCAA tried to regulate the practice, everyone with a brain knows it will be utterly toothless and unenforceable. I’m at the point with it where I almost think go ahead, set up some rules (or don’t), and let’s see how it goes. Let’s just not act like it’s easy and obvious.

This doesn’t even speak to his comments about playing in the midst of the pandemic, which are also off base, though I do understand the emotional reaction to the Baylor guy’s quote which comes off slightly tone deaf if you interpret it a certain way.

I would suspect that Geo Baker would phrase things differently if he were on a panel addressing the issue, or writing an editorial, versus Instagram replies while he's killing time at the airport.

 

[anon_0k9zlfz6lz9oy]

Human trafficking is legal in this country? News to me.

As someone whos quite involved and a donor to a foundation dedicated to ridding the world of hunan trafficking i can tell you that today in 2021, there are more slaves on earth than any time in human history. Its an issue that grew even moreso in 2020. If you knew how much trafficking went on in the US I think youd throw up. Visit ourrescue.org and i highly encourage you donating to tim’s mission. Great cause led by a great group.

maybe i come from a different perspective because you can even check my IG bio, I keep this foundations link up perpetually. THIS is modern day slavery. And im sorry but frankly geo’s just so out of line using that term. So so out of line.

 

[JFK20]

People need to stop with the exploitation nonsense. We have a different definition of being exploited if you honestly believe it means being a division 1 athlete. And I realize they aren’t getting paid for their name.

I also realize they are getting a hundred thousand dollar education for free. They are getting better at their craft and will make a very good living when they leave here because of their improvement and success here. That’s not exploitation.

It’s flat out nonsense.

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

They are getting paid.

Not fair value for the Billions generated each Year from merchandise sold every year.

In the near future, I would not be surprised if you had a nationwide walkout. Let some TV games get cancelled and we'll see who balks first....lol.

 

[e5fdny]

Not fair value for the Billions generated each Year from merchandise sold every year.

In the near future, I would not be surprised if you had a nationwide walkout. Let some TV games get cancelled and we'll see who balks first....lol.

Well considering there are a lot more kids who want a schorlarship than are alloted...I think I have a pretty good guess.

 

[cm_13]

As someone whos quite involved and a donor to a foundation dedicated to ridding the world of hunan trafficking i can tell you that today in 2021, there are more slaves on earth than any time in human history. Its an issue that grew even moreso in 2020. If you knew how much trafficking went on in the US I think youd throw up

This is a sad reality and I admire the time and money you spend on ridding it from the world.

I do also want to jump to RUsojo’s defense and point out that what he said was slavery as an institution is this country no longer exists, not that slavery in general no longer exists.

 

[RUsojo]

Who said it was legal? You said there was no more slavery. You are totally wrong.

Sorry, there is no more legal slavery. Thought that was implied as it’s implicit in the context of discussing the expression “modern day slavery” and institution of slave labor.

Next time I will spell it out so human trafficking (a horrible thing) does not derail a thread on amateurism.

But it would be a great topic to to start a different thread and discuss.

 

[anon_0k9zlfz6lz9oy]

This is a sad reality and I admire the time and money you spend on ridding it from the world.

I do also want to jump to RUsojo’s defense and point out that what he said was slavery as an institution is this country no longer exists, not that slavery in general no longer exists.

I added this part to the end of that post. The term “modern day slavery” means something entirely different to me as that is the term OR uses to describe our mission.


maybe i come from a different perspective because you can even check my IG bio, I keep this foundations link up perpetually. THIS is modern day slavery. And im sorry but frankly geo’s just so out of line using that term. So so out of line.

 

[zappaa]

The same people who are supporting what Geo is saying, not just supporting his right to say it.
Are the same people that would have no problem if our best player and leader opted out of our ROSE BOWL, final four matchup over fear of getting hurt.
I can hear it now, 'He has every right" "He owes Rutgers nothing"

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

Well considering there are a lot more kids who want a schorlarship than are alloted...I think I have a pretty good guess.

So, the schools are going to call in 10,000 athletes for football or 2,000 athletes for basketball in a few weeks to backfill their teams...

 

[RUsojo]

As someone whos quite involved and a donor to a foundation dedicated to ridding the world of hunan trafficking i can tell you that today in 2021, there are more slaves on earth than any time in human history. Its an issue that grew even moreso in 2020. If you knew how much trafficking went on in the US I think youd throw up. Visit ourrescue.org and i highly encourage you donating to tim’s mission. Great cause led by a great group.

maybe i come from a different perspective because you can even check my IG bio, I keep this foundations link up perpetually. THIS is modern day slavery. And im sorry but frankly geo’s just so out of line using that term. So so out of line.

This is a worthy cause.

But, let’s also keep in mind while
you are holding the term “modern day slavery” to a very specific meaning you attribute it to, it’s no reason to condemn Geo as “modern day slavery” is an expression academically associated with the context Geo used it.

