Mike Petrik
Member
Like many here, I don’t like the changes, because they are fundamentally inimical to the concept of student-athlete. But they happened, and Duke must either compete in this new environment or pivot to Ivy League rules. I have made my uneasy peace with this new environment, which by the way was driven largely by “student-athletes, as long as Duke follows the rules (such as they are) and treats its athletes fairly, which I 100% believe it does. One remarkably welcome surprise in this new world is that it actually seems to be working in favor of allowing our football program to advance to a new level.For good or ill, collegiate athletics - or at least where they generate money - is a meritocracy. Schools want to win, but not lose boatloads of money trying. And maybe even fund some of those non-revenue sports in the process.
Athletes want to play. Some athletes want to be paid in more than a scholarship. Some athletes don't want to wait to play or don't want to be the back up. And some would rather be the backup on a good or great team rather than a starter on a mediocre team. Others, the opposite.
The current system - albeit a far cry from what we grew up with - encourages athletes to find their own comfort and skill level, with a great reshuffling every season. It's amazing how fast it's all changed!
-jk
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