The Ohio State University football program is the latest athletic department who has been found to have broken NCAA rules and regulations. This incident involves current players selling items given to them by the university from participating in a 2009 bowl game. If those items sold were gifts, wouldn’t the players have the freedom to do as they please with these items?

We are not that far removed from the UNC, Alabama, USC and Georgia football program suspensions as a result of inappropriate contact with sports agents by current players (The Georgia incident involved a player selling a bowl game jersey).

Are the current amateur athlete rules and regulations fair to the players? Everyone gets paid on game day but the players (Athletic Departments, Coaches-including assistants, Licensees, etc…). Coaches have bonus clauses written into employment contracts for various achievements (COY awards, # of games won, conference championships, APR Rate, Equipment Contracts, etc..). The universities also receive a portion of television revenues, where these contracts were negotiated by the NCAA. Next, the NCAA receives licensing revenue for player likenesses on video games (Ex. EA Sports) and jerseys.

The counter argument is that the athletes receive a “free education” where the athletic department pays for room/board and tuition. However, these agreements are one-year renewable and not guaranteed for 4 years as most in the general public assumes. The TSR staff members are very serious advocators in regards to student-athlete education. The truth, ”most” but not all of these student-athletes leave these universities with degrees that make them unmarketable and unable to compete in this economy. Deciding on a major is the choice of the athlete, but there are stories stating that coaches push toward certain majors for the sake of eligibility.

Again the question, should student-athletes be compensated? TSR staff members think they should. The amount can be minimal, $300-$500 per month. The money can be used for travel, laundry and leisure. However, will there be a dilemma as to which “sport” athletes should receive a stipend. Athletic department Equipment Contracts with NIKE, ADIDAS and Under Armour makes it clear as to the revenue generating sports (Football, Men’s/Women’s basketball). Most of these contracts contain bonus clauses paid to the department whenever any of these teams reach certain post-season play accomplishments (NCAA tournament, Bowl and Conference Championship Games). Should the Track & Field, Soccer, Baseball, Swimming and other participating athletes be excluded? Probably not.

The debate on student-athlete compensation will continue long past this latest incident. Don’t be surprised if the final decision is decided in a court of law ( EA Sports lawsuit).

We have recently added a NIKE Employment feed. The feed is updated in real-time, immediately listing new positions as the company makes them publicly available.

The NIKE Employment feed posts opportunities located in the U.S. and abroad. As with other employers in the Sports-Industry with a global brand, potential candidates seeking employment at NIKE will probably face intense competition, 400 applicants/position.

Be prepared. Know the industry and the company, a $20 + billion dollar publicly traded……..& growing.

FORBES magazine has just released its latest annual list of the 400 Richest Americans. On this list, 22 are representatives of the Sports Industry. It appears that the addition of a new stadium, ballpark, or arena will increase their net worth by at least $500 million. A Regional Sports Network (RSN) will also bring in additional revenue for the organization (Ex. YES Network-NY Yankees).

The only deceptive part of the net worth calculations for the “Sports Owners” is that many of their organizations are saddled with debt. We also have two of the most popular leagues (NFL, NBA) potentially locking-out its players in 2011. In addition, many teams have cut the prices of their tickets and some were even subjected to blackouts due to not selling out home games.

The title speaks volumes. We want to reiterate the atmosphere facing those seeking Sports-Industry employment opportunities. The glamour that attaches to the athlete participants does not transcend to those working in administration and management.

The TSR staff wants all candidates to understand that it takes years to develop a niche in the Sports Industry. Once a niche is developed you can then command top-dollar for your services. Remember, most companies associated with the Sports-Industry are nothing more than small businesses (Including the Pro-Sports franchises), generating an average of $60 million annually in revenue. The exception would be the retail companies (NIKE, Adidas, Under Armour, PUMA, etc..) and media companies (ESPN/Disney, Fox/News Corp).

As Mark Cuban stated in MAJOR LEAGUE ENTREPRENEURS, “Start Low…….” Your 1st entry into this industry may be in ticket sales. If you are talented enough to sell “season-tickets” for the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers (post-LeBron), the sky is the limit for you.

Remember to:

a. Focus on building your sales and presentation skills 

b. Understand the economics of the specific Sports discipline you are pursuing for employment (Professional football, basketball, soccer, track & field, etc…).

In closing, always remain optimistic. You will initially put in long hours with little pay, but we want you to see your career 10-15 years ahead…….   -TSR staff