College sports as we know it is changing drastically. On July 1, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico, Ohio and Texas all have laws or executive orders coming into effect on Thursday that will allow college athletes to earn money. More than a dozen other states have passed similar measures with later effective dates. Today the NY Times is reporting A powerful group of college sports leaders recommended Monday that student-athletes be allowed for the first time to earn money from autograph signings, personal appearances, endorsements and their social media platforms, which would be a groundbreaking shift that could see players earn millions of dollars. The policy, put forward by a National Collegiate Athletic Association committee, comes as the organization faces demands to move away from its longstanding position that athletes should, at most, be allowed to receive scholarships and stipends for some living costs. A final decision by the N.C.A.A.’s Division I Board of Directors, which largely includes university chancellors and presidents, is expected on Wednesday. It is going to be very interesting to see how the players and colleges reacts to these changes. My biggest fear is that it will drive a major wedge between players on high profile revenue producing sports versus those on non-revenue producing sports. In addition, until the rules are equal across the country, colleges in some states will have significant recruiting advantages over colleges in other states with more restrictive rules.
Yesterday, as reported in multiple sources, in an interview with Jonathan Karl of The Atlantic former Attorney General William Barr said former president Trump’s claims that he had won the 2020 election were “bullshit.” He is saying this now in spite of the fact that shortly after the election, Barr fed the Big Lie. A week after the 2020 election, he overturned Justice Department policy to investigate “substantial allegations” of vote irregularities that “could potentially impact the outcome” of the election. Now he is saying that he took this unusual action because he knew Trump would ask him about allegations of fraud and wanted to be able to say he had looked into them. I cannot wait to hear Trump’s reaction to this. Barr will soon become another Trump loyalist who Trump is thrown under the bus because they are no longer supporting him. It is getting very crowded under that bus.
It breaks my heart to see the devastation of the torrential rains that hit SE Michigan this week. This is the second time in 10 years that SE Michigan has been hit with major flooding that has caused extensive damage to homes, businesses and roads. This combined with the failures of the dams in mid-Michigan last year should be sending a major message to our politicians that our infrastructure is failing us and causing loss of life and serious property damage. The infrastructure needs major investments to meet the current needs of our cities, towns and villages. I am not hopeful the message will be received. It is easier to kick the can down the road than it is to develop a plan that can fund the investment without increasing taxes or cutting into some of our existing expenditures. In my 40 plus years in finance, I have learned that investment in infrastructure and routine maintenance is not something that leaders like to do. It is not sexy like the latest and greatest innovation or new facility. No one gets their names on the front page for upgrading their HVAC system or sewer system.
A.J. Hinch continues to make his mark on the Detroit Tigers. He combines modern analytics with old school gut feel. Yesterday, he had a hunch to keep Akil Baddoo batting against a left hander even though Baddoo was 3 for 27 against left handers in his young major league career. Baddoo rewarded him with a game tying single in the 7th. Fast forward to the 10th with the new international tie-breaking rule, Baddoo having made the last out in the 9th inning, started the inning on second base. He moved to third on an infield out to the right side. He then scored on a safe sacrifice squeeze bunt by Robbie Grossman. It was the first “walk-off” sacrifice bunt for the Tigers since 1977. It took a month but Hinch’s impact is showing on this team as they are 25-20 since May 7.
Stay safe. Wash your hands regularly. Social Distance. Wear your mask properly. Schedule your vaccine.
Orchid of the Day: Harris English for winning the PGA Travelers Championship after an 8-hole sudden death playoff against Kramer Hickock. The 8-hole playoff was second longest sudden death playoff in PGA history. Both players had to birdie the last hole of the tournament to force the playoff.
Onion of the Day: The politicians who continue to kick the can down the road when it comes to investing in our infrastructure.
Quote of the Day: “Speed never slumps.” Tiger manager A.J. Hinch on Akil Baddoo’s speed in scoring from third on the game winning sacrifice bunt.