 

[RUDead]

Sorry, there is no more legal slavery. Thought that was implied as it’s implicit in the context of discussing the expression “modern day slavery” and institution of slave labor.

Next time I will spell it out so human trafficking (a horrible thing) does not derail a thread on amateurism.

But it would be a great topic to to start a different thread and discuss.

Ok, fine but it's a distinction without a difference. Slavery, racisim, Nazi's, etc. are very serious issues. Putting "modern day" in front of it is a joke IMO. Geo's issues with the NCAA have no relationship with slavery and it was a poor choice of words by him. It will hurt his argument more than it helps.

Geo seems like a good kid, so he will learn from this.

 

[SJScarlet]

I would suspect that Geo Baker would phrase things differently if he were on a panel addressing the issue, or writing an editorial, versus Instagram replies while he's killing time at the airport.

You may be right, that all depends on the individual. Lots of people double and triple down on their emotions with stuff like this instead of wanting to engage in reasoned argument. I suspect he wouldn’t want to hash out much of anything about this with anyone who’s not also a fellow athlete, at which point there’s not much you can do. I could be wrong, he seems like a relatively laid back guy most of the time.

 

[GORU2014]

Geo has the right to say whatever he believes. If he does believe it, I hope he doesn’t apologize. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Will there be blowback? Maybe, and if there is he’ll learn to deal with it which is an equally important lesson. It is ironic to me that the group that takes umbrage with his comments and wants him to shut up is largely the same group that constantly complains about their “free speech being restricted.” Not hard to figure out why his should be in their minds.

At the end of the day, IMO the NCAA does exploit its athletes. It brings in a billion dollars a year, P5 schools’ athletic departments bring in $30M+ in revenue routinely, and coaches get paid millions routinely. Nitpicking his phrasing is semantics used to distract from the real issue.

Most pathetic part to me is the fact that a large part of our “fan base” has turned on our head coach and our senior captain who has arguably done as much for the program as anyone in Rutgers’ history in basically consecutive weeks. Not a lot of foxhole guys around here.

 

[anon_0k9zlfz6lz9oy]

This is a worthy cause.

But, let’s also keep in mind while
you are holding the term “modern day slavery” to a very specific meaning you attribute it to, it’s no reason to condemn Geo as “modern day slavery” is an expression academically associated with the context Geo used it.

Nah man. That aint it. Hes comparing the HORRORS of playing division 1 basketball to MODERN DAY SLAVERY! haha. What world are we in where people think its defensible. We can allllll agree on two thing

1) he made some decent points
2) hes a fvcking fool for using the term “modern day slavery”

 

[e5fdny]

So, the schools are going to call in 10,000 athletes for football or 2,000 athletes for basketball in a few weeks to backfill their teams...

We have already had more than few events canceled because of COVID-19 and our lives went on.

But if those that play up and quit...we would probably do the same thing. They wouldn't be missed.

 

[zappaa]

Geo has the right to say whatever he believes. If he does believe it, I hope he doesn’t apologize. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Will there be blowback? Maybe, and if there is he’ll learn to deal with it which is an equally important lesson. It is ironic to me that the group that takes umbrage with his comments and wants him to shut up is largely the same group that constantly complains about their “free speech being restricted.” Not hard to figure out why his should be in their minds.

At the end of the day, IMO the NCAA does exploit its athletes. It brings in a billion dollars a year, P5 schools’ athletic departments bring in $30M+ in revenue routinely, and coaches get paid millions routinely. Nitpicking his phrasing is semantics used to distract from the real issue.

Most pathetic part to me is the fact that a large part of our “fan base” has turned on our head coach and our senior captain who has arguably done as much for the program as anyone in Rutgers’ history in basically consecutive weeks. Not a lot of foxhole guys around here.

I think you’ve gone mad.
Geo’s a slave playing the game he loves at a great university...got it

 

[e5fdny]

I think you’ve gone mad.

I agree with him in the first and part of the second paragraphs.

So maybe he's just angry. LOL

 

[RUsojo]

Nah man. That aint it. Hes comparing the HORRORS of playing division 1 basketball to MODERN DAY SLAVERY! haha. What world are we in where people think its defensible. We can allllll agree on two thing

1) he made some decent points
2) hes a fvcking fool for using the term “modern day slavery”

No he really isn’t doing what you say he is doing. The context is quite clear from his words. It is common, yes common, to address “modern day slavery” in America as exploitation of some group for another’s gain. And in the context of legalized version of the institution of slavery in America (though obviously less inhumane, as it’s understood to be, in this context).

 

[anon_0k9zlfz6lz9oy]

No he really isn’t doing what you say he is doing. The context is quite clear from his words. It is common, yes common, to address “modern day slavery” in America as exploitation of some group for another’s gain. And in the context of legalized version of the institution of slavery in America (though obviously less inhumane, as it’s understood to be, in this context).

