in Pitt Football 127 Words

Pitt QB Kenny Pickett’s a Steeler!!

Chosen in the 1st round of the NFL draft Pickett will train and practice in the same building where the did the same as a Pitt Panther.  From ESPN:

“PITTSBURGH — For months, the Pittsburgh Steelers searched across the country for Ben Roethlisberger’s successor. It turns out he was right in front of them all along.

With the No. 20 pick in the NFL draft, the Steelers selected Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett on Thursday night, making him Roethlisberger’s heir apparent and the only quarterback selected in the first round.

“We circled the globe — or at least the United States — here the last several months, man, just exploring and researching,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “And it’s funny, we ended up with a guy from next door.”

Discuss…

 

372 thoughts on “Pitt QB Kenny Pickett’s a Steeler!!”

  1. I find it ironic that Pickett will be competing against 2 QBs that had beaten Pitt, albeit prior to his arrival

    Trubisky has 1st round skills but has yet to show it. Rudolph is a statue. Pretty sure that Stillers prefer mobility especially with suspect OL

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Hopefully the O Line improves and he survives. He should be the next franchise QB but they have a history there of not developing the back up, you can fault that they never thought they needed to with Ben but nobody can play forever!

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  3. this could be a fun next decade if KP has a successful career

    not a Franco fan but I think he was genuinely excited and that was cool to see

    honestly I was surprised by KP’s reaction, thought he would handle it better, chink in the armor for me which is odd because I typically appreciate emotion but prefer total control until the job is done, I really hope it’s not

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    1. Raw emotion – nothing wrong with that. Great to see how much the moment meant to him. The guy is not a robot and glad to see it. Refreshing to me anyway. H2P!

      Liked by 6 people

    2. He handled it just fine. The son just realized his goal of retiring his dad, a guy who did everything to support his dream. A chink?…. hardly.

      Liked by 5 people

      1. Or it could have been the moment he realizes that now he’s got the money to help fund a feasibility study for a new on campus stadium. Just sayin. 🤠

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  5. I don’t know how Kenny will be as a pro, the experts even get that wrong with great frequency, but I am pleased that he is a Steeler and very happy for him and his family. I was also surpised with the pick given other needs combined with the Trubisky pickup, I figured that would buy them another year or two to draft a QB. Kenny is mobile and used his mobility along with his downfield vision as a weapon last year behind a very average Pitt OL; now he moves to a Steeler team that has had an awful OL in recent years but finally upgraded in the offseason; the question to me is, ‘how much better will the Steelers OL be this year’?

    At 24 years of age combined with being a #1 pick, I think there will be a very long look at actually making Kenny the starter, unless Trubisky looks that much better. But even if Trubisky starts, I’d think Kenny would be (hopefully) a year away of significantly upping his odds.

    H2P

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  6. Well, when the Kenny Pickett story is told years from now just remember that it was the Pitt POV who had the very first in-depth coverage of his first week of Spring Practice and Fall Camp back in 2017… and pointed out how very good he looked as a true FR, especially his arm strength…

    POV: Some Practice Thoughts

    Then, in all honestly, I felt that in his first four years and those three seasons he was a starter before his ’21 breakout I did think he didn’t live up to what I saw in those practices or his high billing from the local media.

    Last season was an aberration – a great one – but so far better than his previous ones it is almost hard to believe he did that.

    Good for him!

    Liked by 7 people

    1. Dr. Bob Rotella, the famous sports psychologist on the subject of positive aberrations, has always maintained, “You are not playing above yourself. You are realizing your potential.”

      Liked by 1 person

      1. The key is to not hit your ceiling and bounce back down. Kenny might not have the highest ceiling but he could become the most consistent QB of this class. And what do engineers say? Quality is consistency.

        Liked by 2 people

    3. Please do not forget the review of the spring game Kenny’s freshman year when yours truly was most impressed by young Kenny Pickett

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Mark 6:4 A prophet is honored everywhere except his own hometown!

    Can’t tell you how many corporate meetings I sat thru where the CEO wanted to hire an outside consulting company only to find the answer to their problems was sitting right next to him!

    Liked by 8 people

  8. I still think it will be better if Trubitsky starts this year. This step up is a big one, especially with a porous line and few quality receivers. Kenny will have to adjust his game or he will get crushed by bigger, faster, stronger guys. His legs aren’t good enough to evade the speed of NFL defenders. The Steelers O-line absolutely stinks which is a bad formula for developing a QB.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Steelers and homie QBs Hall of Famers

    In the 50s, they signed hometowner J Unitas but released him after just a short time

    According to ESPN 30-30, the Chief Rooney Sr wanted Marino but Noll wanted to rebuild with DL just like the early 70s, so they picked a DT

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

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    1. The Steelers identity will maybe forever always be Defense and running game. They don’t need an elite QB to win. Kenny might make a few pro bowls but I doubt he becomes a Hall of Famer.

      But that doesn’t prevent him from helping the Steelers win Super Bowls. He’s a good face for the organization. A great ambassador for Pitt. And he’s got intangibles you can’t teach. Kenny will be a leader in the locker room day 1. Steelers have been leaderless at QB for 18 years now.

      Great pick by the Rooney ownership team.

      But Kenny will have to get used to throwing to a Nitter. But what a great combo those two can become. Maybe it can help lessen the divisiveness between those fanbases and unite us. That’s probably too much to ask.

      Liked by 1 person

    3. I think the Steelers just spent (wasted) a high draft choice on Mark Malone and signed him. Bradshaw had a couple more years (they thought). Art Rooney wanted Marino though but let his idiot sons run the Draft.

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  10. I thought Trubisky was a reach when he was drafted. Pickett was not at the 20th selection. He performed way above what Trubisky did in college, played in a pro offense, played more games and won a title. The Steelers would have been crazy to pass on him.
    Canada has a lot to prove this year. Was it him, Ben or an all around lack of talent. We shall see.

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  11. I don’t know football and particularly not the Steelers but if/when KP gets his chance, will there be drops at a higher % than expected with the Steeler receiving corps?

    not sure but iirc there is currently a Steeler WR with THAT reputation

    I really hope KP gets the starting opportunity first year IF he has at least a DECENT line in front of him

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    2. Kenny is not the reason for WR drops. He throws a soft and well placed ball. DJ will still have dropitis though. Just terrible hands and concentration. Steelers have no true number one receiver. That’s a huge issue. Plus they need a far better left tackle. Fix those things and no reason why Kenny can’t be Montana like. I think KPs potential will be unleashed in a Canada offense.

      Liked by 2 people

  14. For you guys that know these things…. I read KP’s evaluation by a couple people who said he has an average arm. It seemed to me he could make all his throws. What àm I missing?

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    2. Zip. Tight spiral. Throwing velocity effortlessly. Vertical length like 70 yard bombs to stretch D. Throwing to sidelines with velocity…very important. Kenny doesn’t have elite arm strength.

      But accuracy and not being turnover prone are more important. And Kenny has a nice touch on his intermediate to deep passes making those balls easy to catch and well placed.

      In the nfl, you need to be accurate and not interception happy. Those attributes are more important than arm strength and running ability. Kenny is athletic enough to buy time in the pocket. He’s great when rolling right. Nearly unstoppable.

      Very good smoke screen by the Steelers. Kenny was their guy all along.

      Liked by 1 person

        1. Right on, and some guy named Steve Young. In fact, I’ve never heard anyone refer to Tom Brady’s arm as a cannon. Now, Jamarcus Russel…that guy could throw 70 yard bombs from one knee, and had hands the size of a tennis racket. Now that was a great NFL (combine) QB!

          Liked by 2 people

  15. Pitt has another good shot at landing another NFL first rounder next season when Jordan Addison enters the draft. From Chris Peak’s 3-2-1 column this morning Pitt had 11 first round NFL picks from 83 to 89. It sure would be nice if Pitt could return to that roster talent level going forward.

    Liked by 3 people

  16. Very excited to see Pickett stay in town with the Steelers and desperately want to see him succeed. I do have a little anxiety given the expectations and impatience of Steeler fans, and that it’s been two decades since the team developed a starting QB. They’ve had no success bringing along a young backup in that time and the offense is not really suited for a young QB because there’s a questionable offensive line and arguably only one dynamic offensive player (Johnson). I like Najee and Freirmuth a lot and think they will become excellent players, but they are not explosive, which is a key in the modern NFL.

    That said, Pickett battled through similar challenges early in his Pitt career and really came into his own. I think he had the base athletic ability, accuracy and above all the intangibles (work ethic, grit, charisma) to be the leader of a championship team. Just to pick one example, Pickett will be better than Garoppolo (one Super Bowl appearance and 2 NFC Championship games), so he can become what the Steelers need if they provide the proper coaching and build the team effectively around him. Time will tell, but I’m eager to watch. #H2P

    Liked by 1 person

  17. What the Steelers have do to now is hire the WRs coach Pitt has last season… I think he was a huge part of KP’s success.

    Our WR ran crisper routes, used their bodies to block off the DBs and… actually down field blocked if front of the receiver going for YAC.

    That was missing in the past.

    Liked by 3 people

  18. If the Steelers had Derek Carr the last five years, they would have won at least one super bowl. KP is very similar to Carr. Steelers don’t need a HOF QB. They need a better line on both sides of the ball. The game is won in the trenches.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Just one last thing before I head off into the sunset although it’s cloudy and very windy here today. KP is not only going to be the new face of the Steelers but he will be the face of Pitt football. Even more so than AD or Larry. That’s because he’s the hometown hero playing for the hometown team. His success as a Steeler will be a very good thing for Pitt in general. We should all be rooting for him. It’s what drafting Marino could have been like. Now we’re all going to experience it. F-n about time.

    Liked by 5 people

  21. Steelers fans should just be happy it wasn’t Willis. See him as a shorter, slower, less athletic Donovan McNabb with a similar problem of inaccuracy when it comes to throwing the football.

    Really don’t think the decision was all that close.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Rumor has it that the Steelers didn’t think KP would be on the board at the 20th pick and was attempting to move up to the 15th slot via trade. Let’s hope their faith in KP’s potential turns out to be on the money.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Rich Walsh was just on the FAN and said that the Steelers like Pickett then Ridder then Willis.

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  22. Rumor also has it that the Pat Signal from early this morning is for another Kenny QB. Kenny Minchey a 2023 recruit from Tennessee.

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Heard on the radio that Nick Patti, Morrisey, and some other Pitt players were at Kenny’s house last night for the celebration. Cool.

