Good read. Link: https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2014/4/10/5594348/college-football-bag-man-interview
I really appreciated reading sort of the evolution of the “art”(?) over the years, and all that goes into it. The tractor repairs, how they help besides just cash, the constant contact, etc. By my count, there are no less than five (5) members on this board who could personally verify every detail of this story, or most of it.
"Because that would be like a Lamborghini showing up in their driveway. See, you don't know how much a tractor costs. So we've got to get this tractor to a repair guy who we're comfortable enough calling up and saying, 'Hey, fix this. He's good for it. We're taking care of it.' The tractor gets fixed. Now you try and prove we fixed that tractor."
The thing rang like truth to me. It's exactly how I imagined it would work, and what motivations were behind it. Ironically, I see it as far more benevolent to prospects than the ncaa itself.
Players have a market value either in daylight or behind the scenes. I'd have no qualms joining in and throwing in up to the gift tax exclusion amount annually in these circles.
That they do it even when they don't think they'll get the guy, and that appears to be partly needs-based, says a lot.
An iteration of this would be to put the money towards a peer that is the recruit's "best friend." Gives access to cars, meals, housing, etc. Reggie bush style before they messed up.
The importance / benefit of getting former athletes through college with a degree and back home coaching was interesting to read.