Clown ****. So we’ll agree to disagree.

 

[zappaa]

I agree with him in the first and part of the second paragraphs.

So maybe he's just angry. LOL

I Agree with nothing he says.
I agree with humility, gratitude, loyalty. thankfulness, perseverance and I appreciate effort.
You don’t play for me, you play for yourself. your teammates and the name on the Jersey

 

[GORU2014]

I think you’ve gone mad.
Geo’s a slave playing the game he loves at a great university...got it

Don’t think that’s what I said. I said he’s allowed to say what he believes. It’s up to other people how they react to it, but I’d expect more understanding from our own fan base toward a 21 year old kid who’s IMO our glue guy (and has been for years).

It’s turning into a trend that a) any comments that make any reference at all to race (such as calling it modern day slavery) get criticized regardless of the actual issue at hand (NCAA exploiting players), and b) our fans turn on coaches and players on a whim (telling them to “jump in a lake”, “quit”, etc. if their opinions differ from said fans).

I think both are terrible and need to stop.

 

[S_Janowski]

This is a worthy cause.

But, let’s also keep in mind while
you are holding the term “modern day slavery” to a very specific meaning you attribute it to, it’s no reason to condemn Geo as “modern day slavery” is an expression academically associated with the context Geo used it.

I can’t really remember the last time I heard someone use the term “modern day slavery” or heard someone equate something to it.

You’re acting like this is a common term that is used often, I don’t think it is.

It was a really poor and out of line reference IMO. Especially when there is actual slavery, human trafficking and suffering going on in the world - and it’s not happening in college Athletics.

 

[GM]

I mean, it’s pretty obvious that playing in the NCAA isn’t like slavery. But, I would also argue it is obvious exploitation and I’m glad players are starting to speak up about this. Especially during COVID times, where they don’t care whether the players or coaches get sick from this, it’s the money is most important and thus the students have to just deal with it. I think Geo should’ve said something different but the message still holds up.

 

[sct1111]

I think Geo or any other college athlete should be able to sell their jerseys/shoes/whatever to make money. I also think 99% of these athletes overestimate the value of their likeness. I mean how long has our athletic department ran at a deficit? The university subsidizes athletics. Unless you're a heisman candidate or a first rounder in the NBA draft, you're not making anything on your likeness. A free college education is probably worth more than 95% of these player's likeness.

 

[zappaa]

I mean, it’s pretty obvious that playing in the NCAA isn’t like slavery. But, I would also argue it is obvious exploitation and I’m glad players are starting to speak up about this. Especially during COVID times, where they don’t care whether the players or coaches get sick from this, it’s the money is most important and thus the students have to just deal with it. I think Geo should’ve said something different but the message still holds up.

Exploited how ?
To many tutors, nutritionists, trainers, baby sitters, perks and *****?

 

[brucelaw8]

Bro, the solution IS proposed in his comment it’s implicitly stated players should be able to profit off their name and likeness.

Getting paid what they are worth (if boosters pay them) is not a reason to prevent someone from from changing the rule, in fact, it’s a reason to clearly see the current system is wrong.

I agree with many of the sentiments expressed by Geo(though somewhat inarticulately stated).It is nice I'm sure to have a dad who is a professional athlete or Dr. or lawyer.It is a fact that many college basketball players are african american,coming from poverty.College basketball is beginning to generate huge sums of money at Rutgers.They are the beneficiary of big TV money,with sell outs of all home games pre pandemic.Now players are being asked to virtually cut themselves off from the outside world for 6-12 months.
You love to play and don't want to let down your team.As is true all over, clouded thoughts & depression sets in .Powerful interests make essentially all of the money,while co opting the talents name, image and likeness.
Something is not right here.
Of course there is serious corruption.Criminal & unsavory elements take the front seat on an unequal basis(i.e. SEC).The powerful will always fight to keep their advantage.Change will happen,but at a snail's pace.(It took Olympic athletes forever to get paid.)
Don't think for a minute that there are not racist underpinnings to this story(run Fox News run).We have seen that where a black athlete speaks out ,it is all hands on deck.
Geo.Change the wording if you must,but your substance is virtuous .Now go and kick the **** out of Northwestern.

 

[GM]

Exploited how ?

Not given any money, not given any ability to make money off their likeness, not allowed to get endorsement deals, not allowed to accept money in any other way. Meanwhile, we allow multiple companies to make BILLIONS off of their likenesses and talents. I just don’t understand how society just accept a company making billions off of their players that not only are not paid money, but not even allowed to accept money from outside sources while they can control the income of them. There’s a reason why the NCAA already is being forced to change their policies and eventually will have to give back to the players. Plus, it is important to understand that the two sports that are generating most of the income are the ones with majority African American players. To me, the NCAA is obviously a corrupt, exploitative body and as history goes on will be exposed more and more.