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 3 people

  24. From CBS Sports:

    Kenny Pickett QB, PITT
    Height: 6-3, Weight: 217

    I love this pick. They take the local kid to play quarterback and he will prove to be the best quarterback in this class. Give him a few games, and he will have the job. Pickett has the tools to become a quality starter. This works in a lot of ways. (Pete Prisco)

    A grade.

    Draft Scouting Report:

    Rating: 87.80 (Long-term starter)

    Pro Comparison: Derek Carr

    Strengths:

    Made huge strides during 2021 after being considered a Day 3 pick after his 2020 season. Consistently shows great touch on mid-range passes, and the ball comes out quickly and on time. Maximizes yards-after-catch possibility for his targets on short and intermediate routes. Good athlete who, when needed, can consistently win with his legs outside the pocket. Plays with confidence in the face of pressure while keeping his eyes downfield, and he’ll stand in the pocket and deliver a strike. While he doesn’t have an elite arm, he showed throughout the season that he has the ability to throw deep outs, and the ball had both velocity and accuracy.

    Weaknesses:

    His hand size — the smallest among QBs since Michael Vick was drafted more than two decades ago — will be an issue for some teams and not for others. Doesn’t have an elite arm but can make every NFL throw. Sometimes has tunnel vision and misses open targets downfield and instead opts for checkdowns or looks to run. Sometimes his ball can lose steam on deep outs. Averaged more than 3.1 seconds per dropback at Pitt, and he’ll lock onto a read even with other WRs coming open. Won’t have that kind of time at the next level.

    Liked by 1 person

  25. I think KP and Trubisky have similar skills. Maybe that was the idea – to put in plays that QBs with that skill-set can run.

    Mason Rudolph not pleased!

    Go Pitt.

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    2. OK, after watching that video I completely rescind my “chink in the armor” comment

      THAT is the Kenny who will be great to watch,,,,, for a decade or so 🙂

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  27. Thrilled and anxious about KP as a Stiller. Think it will be very funny to see all the PSU/Stiller fans (of which there are many) try to deal with this rooting dilemma. Can they get over their blind, unhealthy JoePa loyalty?

    I didn’t think KP had a good touch on his intermediate passes (threw too hard) or his long throws (threw on a line not allowing WRs to run under the ball) his Fr & So years but that changed dramatically over his career. By the end there is no question he threw a “catchable” ball but also had the ability to zip it into small windows when necessary. Don’t know what an “elite” arm is, but KP’s arm looked NFL worthy in 2021.

    I think Freiermuth should be excited as KP proved he can utilize a TE effectively when he has a good one. His character and leadership are top notch, and I’ll bet if he is successful he’ll be voted team MVP more times than Ben who had a total of -0-.

    As for his running ability, he’s obviously not Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson, but he improved his pocket awareness and can definitely scramble for a 3rd and 5 first down when necessary. Ben has been a statue for the past 5 years, the difference will be noticeable.

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  28. Joey Yellen in the portal. I was hoping he would see the light and move on. He wan’t go to play at Pitt unless both Slovis and Patti were both injured.—-However that now leaves Pitt with only the two walk on QB’s behind Slovis and Patti on the roster.

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  29. My mistake I forgot about Yarnell our freshman RS on the roster. But he was injured last year and didn’t play any spring ball. So who knows whether he will be ready to go come September.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Glad Yellen left. I don’t think he was a good fit. Yarnell has more raw talent. This will also help QB recruiting. Less guys in line in front of an incoming QB.

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Happy that Kenny will stay local but I wish the Steelers were better prepared to take advantage of his capability.

    On a bit of a tangent, I saw that Kenny donned a Steelers hat shortly after the news. Question is, how many team hats did he have on hand?

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  33. Joey Yellen entered the transfer portal. I’m sure he knows it’s a 2 horse race now and he’s the 3rd horse.

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    2. He wants to play one more year then cash in on Draft day. He needs a great QB to throw to him. I guess he doesn’t like what he sees now at Pitt.

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      1. Nonsense he likes the $2 million for the coming year is the real reason. Only chance now is a counter offer by Pitt that equals the number.

        Liked by 2 people

  39. Like

    1. It’ll be how the school has wanted it to be since 1938: mediocre and if terrible, so be it. If it gets really good, knocked back in its place. Bad enough like 72-0, the school will sit up and act like it cares and try to get back to mediocre.

      Pitt leadership in a nutshell.

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  41. OK so if true why would he want to leave?
    Doesn’t like the new coaches.
    Money.
    More likely the second which raises so many questions.

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    1. If his services have been negotiated for and bought by USC this is the death of College football.
      Really odd that his destination is made known before he enters the portal.

      Liked by 2 people

  42. Will give my four cents on K8 after letting the noise die down. Congrats to him for the selection!!

    Addison possibly to USC shows that our athletic department is not getting it done in the NIL space. He may also be seeing a big difference in the qb play and realizing that his stats will suffer. With those two choices, i’ll stick with NIL. Don’t blame money. Jealousy doesn’t look good on anyone. It’s fair in the NIL space.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Pitt can’t compete with USC or the big boys in the NIL. I figure most Pitt grads don’t want to compete in it since sports are so silly. Research, grants, hospitals is where it is at.

      Narduzzi gets a free pass now and coaches at Pitt for as long as wants to.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Free pass from who? If you are talking the administration at Pitt, then I’ll grant you that.

        No free pass from me – I have my own transfer portal to consider and it’s called “where I spend my money”. Unfortunately the date passed for season tickets and my money is in Pitt’s hands right now.

        I’ll demand on Monday that going forward, my season ticket renewal should line up with the NCAA Transfer Portal entry date of May 1st.

        Otherwise, I’ll gamble on losing my seats.

        One player does not make a team, but when that one player is the best player at his position, that hurts a team when he is lost.

        Losing Baldonado and Hill will be disappointing too, but I feel like we have depth to at least say with some confidence, next man up.

        “OHHOWIHATEUSC”

        At the end of the day, we will be watching games to entertain ourselves. We’ll have choices too, just not as lucrative as Jordan “Air” Addison.

        As hard as it is for me to type this, next man up. What are the chances “Bub” Means plays this season after his 2nd trip through the portal? My over/under is set at 25%.

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        1. Bub already sat a season, so I don’t know why I’m reading he needs a waiver. He can use the free waiver is how I see it.

          If Pitt can’t keep the two defensive players that would be truly pathetic.

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      2. I guessing that’s all over for college sports….for me anyway. I may as well be a Pirate fan as a Pitt fan right now. $$$$ talks and ethics walks…

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      3. free pass for now, but not going with “for as long as wants to” , one very good year hasn’t earned THAT 🙂

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    2. Nonsense<<<If 2 Million is the correct number it is outrageous. Pitt is not a bank and we do not have the HUGE number of wealthy alumni that a USC, Notre Dame, Texas, etc have (I a have an IVY graduate degree and Pitt’s alumni are paupers when compared to Penn’s). NIL is the death of college sports!
      Addison is making a life choice and I respect his decision if he leaves. Do we know his family circumstances?? 2 million dollars to catch footballs in sunny California at an excellent academic university…why not?? Pitt can’t compete nor should it. We will definitely see a MAJOR change in conference alignments within 3-5 years….THE HAVES AND THE HAVE NOTS//PITT WILL BE A HAVE NOT!! I am DISGUSTED!!

      Basketball is easy to screw up It takes is 2 or possibly 3 elite NIL players and you can completely change the direction of a team. Say goodbye to college basketball!

      Liked by 2 people

  43. If Addison goes, I’ll wish him the best. From there, I’ll pay attention to the players that are on our roster.

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  44. Is it possible for a Pitt Alum to have one f’n day of good news joy without having the sky fall in the next day??? Addison is one of the top 3 best receivers ever at Pitt.
    40 years of this crap! If this isn’t tampering…what the hell is???

    Liked by 3 people

  45. The real shame is a chunk of those 40 years Pitt didn’t care to win in football. Now, it has zero chance at it. Too bad there wasn’t more attention toward football and we at least had great runs in the 80s and 90s and stayed solid in the 2000s when the arms race began.

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  46. For more bad news two other Pitt players are considering moving on with PSN reporting both play defense. I think Hill is one and Baldonado might be the other.—-The way of College football ended when the opportunity for NIL was introduced. People had to be blind to that fact if they didn’t expect this to happen in short order.

    Liked by 4 people

  47. Pitt baseball won 10-0 over an name I never heard of in the realms of higher education – North Carolina A&T (maybe stands for attend & teach?).

    Anyways, Pitt’s RPI dropped from 35 to 40 with the win (not a good drop – when you win it should go up). With 2 games left in this weekend series, the Panther’s cannot afford a “sleep-walking” loss as the RPI would plummet them right our of a potential Regional bid come selection Sunday in a few weeks.

    Go Pitt!

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  48. I’m not making this up. Miami which made it to the Elite 8 just brought in a prized transfer reportedly to the tune of an $800k NIL package financed by a millionaire alum and local businessman

    Now the Canes star guard Isiah Wong is demanding $800k NIL deal according to NIL agent Adam Papas of NEXT Sports Agency. Look it up if you don’t believe me

    These star players are now full fledged pros. Don’t blame Lyke, blame Baerl

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 5 people

    1. I can see the championship game now. The Musk Maulers vs. The Bezos Bullies. A few tickets left for only $50,000.

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  51. Guess we have to wait this out. Is the deadline midnight tonight?

    Beyond the NIL/tampering stuff, I suppose (reluctantly) that its only fair to recognize that there’s a lot of change for Addison at Pitt…. new OC (who isn’t pass first), a new QB (replacing a highly acurate one) and a new position coach. All legitimate factors that a top WR should consider. It may very well be that Addison’s best path to the NFL (i.e. not only, but best) may be elsewhere.

    I’m waiting to see which one of our esteemed colleagues here blames Narduzzi for all of this because he let Brennan Marion leave for Texas. Nevermind Marion’s behavior issues…
    😎

    Im excited about the upcoming season, but this certainly stings. If he does leave, it will have an impact on Patti or Slovis’ ability to keep thhe chains moving.

    Glad we landed Mumpfield. Wouldn’t it be ironic if Mumpfield won the Belitnikoff this year? After all, this might be in the Pittsburgh drinking water.

