The NCAA transfer portal may be seen as a great opportunity for young players not getting the recognition or playing time they think they deserve. However, some great coaches have their own personal issues with what the portal actual portrays. A local legend, Lou Holtz, came out to the media and expressed his opinion on the evolving transfer portal. In short, he hates the idea.
Rick Robb, a journalist for The Palm Beach Post, writes on what Holtz told the media. He believes that the portal is going to ruin college football and the players who participate. Lou says that athletes commit to colleges for the opportunity to be apart of some of the best academics and facilities that can be offered around the world. Coach Holtz believes that the only reason that sports should be offered at colleges is because they teach lessons that cannot always be taught in the classroom. He gives examples including; perseverance, teamwork, the ability to wait your turn, and improvement. Sticking to one team builds strong bonds and relationship to last a lifetime. While leaving each year for a new team and school on the other side of the country shows weak character and disloyalty.
Lou Holtz expressed similar criticism towards the new ability for players to profit from their image as a college athlete. He opens up about USC quaterback, Caleb Williams, who has endorsements with Wendy’s and Dr. Pepper where he appears in commercials during his own teams ad breaks. Holtz states, “I think a player should be paid if he works at McDonald’s, but not to play college football.” With the new portal, coaches are willing to spend millions of dollars to entice star players to play for their team. Lou reminisces on his paychecks as a head coach at Notre Dame. He shares that his biggest paycheck was only around $115,000. He believes the new portals lead to players and coaches becoming corrupt, greedy, and selfish.
