You know things are getting ugly for the NCAA when Alabama fans are rushing to defend the honor of the Tennessee Vols. But that's exactly what happened on Tuesday afternoon.
Earlier that day, the news broke that the Tennessee Vols are being investigated by the NCAA for alleged violations of name, image, and likeness rules.
It's been further revealed in a New York Times article that the investigation is focused on Tennessee star quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Particularly, the inquiry allegedly centered on the Tennessee star having taken a private jet when visiting Knoxville as a recruit.
The investigation drew a sharp rebuke from Tennessee chancellor Donde Plowman whose letter became public on Tuesday afternoon. Fans and media have also raised an eyebrow at the NCAA's decision to try to punish a member school on an issue with such little direction.
Incredibly, one of those fans called the Paul Finebaum Show and unloaded on the NCAA for investigating Tennessee.
Someone going by the name of Legend from Alabama called and said he had no problem with Tennessee giving Iamaleava 6 million, which isn't exactly true as the NIL agreement is with the collective and not with the university.
That being said, the caller pointed out the interesting timing of how Alabama quickly lost two transfers to Iowa and Ohio State, with the former having contacted ex-Bama OT Kadyn Proctor during the season, per Proctor.
The general point from his rant is fair in that this is the new world of college sports, and it's happening everywhere. Players are getting poached, and big money is flying around among collectives and player representatives. And it's not just for outside players, but also for players who are seeking money to stay, as Georgia QB Carson Beck reportedly sought $4 million to stay at Georgia for the 2024 season.
The caller on Finebaum asked repeatedly: "so damned what?" That might be a question the NCAA has to find a way to adequately answer, or they could end up facing a fight from a number of schools that they're not ready to handle.
After all, they managed to get Alabama fans to stand beside Tennessee. That's pretty incredible by itself.
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