    Liked by 4 people

  52. so does Slovis have a few hours to get back in the portal again? 🙂

    gotta think Jordan was a big part of his move to Pitt

    btw, if I were Jordan’s dad, much like my position on KP playing in the bowl game, I’d advise the same

    if HCPN is not happy, maybe he should offer up some salary

    the best head coaches ARE NOW THE BEST FUNDRAISERS

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  53. Well it took a year, year and a half, for the combination of NIL and the transfer portal to bring about what we had feared. There are a handful of schools, 10 max, who can legitimately vie for the National Championship due to their deep pocketed alums and large, rabid alumni groups and unaffiliated fans willing to pack their stadiums every game. That leaves the other 110 D1 schools in the same boat as Pitt. You scramble to be competitive with your peers. If you manage to find a consistent 7-8 win coach and staff, you latch on for dear life, as this puts you in the upper echelon of your peer group. It positions you to luck into that miraculous 9, 10, even 11? win season occasionally.

    To believe there are some magical words or some special personality trait in an AD or University leader that can extract 10’s of millions of dollars from an alumni base or supporting businesses, when they haven’t been willing to do so over the last 40, 60, 80 years, is just wishful thinking, in my opinion.

    I just hope that all the special people with their quirky, entertaining personalities that I have had the pleasure to meet and interact with at the Pitt POV tailgates, are willing to continue coming, watch their team be competitive, come out on the losing end a few times, win more than their share, and just make the most of the situation as it is. Life is too short to be miserable over something we can’t change. Bring on the Hoopies!

    Liked by 4 people

  54. Lori Laughlin offered Jordan A. 2 million plus dates with her daughter Olivia Jade to attend USC. This is worse than the college admissions scandal.

    Liked by 1 person

  55. A sad day for Pitt and even sadder day for college football. The lame brains that came up with NIL and the portal, but especially NIL should rot in Hell. I gave up on baseball when they changed the structure so that the Pirates could not compete and I can see myself going the same way now.

    Colleges poaching players from each other is about as low and disgusting as it gets. So much for ethics and fair play. There has always been an element of sleaziness and cheaters in the college ranks but this it is it above the table on steroids. We knew this would happen with recruiting of freshmen but this is beyond the pale.

    Let’s not talk about player loyalty like we did with KP or Twyman. Anyone would be a fool not to make a move for this kind of cash.

    The college Presidents better be calling an emergency meeting cause now I give you Oligarch ball where Kids will take a pay cut to play in the NFL.

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Gone are the days when you just had to provide hookers for recruits and dads or a job, new car or house for a parent or sibling. What will the shoe companies do?

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  56. so how many schools are able and willing to play the new game?

    Pitt probably can’t and also won’t

    PSU has and will

    USC obviously does, we know many of the others

    .
    .

    gotta think this makes the SEC and B1G top players stronger, but what does it do for their middle tier teams?

    school like Vandy just benefits from getting their share of the SEC pie

    well, Pitt should still be able to beat GaTech and ???
    Duke?

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    1. I’m not even sure Clemson can play in the top level of this money game. I see Ohio State, Alabama, LSU, USC, Texas, and Texas A&M. Maybe Georgia, Florida, Michigan, and Penn State. Am.I missing anyone?

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  57. Wait till this hits basketball, how much will future Kobe’s or LeBron’s bring on the open market?

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  58. What happens when these high priced guys go down with injury or concussion? I guess since the school didn’t pay that might now change. What about player jealousies? What about taxes for players and donors?
    At least Uncle Sam will get a windfall. Maybe this will save Social Security for a few years.

    Liked by 1 person

  59. How does this work, does the player get direct payment from the donor, it can no longer be a non-taxable contribution unless it passes through a non-profit, does the University get a handling or processing fee?
    How is this even legal. Maybe Huff knows the answers.

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  61. Tvax, Bama and Georgia have been unseated as top in the Rivals team rankings this year by Texas A&M. Mainly due to the addition of five 5-stars, all with NIL promises. This caused poor Nick Saban to make the comment that the system is not sustainable

    Of course, HS recruiting rankings probably now take a back seat to the transfer portal. But whatever, the rich will continue to get richer

    Pitt has not, cannot and will never be able to compete. It will just continue to coach up 3 stars (like Addison and Kancey) and hope for the best

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 2 people

  63. Somewhere in the mid eighties Pitt muckety mucks determined that they could not compete financially with the big boys and football was “de-emphasized”. that was an internal decision. It looks like the same thing is going to happen now, no white or black knights big enough again.

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  65. You have to wonder if the administrators and lawyers that dreamed up this stuff saw this coming or are they unintended consequences. And why is it always Pitt getting its Ox gored? What other schools are getting effed?

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      1. I think it was just speculation. I believe Addison put it to rest through Narduzzi that it wasn’t legit. I remember it being addressed anyways.

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  67. This IS a NIL issue and the Pitt athletic department was/is asleep at the wheel. Pitt is not equipped to think outside the box because they started with the inability to think inside the box. Stated differently, Pitt’s Department of Athletics struggles to compete and succeed in the old system, so to make the leap into the new system is just too difficult.

    The athlete students should get the most $ they can get. You all need to understand the rules before you name call others as being dirty, or cheating. Know the rules and ask the pertinent questions around why Pitt hasn’t gotten ahead of this. They had plenty of warning. I’ve been typing on this subject for years and they wouldn’t listen.

    Pitt has such an advantage with our urban setting. For years, it was a negative. For the last couple of years and into the future, the rules are about corporate engagement. Pitt sits in a space surrounded by corporations and we sit idle. Pitt needs to be aggressive, make a strategic plan FOR this space and then execute it.

    What Addison has done is said “Wake up PItt, I don’t want to go (hence the warning), but I will go because I need better. Hurry Up! There are ways to get this done quickly. Even if Pitt pulls out a deal for him, the next question will be, “Why the drama?”. Pitt should never be in this situation, never!

    Why pay the Head coach so much when the head coach can’t keep the athlete student? The athlete has the power, but pitt paid the coach! This goes back to my first paragraph.

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    1. “Addison is also being offered a multi-million name, image and likeness deal to leave the Panthers for Southern California, according to sources.”

      That has nothing to do with the coach lol.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Missed the point TT. It’s now more of a business decision by the Administration. Why pay the head coach 6-9 million when at the end of the day, they can’t keep players. You all jump on points without really thinking them through.

        The coaches getting the really big money, also have the support to get players NIL deals. I think Nardstop and MSU coach took advantage and applied their circumstance against these other high flyers. Had nothing to do if the player likes or dislikes a coach. It is ALL about the players that control their destiny and not the coach. I was de-emphasizing the head coach. Good grief! Know a head coach personally and they will tell you that exact thing. Know them peripherally, and they are just trying to preserve themselves and make as much as they can.

        Like

    2. And there you have it, of course this is Pitt’s fault that they didn’t have multi-million dollar deals ready for their players. Because there are plenty of Pittsburgh corporations lining up to make these gifts. Of course alumni have been so generous to the athletic department, shouldn’t be a problem getting them to contribute. Oh yeah, wasn’t it USC that had to give back all their championship trophies a few years back?
      They would never do anything untoward. (Sarcasm)

      Liked by 4 people

      1. I think it’s fair. I’ve been saying for years HS athletes signing LOI’s should have an agent to negotiate it. Sign a contract with the school and it changes the portal.

        Liked by 1 person

    3. So, Mr Huff are you going to help fund Pitt’s NIL coffers? How about a quick $500,000 to get things rolling. I posted at 10:19AM about the simple fact that Pitt does not have the alumni wealth base that will enable it to be a successful NIL school. College sports are going to change almost overnight and we will NEVER see the Top 25 again if we can’t out NIL the competition!

      Like

      1. Ever since the Pitt Admin failed to enact any of the POV suggestions or even acknowledge the great thoughts from our collective, I stopped trying to help them get better. My comments no longer advise on how to fix issues, just pointing them out.

        Like

    4. The NIL deals were never intended to foster “defections” or “poaching” or whatever you want to call it. It is the unscrupulous portion of the NCAA teams that is abusing the original
      Intent—and the whole NIL thing was poorly thought out. Maybe by simply permitting NIL deals only to layers while they are attending the school that they originally signed with would end this crap?

      Like

      1. Stop.

        Emmert, who runs the ncaa was approached multiple times by legislatures to actually have input into NIL. Emmerts response was to beg the legislatures not to allow it. What we have is on Emmert’s hands, noone elses. The real story may never come out about how hands off he was and his reliance on legislators to support his position not to allow it. He screwed this up and left the final product up to players agents, handlers, and legislators. Say no more! University Presidents, who emmert reported to, also had no clue. It was a cluster and there was no intention by anyone!

        Like

    5. where have you been typing on this for years?

      Tex actually has laid out some(just some) of his ideas re. Pitt athletics which opens him up to specific criticism

      can you actually believe that at Pitt modifying HCPN’s salary structure would be enough to solve this? lol

      there are short term strategies and long term but the landscape of college football has been disrupted and yet you(and I’ve sure others) claim to know what to do and what was/is wrong with how Pitt is dealing with this?

      ok

      type away

      Like

  68. Funny that Addison (poached) us going to the same school as the Oklahoma QB (poached) decided to attend a few months ago…….Hmmmm……what a coincidence.

    Like

  69. No reason Pitt should match these offers.
    No reason a Pitt alum should match these offers.
    Just feeding into the craziness.
    A dark day for college sports.
    But on the flip side, a golden opportunity for someone else.
    H2P!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. agree completely, there is a line and while Huff saw it, knew it, offered plans for it, etc., there is no way most schools including Pitt will cross over that line

      no one is using the words dirty or cheating(or should anyway) now because this has all become totally legal

      at this point at least we all can feel good about it all being exposed for what it is and deciding on which side of that clear dividing we(Pitt) should play and we will support

      Like

    2. I don’t think it’s a dark day. if anything it will be a catalyst for change. Lots of people don’t like this, if it actually happens. The more high profile players, the more likely rules will be put in place. P5 has to separate from the NCAA and create their own league and own constitution.

      Like

    4. I agree. But, I would like to see the Pitt AD shine a bright light on these deals with the intent of shutting down USC with penalties such as no bowl game or playoff participation for a few years.

      Jordan “Air” Addison would get a year off and be a 1st round draft choice next April to be reunited with KP8 and the city of Pittsburgh.

