Boise State head coach Spenser Danielson made a shocking announcement regarding the school’s football program this Wednesday, revealing that incoming freshmen will not get NIL deals in their first year.
It has since been clarified that Danielson didn’t ban NIL earnings outright. However, the program won’t be offering recruits or first-year players any deals that would be paid via the school’s associated collective.
Regardless of the above, the news still comes across as shocking, given that freshmen already earn less than upperclassmen at most schools unless they’re of a higher profile. Telling them they can’t rake in any money during their first year could put Boise State at a disadvantage, as rival schools could use it against them.
The Broncos have made it clear that they won’t prevent players from working with local businesses on their own, though.
Boise State HC Explains His New Rule
Speaking to supporters on Wednesday, Danielson explained that he wants to build a culture where athletes are committed to the program, not money.
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“If you’re looking for the easy way and you’re looking for a handout, don’t come to Boise State,” he said, per Adam Engel of the Twin Falls Times-News.
Of course, Danielson and Boise State probably couldn’t put this into the school’s by-laws because any official ban on freshmen earning NIL money wouldn’t hold up in court.
In any case, the Broncos aren’t exactly placing a ban on first-year players playing for NIL dough; they just won’t be handing out money themselves.