 

[zappaa]

Not given any money, not given any ability to make money off their likeness, not allowed to get endorsement deals, not allowed to accept money in any other way. Meanwhile, we allow multiple companies to make BILLIONS off of their likenesses and talents. I just don’t understand how society just accept a company making billions off of their players that not only are not paid money, but not even allowed to accept money from outside sources while they can control the income of them. There’s a reason why the NCAA already is being forced to change their policies and eventually will have to give back to the players. Plus, it is important to understand that the two sports that are generating most of the income are the ones with majority African American players. To me, the NCAA is obviously a corrupt, exploitative body and as history goes on will be exposed more and more.

He didn’t know this before he accepted a scholarship?
Plus you’re a race baiter.

 

[MLBash93]

I ain't mad at Geo. I don't think he needed to publicly make comments like that but it's freedom of speech.

That being said, I'm 4.5 years out of college now and finally made the last payment of my private student loan debt while I owe the government 50k still.

I'll trade my debt and my college experience for 4 seasons of playing college basketball, chartered flights all around the country, free food, training, and have someone help with (if not do) most of my school work and come out with a debt free degree if that's what modern slavery is like then sign me up.

 

[MLBash93]

Not given any money, not given any ability to make money off their likeness, not allowed to get endorsement deals, not allowed to accept money in any other way. Meanwhile, we allow multiple companies to make BILLIONS off of their likenesses and talents. I just don’t understand how society just accept a company making billions off of their players that not only are not paid money, but not even allowed to accept money from outside sources while they can control the income of them. There’s a reason why the NCAA already is being forced to change their policies and eventually will have to give back to the players. Plus, it is important to understand that the two sports that are generating most of the income are the ones with majority African American players. To me, the NCAA is obviously a corrupt, exploitative body and as history goes on will be exposed more and more.

And while yes football and basketball are big money makers. You do know that a lot of schools (rutgers included) have giant athletic subsidies. And that the money these sports brings in makes it possible for all the other sports the school offers to even be played. Most of those student athletes aren't on full schollies too.

 

[sct1111]

Not given any money, not given any ability to make money off their likeness, not allowed to get endorsement deals, not allowed to accept money in any other way. Meanwhile, we allow multiple companies to make BILLIONS off of their likenesses and talents. I just don’t understand how society just accept a company making billions off of their players that not only are not paid money, but not even allowed to accept money from outside sources while they can control the income of them. There’s a reason why the NCAA already is being forced to change their policies and eventually will have to give back to the players. Plus, it is important to understand that the two sports that are generating most of the income are the ones with majority African American players. To me, the NCAA is obviously a corrupt, exploitative body and as history goes on will be exposed more and more.

Who's making billions of dollars? Each school in the coference gets paid with television contracts. Schools use this money to invest in the programs/pay for scholarships and other operating expenses. Do you think every player in D1 should be paid the same? Should the better players get paid more?

 

[RC1991]

Dumb jock

and you continue to be a dumbass prick.

 

[GM]

He didn’t know this before he accepted a scholarship?
Plus you’re a race baiter.

When there’s a corporation with a monopoly on this sector like the NCAA, it’s not a choice. What else are the players gonna do? They are told since birth: Play basketball, get offered by a college, play for college. There’s no rival company to regulate the NCAA, so this exploitation is allowed and us Americans are too stupid to realize how this isn’t the only way it has to be. Other nations don’t have this problem with college athletics at all, particularly in Europe. Yet, the US thinks everything has to be something to make a profit on, thus we tolerate these monopolies forming right in front of our eyes. The NCAA has already had to make concessions and as things like the G-League start to sprout up, it looks like the change I and many college athletes are advocating for will happen. I mentioned race cause it’s the damn truth, if you don’t want to acknowledge it then that’s your problem. If you can put together the dots, however, you will realize the amount of corruption and shameful tactics the NCAA commits everyday.

 

[zappaa]

When there’s a corporation with a monopoly on this sector like the NCAA, it’s not a choice. What else are the players gonna do? They are told since birth: Play basketball, get offered by a college, play for college. There’s no rival company to regulate the NCAA, so this exploitation is allowed and us Americans are too stupid to realize how this isn’t the only way it has to be. Other nations don’t have this problem with college athletics at all, particularly in Europe. Yet, the US thinks everything has to be something to make a profit on, thus we tolerate these monopolies forming right in front of our eyes. The NCAA has already had to make concessions and as things like the G-League start to sprout up, it looks like the change I and many college athletes are advocating for will happen. I mentioned race cause it’s the damn truth, if you don’t want to acknowledge it then that’s your problem. If you can put together the dots, however, you will realize the amount of corruption and shameful tactics the NCAA commits everyday.

Bunch of horse shite...lol