      Like

  70. Can’t blame the kid if this is true … no sure bets in life. Go get the money when you can. Plus, a Lincoln Riley offense will showcase him more than a balanced pro-style that it looks like we’ll be converting to. WR is deep for Pitt so it’s a loss they can weather, although obviously not ideal. Treat it like a season ending injury and move on … and he has to do it before May 1, so there is hope. Maybe Bickell can rename Pat Narduzzi’s title the Jordan Addison Pittsburgh Panthers Head Football Coach presented by Bickell …

    Like

    1. meant to post the “if this is true” …

      “Addison is also being offered a multi-million name, image and likeness deal to leave the Panthers for Southern California, according to sources.”

      Like

      1. And I totally respect that, too. My thing is there is no way Addison even “wants” to play college football this season. I can safely assume, he would rather have his name in the draft right now. If you don’t want to do something, you might as well cash in on it.

        Like

  71. So is it legal to negotiate deals with these kids before they enter the portal? inquiring minds want to know?
    What are the NIL rules, are there any?

    Liked by 1 person

  72. Teams should not be permitted to recruit from other teams. That is a really bad practice to allow. If that’s the case, scholarships are out. Kids have to sign binding legal contracts, turn it into pro ball.

    Sad, very sad for my all time favorite sport to watch. This is going to be major league baseball.

    Liked by 2 people

  73. So the NFL has rules to play in its league
    The college presidents are ruled by different things but like money also
    Our society is a capitalist one
    So be it

    Like

  74. The college amateur model has been dying for 20 years. Look, I can’t blame Addison. It’s life changing money and an injury could crush future earning potential. I also can’t blame Pitt fans for getting mad at him or the system. Comes with the game if you’re going to get paid. Changes and rules will come but it takes time. The NCAA did this to themselves by not recognizing the future of player empowerment and choosing to ignore it altogether. Unless Pitt would be in the playoffs, Addison was not going to be playing in a bowl game next year. He was a regular season player unless we made the ACC championship again. It’s big loss but not a team devastating loss. WR is deep on the team and we’re going to run the ball a whole lot more next season. I’m assuming that’s a big factor in this as well. At Pitt, Addison could not top what he did last season. He could only hurt his stock. At USC with a Riley offense, he can at least realistically compete with this past seasons stats. I get it. From his perspective and the fan perspective … but anyone who didn’t see the NCAA going this direction was not paying attention.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I don’t think anyone is faulting Addison. The question is, is the new system sustainable and in the best interest of the college game? Also did USC and others break the rules by negotiating deals before the player enters the portal.

      Obviously this system was set-up to avoid paying players a salary and all that entails, also to avoid a player’s union. My guess is because the dominant schools did not want a system like the NFL or NHL which would create a more level playing field.

      So now we have a system that is more like Major League Baseball, only worse.

      Like

      1. It will change. This just will accelerate the P5 leaving the NCAA and creating their own rules. I get both sides. I don’t think Addison is big loss. It’s a sad loss, if it even happens, but it’s one that won’t derail Pitt’s season.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. I do think Addison is a huge loss on par with losing Dorsett, Marino or Fitz. He is a huge difference maker.
          He is the go to guy and is worth two to three wins on his own. He as much as KP is the reason we have a trophy. He makes everyone better just by being there.

          Like

        2. Football is not necessarily governed by the NCAA. The Conferences make the rules. I have explained this before and think back to COVID. When COVID happened, the NCAA did not make any rules. The conferences did, for football. Remember most conferences went in different directions like the SEC playing thru, pac12 canceling completely, big10 canceling, then partial season.

          The NCAA owns March Madness and the basketball programs.

          The NCAA needs pushed out but they control hoops and the big money associated with the Madness in March.

          Conferences will continue to set their own rules for football, including how to handle NIL. Let’s be reminded that NIL was legislated through the courts and the NCAA screwed that up by burying their heads in the sand and begged for the legislators to just leave them alone! What an awful strategy by Emmert.

          Like

          1. So if football is controlled by the conferences. And the conferences by the university presidents who elect their commissioner. Then every P5 President needs to be fired over this. I guess some should just stick to counting atoms in their laboratories.

            Like

    2. Injuries won’t crush future earnings. He can insure for that and I hope he did. Payouts are rare in the policies as currently written.

      He needs the right people who know better, to understand how insurance contracts work in this space. Most have no clue and it is very difficult to collect. I would expect him to be able to purchase a $10M policy for about $250k. Policy to include loss of value, permanent partial disability, and medical only. The NCAA allows schools to pay the premiums of players’ disability policies and loss-of-value riders—coverage that is triggered if an athlete suffers an injury that directly and substantially impacts their future earnings as a rookie. This is where the schools messed up. They paid for benefits above and beyond just the education. That opened the door for “any education related costs”, which led to NIL.

      Pitt could keep Addison by purchasing a very large policy for him that actually pays out if structured correctly. Pitt has noone that knows how to do this.

      Like

  75. Narduzzi pissed! Calling Lincoln Riley this morning. I don’t think USC/Riley can handle another scandal or probation. This was definitely tampering. NCAA rules say you cannot contact a player unless he has entered the portal,
    Period!! Not that NCAA actually enforces any on the elite?

    Liked by 4 people

  77. So Pgh is an urban environment with a lot of opportunities? My question is that why any non-Pitt business would spend a lot of money on a college player when there are Steelers, Penguins and Pirates players around.

    Fact is that aside from Cam Heyward, I don’t see much of this at all. TJ Watt and Syd Crosby are probably the most marketable area athletes and I don’t see them all over the airwaves.

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 2 people

  78. Addison is supposedly getting as much as the Steelers 2nd round pick, Pickens, to play at USC. Pitt may not want to set a precedent for their future players. Lots of factors here. They could probably get the money but do they want to get the money? Rules and regulations will be coming. This is just the impetus to get there. This is going to be a line in the sand, however, for those who want to play with the big boys and those that don’t.

    Like

    1. Folks there is no way for any college to attempt to win in this NIL game. Why? Because there will always be another “idiot alumnus” from another school that will just up the bid with a bigger offer. Now if Pitt had an alumnus that was the richest man on earth and he wanted Pitt to stay competitive than yes Pitt could play and perhaps be the highest bidder for any one we wanted to keep or any one we wanted to transfer to Pitt.

      Liked by 1 person

  81. The NFL should probably lower the age requirement by a year. Too many rising juniors could play in the NFL with the way the college teams train now. It would substantially help the NIL problem. For high profile players, anyways. Is Addison really going to be more NFL ready in a year?

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Oh there are definitely some kids who don’t have to go back. Addison won’t benefit from one more year.

        Like

  82. Must be some Hollywood exec behind this

    I don’t blame anyone for chasing money. The current system allows it. Just further exposes the hypocrisy around amateurism in sport.

    The honorable thing to do and wisest economic choice is to break from the NCAA and form the super league.

    Pitt can then go back to playing temple and Rutgers. I actually wouldn’t mind that. But there’s got to be better transfer rules and compensation to the schools for lending players to this league. Look at the premier league and professional soccer as an example.

    Like

    1. From CBS Sports:

      Damarri Mathis S, PITT
      Height: 5-11, Weight: 196

      Supreme talent at CB. Rockets attached to his cleats, and he plays with an angry demeanor. Not super twitchy but elite recovery speed and his ball skills are quality. Tends to get overly grabby downfield. If that’s coached out of him, this is a major steal. (Chris Trapasso) Grade A

      Liked by 1 person

    1. LOL. Duzz is a coke oven piker compared to Riley. Narduzzi is a dinosaur and it shows. Glad we have the bum till 2045

      Like

  85. I’m personally glad to be a team that isn’t into the rule braking (yeh, I know, we had extra unpaid coaches at practice once). I’m certainly ain’t any remote form of St. Augustine, but I do subscribe to his philosophy:

    “Right is right even if no one is doing it; wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it.”

    H2P

    Liked by 1 person

  86. Okay, my first piece of advice and my last, for the incoming Chancellor at Pitt. The best AD candidate out there that Pitt should go after, all-in, is Jason Sosna from USC. Nobody here knows this person but I will tell you that he runs USC football first and all other revenue producing sports. He put the deal together for Lincoln Riley and was the point person on those negotiations and discussions. He puts together NIL deals. He is 29 years old!!! Maybe 30 now.

    I have spoke to a Cleveland Brown Executive leader and they love him. Pitt can get ahead of everyone else and go after this guy. Let him run everything Athletics. You want to win, he is your guy. Why would he come here? Deep roots in Ohio. Closer than Cali. USC was imploding and he is single-handedly, positioning them for success. His first big move was Riley and part of that was having NIL deals lined up and a strategic plan to go get the best deals. All within the rules.

    Like

  87. All depends on the new chancellor. Very good chance it will be a woman. Not that it matters besides pitt wanting to provide equity in the ranks.

    But whoever it is, that person must come with a solid background and understanding of business and the evolving relationship between academics and athletics at the university level in the future world.

    Otherwise, get used to playing IUP in football and having only 10 sports programs that all lose money and with more dogs in attendance than humans.

    Like

    1. Maybe Gallagher can remind JA that all of his credits probably won’t transfer.
      Maybe Heather can throw in a Bobblehead day in his honor.
      Maybe Coach Pat can throw in a few missed practices, like the stillers did for Ben.
      Maybe Coach Jeff can allow him to walk on for the hoops team.
      Maybe UPMC will donate one of their helicopters so he doesn’t need to walk to class.
      So many options to make him stay.

      Liked by 3 people

  88. Pitt Fans always claim others are cheating and paying players and making excuses. Pitt had as much time as anyone to create NIL opportunities for athletes. They simply took the lazy route. The world is changing. You change with it. Pittsburgh is home to a lot of alumni and corporations. If you didn’t hire a compliance clown AD we wouldn’t be here. Quit making excuses for Lyke to do her Job and for Narduzzi to quit hogging salary after 1 good year and share the wealth. Huff is 100% right and so is Tossing thabeets.

    Like

  89. I still think the academic eggheads who live in their ivory towers at Pitt think of themselves as Ivy League.

    Those tea sippers could care less about sports being in the entertainment business and how that business generates millions for the school.

    Sports is too dirty for them. Too blue collar. They’d rather drink expensive French wine than slurp a micro beer from Pittsburgh.

    That mentality permeates the ranks at the university and seeps deep down to the alumni level.

    It’s as if they (the BOT and the real money gifters) want Pitt to fail at sports so the focus and all the money can be shown towards academics and research.

    Yep let’s pour money into our world ranked philosophy department run by hippies from the 60’s.

    What is pitts identity today. It still sees themselves as a public school that offers the broadest range of degrees with classes held in some very expensive and tax free real estate that is very costly to maintain.

    Pitts leadership team are not risk takers nor do they have an atoms worth of creativity.

    Like

  90. Oh sure let’s support a system where players go to the highest bidder like that’s going to work.

    Any opportunity to slam the University and the usual know it alls are back.

    Well at least they have something to celebrate.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. I’ve heard of this great philosophy department since the 80’s. And I’ve always thought to myself, why brag about that.

      Nobody is a Plato or Socrates or Voltaire or Kant in those Pitt ivory towers. Those hippies just teach the stuff. I can read their works myself and make my own interpretations.

      I guess back in the early 70’s pitt opened the checkbooks to all the best hippie professors from the coasts who taught the discipline. That’s how the department became renown. But it just goes to show that pitt invests in the wrong things.

      And it’s not slamming the university Gordon when I point out the bad. The bad still exists today because people either look the other way or enable it. Or just don’t have the courage to propose and fight for the alternative. But that’s life. And to me there appears to be more unnecessary drama at Pitt than most schools. Pitt invites criticism given their reactionary and dullard responses to crises. And this NIL is an existential moment in college sports.

      The next chancellor better be more like a business CEO or Pitt will quickly become irrelevant. It can’t continue to be everything for everyone.

      And yes if I was born in the 50’s, I probably would have been a hippie to. ✌️

      Like

  92. So is this what the lawyers who crafted NIL intended? That schools would poach players from each other by offering huge sums of money? If so they suck. If not they really screwed the pooch. In either case they made a bad situation much, much worse.

    Like

    1. No different than the business world. Acting like athletics is not a business is the problem. Go Golf or do something and for once be honest that the AD Group is run by fools. Open your eyes.

      Like

      1. It is different than the business world. In the business world your high value guys are under contract so they can’t just up and leave without consequences. Even professional sports have rules. This is like the wild west with no rules.

        Liked by 2 people

  94. Gordon make a good point above. Player jealousy is bound to rear its ugly head and their goes teamwork. Duzz has been very good in creating a “family” as evidenced by the comments made by so many of the players in the program. Paying some players fabulous sums of money while others get nothing or next to nothing cannot possibly be good for team camaraderie.

    The NIL program at Pitt has, to date, been primarily associated with players raising money for charitable causes. I don’t know about you, but that certainly makes me feel good as a fan.

    Mark Emert has been a total disgrace/disaster as the head of the NCAA. He has been out of touch and done nothing. Very sad.

    Liked by 2 people

  95. Pitt baseball LOST to NC A&T
    today 9-5.

    Their best pitcher, who has been in the 3rd slot in the rotation was moved up to the 2nd slot today by HC Bell.

    Very bad loss – worse than the FB loss to WMU.

    The pitcher starting tomorrow will have an ERA above 7.00

    There is a strong possibility that Pitt loses this weekend series.

    Ouch!

    Like

  97. God Forbid any of you koolaid sippers admit like and Narduzzi are both at fault. Own it. Be proactive. Calling and yelling at Riley is amateur honor but who expects any less from caveman flintstone Narduzzi.

    Like

    1. God forbid any of you realists acknowledge this is uncharted disruption that virtually nobody is able to deal with proactively

      how about pull back on the obsession with abusing anything available against PN or HL weather real or imagined?

      did you lyke anything about last year’s football season? no matter how it came together for PN, HE was most responsible for putting and keeping it together

      as with others here, let’s hear your actual plan rather than bs platitude “be proactive”

      .

      lol, you guys make it particularly easy to enjoy the success of Pitt football or anything Lyke has had a hand in

      Liked by 4 people

      1. USC and Texas and others are proactive. All while Heather is picking new yellow blouses at Bon-Ton

        Like

        1. Did either Texas or USC play in their conference championship in the past three years?

          Did either win more than 8 games in any of those three years?

          Liked by 7 people

          1. 2 examples of proactive failures

            nice, let’s go Texass, and now hoping to see USC match your awesomeness

            keep typing 🙂

            Liked by 2 people

        2. Interesting combo there Mark (UPitt)… Texas and USC, two of the biggest underachieving football programs for years now.

          College football is on the eve of destruction.

          Liked by 4 people

        3. Oh for God’s sake UPitt, not the dreaded yellow blouse comments again! Can’t you find anything more creative to say? Spare us your tantrums please!

          Liked by 3 people

        4. If being proactive results in having a 3-6 conference record (as both UT and USC did) I’ll take reactive. And if I recall, Texas didn’t have a single draftee this year!

          Like

          1. Bear in mind sark didn’t play the old regimes senior starters too much. They were poor fits for his system. And frankly the talent level left wasn’t very good. Not his fault. You’re always better being proactive. Rather be on the offensive. Like Patton.

            Like

    1. Must be the KP8 signing bonus, AD’s massive mountain of cash and King Bickel to the rescue.

      Like

    2. It’s more than money. Southern Cal can showcase his talents more than Pitt. And USC gets tons more media coverage and TV eyes. He needs to go.

      Tex – fake agent.

      Like

  101. Pitt baseball is playing the 2nd game of a double header today vs NC A&T.

    The Panthers are losing 5-0 in the first inning. The Pitt starting pitcher has a 135.00 ERA.

    You cannot make this stuff up.

    Bad look for HC (former pitching coach) Mike F. Bell

    Like

  103. My worry now, as an egghead alum, is how much we will need to pony up to settle the class action lawsuit with Gordon, MajorMajors, UPittbaseball and others for retroactive NIL payments. Let’s see …. Name? Hmmm …. Image and Likeness? …….. okay, we’re good.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. No Joke. I have been a part of a lawsuit where the older players sued the university for hanging their respective banners without their permission and got paid!!! Players said the universities exploited them by hanging banners and therefore selling tickets.

        Like

    1. can’t say I care whatsoever about Pitt BB but hope they have a late comeback in them

      kinda like I hope Pitt FB has a comeback with Addison,,,,, or a great season ahead without him and I still wish him well in SoCal

      Liked by 1 person

  109. Didn’t bonton go out of business? Yellow dresses just don’t sell. Seriously, yellow is a tough color for most women to pull off. I’m glad heather headed my advice. I think she looks stellar in classic white.

    Bell is dead man walking if pitt crashes and burns again. Right now they are a three seed in a plains regional, maybe Okie state, tech, Texas or even Tcu. And yes I’ll be there. But that’s a big if first.

    And Texas has one of the best directors out there. I’m not worried about Texas football. Pretty impressive what they are doing in Austin. And yes they have the money to do it. Pitt is money challenged. But Pitt uses that as an excuse. Texas May fail yet they keep trying. I admire that.

    Like

  112. Well it’s tied in the tenth on senior day at home. Regardless of outcome, Pitts rpi will tank.

    The true test is on the road for a series against the Domers. If swept, pitt won’t get a regional invite.

    I still expect pitt to get a bid. Three or four seed in a far away regional against a top five team. Spells disaster though.

    Like

    2. But they weren’t the Hoopies. 🤠

      Already lost 3-2 to them at home.

      I just hope there were more human fans in attendance than canines today. But I did like Pitts dog day at the park. I think pitt owes Coach Jay for that one.

      Like

  115. I get no joy in going to extra innings at home on senior day to beat a team ranked 259. That’s like me and my buds playing the carrick fifth grade basketball team and going to overtime.

    Like

    3. Lol – now that’s funny. I don’t care who you are.

      I turned the game off – my loss – at least Pitt won.

      Who hit the grand slam?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jack Anderson hit the grand slam. Luke Lambert drove in the tying run in the 10th and my wife and I both thought the announcer dropped an F-bomb on the play. Only after seeing the play-by-play did I realize that CJ Funk was the one who scored. I gather the call was, “Funk in, Luke Lambert drives in the tying run ….”

        Liked by 1 person

      2. No idea EE, just watched scores on ESPN college score pages

        tried to find it on TV but never did

        keep up your fandom EE, enjoy the drama!
        what else is there? golf? family? POV bs?

        lol

        Like

  118. The Final Countdown

    Que that one up Ikester –

    Fingers crossed, hoping Jordan “Air” Addison remains a Panther.

    Stinkin Riley is swimmin in pig sauce wearin Beach Boys underwear…

    Like

    1. Imagining that will force me to burn my eyes out by looking at the sun. Very disturbing images. You should have led with a disclaimer.

      Like

    1. As of 9:42 PM today, Addison as yet to file the required transfer portal paperwork. Paperwork must be filed by tomorrow, May 1. Hope springs eternal.

      Like

  122. Pitt baseball dropped to 56th in the RPI rankings after the extra inning win over his evening.

    Hmmm…

    Like

    1. That’s what happens when you need Ten to beat the 259th ranked team in the D1.

      The Domer series coming up is huge. Only the top 64 get a bid to regionals.

      I would love to see Pitt play in Austin, Lubbock or Fort Worth.

      Don’t blow it again Pitt.

      Like

  124. Liked by 1 person

  125. Like

  126. I’m hearing that Addison is now in the portal, BUT I cannot find a supporting news line to back that as fact.

    Interesting thought for me is that USC picked up three WR’s from the transfer portal since Christmas.

    One is a highly rated 3 star from Univ. of Washington, a highly talented 4 star in Mario Williams from Oklahoma (package deal with QB Caleb Williams) and a 4 star from Colorado.

    USC usually has high end talented receivers on it’s roster anyways – one was taken in the 1st round of the NFL draft and a 4 star entered the transfer portal a month or so ago, Bru McCoy who landed with Tennessee.

    Oh and I believe the tax rate on income in California is around 50%. Two million becomes one million in a blink of an eye. Still, not chump change.

    Like

    1. Chris Leak heard it from a source and posted to his site. Addison had to let Pitt know by midnight yesterday and Pitt has 48 hours to put in the portal. No school can contact him until his name is in the portal formally.

      Who knows (and this is very unlikely), he could have still put his name in the portal to allow himself more time to weigh the decision of the two offers. Not going in the portal eliminates the negotiation on USC’s part. Maybe Pitt still is in it and he just made a smart business decision to buy himself more time. Plus, now other schools can get involved.

      Like

  127. This is all I could find so far – from Twitter (ikr):

    @JackMacCFB

    Apr 30, 2022
    Jordan Addison submitted his papers to go into portal.

    Pitt pulled out all the stops to keep him. Larry Fitz. Aaron Donald. Matching offers. Wasn’t enough.

    NIL deal close to $2 million I believe.

    Flew to Vegas this morning. Not sure he’s in LA. USC prob gets him.

    #ScoopCity

    Jack McGuire
    @JackMacCFB
    Going through the recent followers of JA3 on Instagram is fascinating.

    Quinn Ewers. Dillon Gabriel. Miami Director of Recruiting. Bryce Young’s dad. All within last thousand followers (he only has 16k).

    Word was on the streeeeet that he wanted out.
    10:54 PM · Apr 30, 2022

    Like

  130. Erie, are you saying that Addison was unhappy and wanted out? If so, it must have been because he felt his Biletnikoff status should have produced more money in his pocket. Maybe he initiated contact with other schools to see if he could get a nice package before entering the portal. Unfortunately, colleges should have told him they could not tamper. Boosters got involved and the corrupt money came flowing in.

    Like

    1. VofR – no, I did not say he wanted out, but the tweet I pasted above says “Word was on the streeeeet that he wanted out.”
      10:54 PM · Apr 30, 2022

      At this point, I’m searching for a credible source to understand what has happened.

      We can speculate, but that does neither side any good.

      History has proven that USC will cheat to win – court documents prove that as factual. Stinkin Riley is an arrogant $0B…easy to root against.

      Like

  131. Not only would Pitt lose the best WR in the NCAA, but they lose a darn good punt returner.

    Next man up? Twice?

    Like

  132. Proverb: The frustrations with a system or activity should be blamed on its weaknesses, rather than on individuals who operate within it. (Pitt Philosophy Department?)

    Or, to put it simpler … “Don’t hate the player. Hate the game”

    No way Addison was returning punts next year with the pro’s in sight. No way Addison would have played hurt or in a bowl game. He’s in self preservation mode and professional career mode, now.

    Investment 101 … accumulate as much wealth young and invest. I can almost bet USC will find this out this season and Addison misses a few games with “nagging” injuries. And if they’re out of contention at any point, watch out.

    It’s part of the reason why it’s a bummer losing an elite kid that had Pitt on his helmet … but, I don’t think his impact was going to be nearly what it was last season for a variety of reasons. I am sad, though. He was a heck of a Pitt football player … and that will never change.

    The NCAA did it to themselves. I hate the “add more NIL rules” argument. No way you should restrict someone’s earning potential, especially when they don’t have salaries to offset NIL losses.

    Pitt could have been more aggressive, earlier. You’re always at a disadvantage if you have to react instead of being the one dictating the narrative. That also may have been a business decision on Pitt’s behalf. They certainly come out looking cleaner with reports that they matched the USC offer. True or not, it was good PR. They certainly did a good job making USC and Addison the bad guys.

    I’ve been advocating for years that kids out of HS should have agent representation when signing LOI’s. Have them sign contracts out of HS and a lot of this will end. Limiting NIL’s is not fair to the players, even a little bit.

    My suggestions to fix the system are:

    1 – P5 separate and form own league and new Tier of college football
    2 – NFL reduce the draft age by 1 year (Addison would have turned pro rending all this moot)
    3 – Replace LOI’s with negotiable contracts … you can have rules around contracts
    4 – Leave NIL’s alone as it will be the primary source of income for most athletes

    My suggestions to fix culture are:

    1 – Stop referring to athletes with pro aspirations as student athletes … they’re students of the sport that they want to go pro in. It’s a trade, not a traditional education. And, that’s okay. It always cracks me up when I hear the free education argument. Some kids don’t want the “education”. They want the “trade” experience. And if a pro career doesn’t work out, they can still go out and get a trade. Those that value the education will take advantage of it.
    2 – Stop expecting loyalty. Loyalty is one of the most oversized and overrated expectations in life. You can be loyal to be people, but never be loyal to an organization. And, if the person that you were loyal to can’t respect your decisions, that person was never worth being loyal to. You can keep calling athletic teams a family but in truth they are your co-workers that you share common goals with that helps foster unity … but, they are not your family … that’s a cult mentality.
    3 – Personal interest and self preservation are hall marks of survival and success. It’s okay to be greedy. Trust that people can weigh the pro’s and con’s themselves and make intelligent decisions. If they don’t, it’s on them.

    I hire sales people. I’ve hired well over 100. My hiring practices are super easy. Are they smart enough to do the job? Are they driven to be better than what the current job is? Do they work well in a team environment but have enough common sense to know when to look out for themselves? That’s it. People that are willing to look out for themselves … ask for raises … ask for promotions … while sometimes (actually a lot of times) can be annoying … those are also the people that won’t be afraid to ask for a PO at the end of a quarter.

    I preach in every single individual meeting that at least once a year they should be interviewing outside the company to know what their personal market value is. Once you know what your market value is, you can make decisions based off of that. Money, work life balance, effort required to succeed, etc etc … whatever balance is most important to you.

    That’s all Addison did here. I see a kid who probably would rather have heard his name called in the draft than play another season of college football without a salary. Why not go somewhere sunny and earn a ton of money while you wait for that opportunity? Hard to fault the kid.

    Too bad, he wasn’t obligated to be at Pitt because of a contract, though.

    Liked by 3 people

    2. Tons of women without winter so few clothes required .
      I hate it, but honestly I don’t fault the kid.
      Funny, I was brainwashed with the late Trojan games like n when we only had 3 channels.
      I will have to consider my West Coast team.
      Plus when Addison goes pro USC get’s all the credit.

      Like

  134. Sounds like there is a lot of negotiating going on behind the scenes, hence no finality. Or, is there? Sports Illustrated reported he entered the portal and the link has since been discontinued.

    Oh, to be a fly on the wall at the NCAA offices this morning.

    Like

  135. Incoming athletes on scholarship should sign a standard NCAA developed contract that, in exchange for a scholarship, pocket money, etc., an athlete agrees to follow the rules and report all contacts with outside parties offering money. Contacting other schools before entering the portal would render a player ineligible.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. It already is. Just hard to prove. This about an NIL and not USC, even though we all know that’s not true

      Like

  136. I will go on record now! Jordan Addison will not repeat as the Biletnikoff Award this coming year. He will not even be a finalist. Pitt will have a better record than USC this coming year. Addison will have buyer’s regret.

    After the tampering by USC came to light, the die was cast. It would have been counterproductive to have Jordan return to Pitt. He thinks he has found bright lights and better opportunities in southern California. The distractions and the pressure will wear him down out there.

    Goodbye Jordan. Thanks for the last couple of years. Do not complain when things do not work out for you! I could care less!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. He won’t have buyers regret. For all the reasons above, that’s why he’s doing this.

      Like

    2. But even if he stayed at Pitt would Addison be in the Biletnikoff conversation? Maybe the reason Jordan is considering (no word yet in the portal) leaving is he believes that Narduzzi and Cignetti will not be passing the ball nearly as much this year. Whereas, Lincoln Riley’s offense is known as the “Air Raid”. Dramatically less receptions and NFL scouts might say he was just a one year wonder propped up my a Heisman trophy candidate QB.

      Like

  137. By the way, this is why Addison should not be criticized. You may not like it, but things out of your control can happen … Neck injury in this case.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Huh? I got paid for my internships and jobs in college. Not sure what point you’re making. Amateurism is dead, man … and dumb.

      Like

    1. Re-read that, man. Much more nuanced than that. Student athlete means something to players who consider themselves students.

      Like

    1. It’s called the NCAA. Won’t ever happen in that fashion. Remember the world league? Football teams are too expensive. 50+ players. Close to 100 in college. Injury liability, alone. Takes too long to build up a fan base and the viewership needed. Would be like a 30 year investment before it pays dividends. The NFL prefers the current model.

      Like

  141. One thing about the left coast, the football highlights are after midnight. So who will be the Pitt players to step up? The opportunity is there.

    Like

    1. That’s right Frank. I guarantee there are WRs on PITT’s roster who are licking their chops at the opportunity created by Addison’s departure.

      Like

  142. As of their 12:16 PM update today, Jordan is not listed as in the transfer portal. If he really wanted out why is he taking so long to enter the portal? Another thing Jordan must consider is USC has added several other high end receivers to their team via the portal plus what they already had. Only one ball to go around.

    Like

      1. You can have multiple suitors and still enter your name before making a final decision. In fact, the sooner he enters the less blow back regarding tampering. More teams might be willing to enter the bidding war, once he enters his name into the transfer portal,

        Like

    2. That’s not how it works. He had to notify Pitt by midnight. Pitt has 48 hours to put him in the portal. It’s been reported that he told Pitt to put his name in the portal.

      Liked by 2 people

    3. Someone I know with knowledge of the #%$@ing portal tells me Pitt needs to finalize the paperwork – it’s a final step that makes the portal entry official.

      QB Joey Yellen was reported to have entered a few days ago, and just showed up on the portal listing this morning.

      Note: the portal shows that Bub Means is eligible immediately, which does not line up with how the rules are presented. By my interpretation of the rules, after your 2nd transfer, you must sit out one full season.

      Means 1st committed to Tennessee, transferred to Louisiana Tech and then to Pitt.

      We need to instill the mercy rule. Play Bub now and pay the price later.

      Like

  143. What’s most upsetting is that pitt invested thousands in developing him. And Pitt receives zero compensation in return. Pitt should be made whole.

    It should be considered a transfer with a fee for the acquiring school. He should technically be loaned to usc. That’s how it’s done with professsionals. And these kids are now professionals.

    The minor league for the nfl will be formed. Associated with the best 30 brands and fanbases out there…Pitt don’t hold your breath. And the nfl will supply support, maybe not financially at first but most definitely with administration and certain operational protocols.

    Like

    1. C’mon. He was only playing one more season, anyway. Lol. A season he would have had one foot out the door …

      Thousands? lol. Kid is making millions. You’re over here talking thousands. Have him signed to a contract out of HS and this doesn’t happened. Maybe it does. I doubt any kid with potential signs a 4 year contract.

      Pitt got their money back in that investment.

      Like

      1. If he leaves Pitt, pitt is surely not being compensated for his talents and the investment they made in him. Do you not know how this is done in soccer? There’s a reason it’s done. You just can’t poach a player from a lesser league without compensating the school or club. It’s a common worldwide practice man.

        Like

        1. Lol. Except those guys are being paid by the organizations and they are under contracts with rules to prevent it. Addison is not under contract. Pitt paid for tuition, room and board. Some food stipends. His catch alone to put Pitt in the ACC Championship alone paid for their investment. National exposure. He won a major award. He doesn’t owe Pitt a thing except a thanks, I had a great time.

          Like

          1. And I’m saying the new world order will have said contracts. Pitt is getting screwed in this system. And every other lessor or less rich school as well. That’s why Gallagher who is dead man walking really needs to break away from his lab for once.

            Like

            1. Oh. They won’t go that route. P5 will just separate in the beginning. Conferences will make sure their members are invited. Maybe this evolves into something else over time and schools decide to leave but in the beginning it will be an all or nothing. Conferences will still exist. Just same rules and a governing body for all the conferences.

              Like

    2. Jordan just dropped a duece on Pitt – consider that all the payment Pitt will get.

      Like

      1. Then I’d put that deuce in a brown paper bag and drop it off at the USC presidents front porch, soak it in gasoline, light a match. And then ring the doorbell. 💩🔥

        Liked by 1 person

  144. If there really is a no tampering rule. Pitt should lawyer up to put this in the national spotlight. Not that they could win anything.

    Like

    1. Hard to prove. Maybe worth it. I agree if USC broke the rules they should be punished. The problem is you can play dumb with third party intermediaries. One of the big advantages of search firms. Coaches can play plausible deniability. No, Pitt never reached … you didn’t ask if someone on behalf of Pitt reached out.

      Like

    2. And Gallagher and lyke need to make the stink public. Expose the hypocrisy. Tell the other conference presidents that they are all frauds and call out the NCAA. Have some guts for once for saying out loud what everyone says in private or are thinking.

      Like

      1. The last time Pitt did that was when Cam Johnson transferred to UNC and Pitt was made to look really bad on the national stage.

        Like

        1. And that’s because they had the wrong people say the wrong things. Pitt is the little guy. The underdog. Who doesn’t want to cheer someone like that on. Sour grapes? No. Just flat out call out the wrongs of this system and the inequities. And lawyer up. Bring a class action suit.

          Like

        2. Pitt should not have interfered with that transfer or Addison. They can certainly go after USC if they have proof.

          Like

  145. With all this going on when will these players say the NFL, NBA and other drafts are not legal. Shouldn’t they have the right to go to whoever wants to pay them the most and not to the team that drafted them. Many of these college kids are making more than draft picks now. This is all screwed up. For me I am about done with sports in general. Play more golf.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. They’re a bigger star in college so the money is fair. Going to the NFL, you go from star to rookie. College athletics is big business. Some players are better college players than professionals. Some are better professionals.

      Like

    2. Exactly – play more golf.

      I’m in – I’ve got an opening for 8am next Saturday. First one to accept will be my playing partner.

      Like

    3. They do. It’s called free agency.

      The great ones also do this. See Elway and Manning etc. Said that they would not play for x team if drafted. If you are believed to be the best you have status.

      Like

  146. I personally like the concept of promotion and relegation. This new league would need it. However I would base it on three seasons of results and not be an annual thing like done in professional soccer leagues such as the English Premier.

    So Pitt would have a chance to gain entry at some future point if they win their conference or place in a playoff. I’m thinking 3-4 schools being related every three years. Wouldn’t it be nice to take penn states spot.

    Like

  147. Keeping things in perspective, we need to again remind ourselves that less than 2% of athletes ever sign a professional contract, and NIL money will probably flow to that 2%. So every athlete coming in should sign a contract clearly stating that scholarships are considered compensation and certain actions can jeopardize that compensation. There would be no cap on NIL money so long as it is reported to the college. If the players in the 2% want to find a better NIL opportunity they can enter the portal and good luck. Whether they leave for playing time or money, every school will need to live with some transfers.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Please consider the consequence of that policy. If you are a 5 star high school recruit, and there are two schools who you are considering signing with and one requires you to sign that contract and the other doesn’t, who do you sign with?

      Like

  148. I’d send usc a bill for

    Training and development over two years

    Cost of lost attendance

    Cost of lost marketing and PR opportunities

    Cost of damage to the brand

    Etc, etc

    Then have a jury decide.

    Sure a judge would throw the suit out but Pitt gets the publicity and controls the narrative.

    Like

      1. Maybe. But Pitt has damages and legal standing along with every other school that develops talent and then gets poached by the bigger and deeper pocket schools. It’s time that pitt and similar schools unite together and stand up for themselves.

        Like

      2. Those guys entered the portal first, then moved to their new school. Not the same for JA, since he had previously said he was coming back to Pitt and he had his new school picked out even before he entered the portal. It’s the obvious tampering that ticks me off.

        Liked by 2 people

        1. Tampering by USC or solicitation by boosters? Boosters can’t “tamper” in the sense you mean it. If tampering is by USC, that is a whole different story. Do we know USC’s involvement because to my mind the boosters could do whatever without USC’s involvement. Likely, unlikely? We have no idea.

          Like

          1. I thought boosters were not allowed to get involved before the person was committed or at least in the portal already.

            Like

  149. PITT FOOTBALLCalijah Kancey and Brandon Hill Re-Affirm Their Commitment To Pitt Football

    Per PSN a few minutes ago…

    Liked by 2 people

  150. And likewise John Morgan with this tweet:

    John D Morgan III
    I want every Pitt Fan across America to know this. The team that walks out of that tunnel on September 1st to ThunderStruck will be a team that brings back another ACC Championship and a National Championship. I can promise you that. I want to go down in history. #H2P

    Sounds determined

    Like

    1. Starters on D (way too early to project):

      DE’s – Baldonado & Morgan
      DT’s – Cancey and Alexander
      OLB’s – SirVoccea and Simon
      MLB – George
      CB’s – Williams and Devonshire
      Safeties – Hill & Hallet

      The 2nd team players will not be much of a drop in talent. Back-ups like Hayes, DeShields and Kamara will be start like performers.

      Liked by 1 person

  151. Free Agent signings:

    Krull to the Saints
    Adomitis to the Bengals
    Mack to 49ers
    Camp to Tampa Bay

    Can’t remember the others…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Do we know JA’s 40 yd time (I don’t) because if we don’t, we don’t have the slightest idea if he would be a first round draft choice.

      Like

  153. My 2 cents

    Despite already having a $259k NIL agreement in place, I take no issue with Jordan going for > $1m or $2m, whatever it is. Good luck Jordan and I appreciate your contributions

    And I hope to hell that Pitt is NOT trying to negotiate with him, or trying to match what USC is offering. Having a player making > $1m while his teammates making nothing or next to nothing spells T R O U B L E. It also sets a bad precedent

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 3 people

  156. Another Twitter feed:

    Carlo Veltri
    @vetchy119
    Addison rumored to be receiving >$3M, plus house in SoCal from USC boosters via NIL funding vehicle.

    If true, he’ll make more than Steelers’ 2nd rd WR pick and have a 2022 compensation package on par with Kenny Pickett, the 20th overall pick in the NFL. Was this Intent of NIL?
    1:49 PM · May 1, 2022

    Liked by 5 people

    1. My thought is that he was good – but he wasn’t that damn good…

      (Though I never will forget him taking the ball from that UVA defender to seal the Pitt championship…)

      Go Pitt.

      Liked by 1 person

  157. Caleb Williams will be his QB. Just a TAD bit better than either Slow foot Slovis or panicky Patti.

    Like

    1. But if you are too short to see over the linemen, you better be good at running for your life.

      Like

  158. Way too early crazy prediction:

    Pitt’s punt returner next season will be Belle Vernon preferred walk-on Devin Whitlock.

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  159. My way too early 2-deep on offense:

    QB – Patti or Slovis
    RB – Izzy; Hammond
    FB – Carter; Wright
    TE – Bartholomew; Renda
    WR1 – Wayne; Bradley
    WR2 – Mumpfield; Barden
    WR3 – Means; Alston or Copeland
    LT – Warren; Gonclaves
    LG – Minor; Jacoby
    C – Kradel; Drexel
    RG – Zubovic; Enos
    RT – Houy; Taylor

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hope we can improve on some of the backups, like Renda, Bradley, and Barden.

      Be great to see Alston or Copeland make a splash.

      Wonder if there was a long line entering the portal yesterday…

      Go Pitt.

      Like

  160. The money in the NIL’s at these Big Market schools is just wild. It’s like getting drafted a year or two early. The NIL really just legalized giving money to players. Crazy Times. So is he leaving 100%. I mean for 3M I’m sure. To me this is also because coaches salaries are so out of whack. I mean honestly speaking like Narduzzi or Not is he really worth 5M a year to coach football. The players are probably saying I want mine you know.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nard Dog is probably now making $7 million per year after his ‘lifetime’ contract while his lowly coordinators make one tenth of that. I’m waiting for the day a player makes more than the HC. It will happen unless this NIL has sheriffs.

      And even pitt partook in this kind of stuff Fourty years ago. JoePa is still pissed about how majors and Jackie bought Dorsett. And do you think Marino didn’t come with a price tag.

      And I don’t think players really care that much about a few on the team making millions and driving fancy cars and living in beach houses. Some players actually enjoy to play and appreciate the free education and other stuff they get.

      I know you UPitt get all this. This was directed at the woe is me croud and Pitt would never engage in this kind of stuff nonsense.

      I just don’t like it when schools poach and there is no compensation to the poached. System needs to change. All the kids need to get paid and sign contracts. And these transfers should be considered loans and have fees attached.

      Like

    2. Not a done deal but likely … But USC isn’t necessarily the only option. The U and Bama I’m sure are going to see what they can offer.

      Like

  162. UPBB, coaching salaries was one the main points cited by the Supreme Court for ruling that college athletes had a right to collect NIL stipends. The other of course was the millions that the programs were raking in from TV, ticket sales, uniform sales, etc

    The issue now is how to implement a fair and equitable process … which we all know isn’t going to happen. The only NCAA guideline right now is that the NIL agreement is not to be used for recruiting purposes .. which we all isn’t happening.

    In the Addison case, the NIL incentive just happened to be exposed even before he entered the portal. You probably know all of this

    But the bottom line is the rich will get richer. Programs with the biggest boosters will benefit as they always have .. except now it will allegedly be legal. IMO, that is the only change

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Like

    1. But who says that pitt has to take it and accept it. It should be out front leading for system reform. Outside of 30 schools who can buy championships, pitt will have the proverbial tide on their side. The so called rules or lack thereof are meant to protect only the richest schools. You know the French and Americans revolted over stuff like this.

      Like

  163. Wasn’t one of the reasons KS came to Pitt from USC was so he could throw to Addison?

    So now Addison will be playing for USC?

    As they say, can’t make this stuff up…

    Go Pitt.

    Like

  164. BTW, despite the fact Addison is not yet in the portal, Chris Peak reported that he is on Los Angeles today

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Like

    1. If he is not in the portal as of 11:59 PM last night, he has to sit a year.

      Did he submit papers?

      Like

  165. After reading these well done articles I started to smell my own brain frying while we merged into the Addison mess. Firstly, Pickett is real good and he was rewarded with all his lifetime of work and dedication towards his own dream his whole life. What’s not to like.

    Addison’s situation is the great exposure of how NCAA football has become. I won’t dwell on it as it really does bring me down. Only to say.. once the word came out concerning USC, JD had to leave to make it look like it wasn’t planned and/or about money. Having said that, he hopefully announced he will be staying at PITT..

    TT, I will never give up on total loyalty, it’s my badge I wear on my chest, I’m nothing without it. Throw in honesty and anyone can be my friend.

    I’m so upset over the way this portal crap went down, after KP’s big night and all. PITT can’t catch a break.

    I don’t know why you guys keep bring up Narduzzi salary? It impacts one thing only… keeping a good coach at PITT. It’s a lame argument.

    Liked by 7 people

    1. Loyalty to Pitt is something none of us should give up on! Good thoughts Ike. Like you, I can barely bring myself to acknowledge the Addison situation. Very depressing for a variety of reasons.

      I have done a lot of regretful things in my life chasing the almighty dollar. Hope what ever happens to Addison is for his best long term interest! He is one of the best receivers I’ve ever seen in a Pitt Uniform! H2P

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Ike, I said that you can be loyal. Friends, family, co-workers, whatever … but often times it becomes a one way street. You have to be smart where you put your loyalty. I would never be loyal to an institution because they will not return that loyalty. Some exceptions like small and family run businesses. But a huge entity like Pitt? No way. Now, I would be loyal to a coach if I felt it was reciprocated. But, Duzz is a defensive coach. I doubt he had that relationship with Addison outside of “you’re my star”. New OC and WR coach in addition to the new QB. The guys who would build or maintain that loyalty left. I get the argument where some people blame Duzz. I don’t necessarily think it’s fair. It’s a huge team and kids leave all the time. Are asked to leave all the time (some loyalty, Pitt). But, I won’t criticize anyone blaming Duzz because even if it’s a small factor, it’s a factor.

      The salary argument is soooo dumb. You’re worth what the market says you’re worth. Move on. Not your money … unless one of you is Chris Bickell.

      Like

  167. I see where Pitt awarded Louis Riddick an honorary doctorate degree today — Dr. Louis Riddick!

    Tex pleased! 😊

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 1 person

  168. While I would like to see Jordan stay, it really doesn’t bother me if he goes. In fact, the thing that will bother me is that when he goes to the NFL, he will be listed as Jordan Addison from USC

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Like

  169. The Indianapolis Colts selected Youngstown State tight end Andrew Ogletree with the No. 192 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft.

    Pitt TE Lucas Krull was not drafted, but selected as an UDFA by the Saints.

    Like

  170. I’ll skip my frustration with the whole tampering BS and USC. I don’t get the negative evaluations on Kenny P. I always thought KP to be a taller version of Drew Brees. I have no idea why he gets compared to mediocre quarterbacks. I think trying to predict quarterback success is nearly impossible. Brady’s pre-draft evaluation was that for a career backup. KP much like Brees and Brady is a cerebral QB with great touch on his passes and the ability to really read a defense. I’m not trying to say he’ll be close to Brady, but I really think he can be Brees.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. A typical Aaron Rodger’s draft profile: “Too well-schooled, very robotic don’t become very good pro players. Rodgers is same old system quarterback and can’t create on his own. Panics under pressure and gets flustered easily.”

      Like

  171. I read on here where the Jordan Air ante is up to $3mil, house and a vehicle ( no mention of California girls yet)…. Go for it young man… you ate a first round pick in 2023…. Take care of yourself and do not get hurt this year…. Might want to pull back on the throttle this year! Good luck!!!

    We are going to have a great team in 2022… can’t wait for the opening game and seeing ole friends….that’s what it is all about… Let’s Go PITT!!!

    Liked by 2 people

  174. I think it’s more important that Kancey and Hill stayed than that Addison left.

    A WR, even Addison, is much easier to replace or otherwise make up for…. (It had occurred to me when Mumpfield came in that it was going to be very tough to keep Addison, Mumpfield and Wayne happy with the number of passes thrown to each of them…. Course if we have an injury, that’s another matter.)

    Go Pitt.

    Liked by 5 people

  175. So I can not believe that this is what the designers of NIL intended wen they came up with the new system.
    So what will be done about it, is this what to expect moving forward? Hard to believe it will stand this way.
    I guess this wouldn’t happen within a conference, but who knows, a new way to compete against your foes.

    I don’t buy the loyalty argument when you are talking millions and setting yourself up for life in a sport where it can all end on the next play.

    So what does the NCAA do about this?

    In the meantime Pitt’s recruiting seems to be going very well, the program looks to be on the upswing.
    Addison could twist an ankle, blow a knee or get concussed and someone wasted 3 mill.
    This is lunacy.

    Liked by 1 person

  176. Is the NIL money guaranteed?
    Is it paid up front?
    % of total for each game played?

    Like

    2. Maybe NIL will come with caveats/bonuses: i.e.number of TD’s, number of yards, major bowl victory, CFB playoffs, National Championship….the NIL givers want some bang for their greed,,Jordan Air needs to be incentivized or he could go on cruise control.

      Like

      1. I don’t think they can do that since the contract is basically for marketing the player’s persona.
        It would be interesting to know who the contract is with and how all of this works now that there is big money involved.

        Like

    3. NIL’s are endorsement deals. it’s in the contract they sign. Every contract can be different. If they don’t pay and a contract is signed it goes to court like every other bad transaction.

      Like

  177. So NIL is basically an attempt to not have to compensate players and really only compensates the stars, while the overall problem still exists because the stars can not exist without the rest of the team doing their part. It was just an attempt to kick the can down the road. It looks like it has mightily backfired. This is one more reason for the players to unionize so that they can be adequately compensated for their work. They can not be adequately compensated for the health risks they incur.

    Now that top players will realize their worth on the open market how long will it take till greed takes over.
    Another question is who is negotiating these deals on behalf of the players and do they get a cut?

    Are these employment contracts? Is an agent and lawyer involved?

    It is fascinating that the kneejerk reaction to this for some is to criticize Pitt, Lyke and Narduzzi for not anticipating and being prepared for this s#$tstorm.

    Like

    1. Pitt is reacting while other schools have been proactive. Why hasn’t a new Golden Panthers club been formed? The AD should indeed be criticized for that.

      Many of these NIL deals put together by boosters have a charity component. So it’s not all evil.

      How pitt can now become a leader is by making all recruits sign employment contracts and by paying them. Maybe just for once pitt can take charge and not sit back and then mope.

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      2. Anon was me … Bickell is creating the equivalent of the Golden Panther Club. You’e 100% right Pitt is being reactive but very few schools are being proactive while on rosters. That’s not an apples to apples comparison. Pitt should have been more proactive with Addison, maybe. We don’t know for a fact that they were not … but, the fact they came up with a comparable counter so quickly (if even true – could be a PR move by Pitt) tells you they may have been reactive. Or, maybe they were able to counter so quickly because they have been in discussions and were already close. I hate assuming things. We don’t have all the facts. Very few teams are out there poaching kids right now so brazenly as USC. Pitt had a rather successful portal experience the last two seasons. And … not everyone is USC or Texas … Clemson is openly not using the portal as a primary roster building tool. They are using it to fill gaps after kids leave post signing day.

        https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2022/04/12/pitt-football-athletics-nil-name-image-likeness-chris-bickell-alliance-412-pat-narduzzi-heather-lyke-calijah-kancey/stories/202204120068

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      3. Pitt has been putting NIL deals together. Just not poaching before guys enter the portal with 3 million dollar deals.

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  178. The NIL is designed to make booster payments, which has been going on for decades, legal … pure and simple. NCAA Prez Emmett is just a puppet and fall guy for the elites

    (NFL Commish Rogers Goodall is the same. He is paid handsomely for pushing thru what the owners want.)

    NIL or no NIL, why people think that a school like Pitt can compete with big boys is amazing. I don’t care who the college prez and AD are, the elites will continue to rule .. and, if anything, it will widen the chasm

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 2 people

  179. Pitt did land a QB commit for 2023 over the weekend: Kenny Minchey out of Tennessee.

    Other offers include Michigan State, Tennessee, Virginia, VTech, Memphis and Houston. His profile shows a June visit to Ohio State.

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  180. I’m $ure all of thi$ talk about U$C alum$ illegally enticing Addison go there is mi$under$tood. Jordan probably want$ to follow a degree path at U$C not offered at Pitt$burgh. That’$ the only rea$on why Addison would con$ider going to U$C. That’$ the only reason I would go to the Univer$ity of $poiled Children as it$ known in California.

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  182. So….. does anyone actually know what’s going on w Addison? Just checked the transfer portal and his name is not on it.

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  183. So, he had to have his name in yesterday by midnight not April 30th like originally reported. Pitt has 48 hours to enter it. So we should know by COB tomorrow. Pitt and Addison could still be in discussions so that’s why Pitt is slow rolling putting his name out there. If his name never hits, they could just say the media had bad info. All is good. It never was as serious as reported. Who knows?

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  184. We are obviously dealing with incomplete info and here say at many levels, but if USC broke NIL rules whatever they may be could the NCAA file an injunction to put the process on hold? Certainly not a lawyer but making offers before a kid enters the portal certainly seems wrong.

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  185. maybe coincidence but FB PFF site has been vacated by an Addison family person, all posts and comments gone

    anyone else notice? or read there?

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  186. Supposedly Addison has been working out in California with some other players. Okay, I could easily see either those players or people around them encouraging Jordan to transfer out to Hollywood. Or maybe he just wishes they all could be California girls.

    I remember Duzzer describing Jordan as a reserved-type person who doesn’t say much. And I heard he’s from a large family…

    Easy to see how the situation, and the opportunity, could snowball out of control…

    Go Pitt.

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