Kentucky forward Nerlens Noel (3) tries to get around Florida center Patric Young (4) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Gainesville, Fla., Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013. Florida won 69-52. (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)
By LARRY VAUGHT
Kentucky coach John Calipari said Friday that Nerlens Noel had the NCAA-approved career-ending insurance that “he’s allowed to have”, but that doesn’t cover loss of income.
“It’s just disappointing that we don’t take care of that, so he can be fully insured, and then if the kids want to take out insurance for draft position, let them take a loan and do it. Why (not)? ‘Well, only rich kids can do that.’ Have we told the president this yet? I mean, I just don’t get some of the stuff, and this is one of them. And I also think, again, it proves the point of: If a kid’s ready to go (in the draft), you let him go. Now if we want this to two years, let’s do something to make that happen. Let’s work with the (NBA) Players Association. Let’s get those guys in a room to try to figure out how we do it,” Calipari said.
That’s not a new stance for Calipari. It has been part of his players’ first mentality. However, he is not in favor of players going straight from high school to the NBA.
“I just don’t agree with that, and not because I’m coaching at Kentucky. I’ve never agreed with that,” Calipari said. “The reason is you’re going to have all these kids thinking they’re going directly to the league. Let’s do it in football, too, then. Let’s do it in both sports. Let’s do it in football and basketball. Or what if a kid gets hurt as a sophomore or junior in high school? ‘Let him come out (early) of high school.’
“I mean, let’s do what’s right for the kids. Let’s make sure we’re putting education on the front burner here. In my case, I don’t like the one-and-done rule. I’ll deal with it, but it’s not what I like. I seem to be the only one speaking out about it, unless you say, ‘I can’t get those kids. Let them go directly to the (NBA).’ They’re here, so what do we do and how do we deal with this?”
6 Responses to Calipari on insurance Noel has and what he wishes could be done to help protect players more
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If it were truly about student-athletes, the NCAA would do the right thing. Anybody wanna bet on that happening?
If anyone wants that bet, I have an island to sell you up east. Great harbor, lovely view, a few tall buildings…
Coach, Your RIGHT ON! But, The NCAA, is Like Washington DC, ” they don’t like to share power…And, also like Politicians, ” if it’s logical, easy and makes ” good common sense “, you can forget about it. All of the NCAA Power comes from confusion, chaos and backroom deals. You want to institute Order, Structure and Truth…Their Money Is Their Power…Maybe a Private Sports Enterprise (IMG), could initiate some structure and support. But, be prepared to hire some strong Attorneys and take the NCAA on DIRECTLY! ( Supreme Court, if needed)…you know a jury, will be for the Kids and you know the NCAA will Appeal to the Highest Court with their Attorneys and OUR MONEY…Wish there was something College Sports Fans could do, and you know we would!
I have done a little research on the net about draft insurance. According to what I have found out the NCAA will arrange a low interest loan which will be used to buy an insurance policy for college players like Noel. Players can buy up to a $5,000,000.000 poplicy. It is my understanding that Noel paid or had someone pay the premium for an additional $5,000,000.00 making him have a total of $10,000,000.00. Someone please give me the correct information if this is not correct. Also I would appreciate it if someone could answer these questions:
1. Does the NCAA arrange loans for any student athlete who wishes protection for future earnings or are the premium loans only for players who are a sure shot for the NBA? For instance, would they have done this for John Hood, who also blew out a knee? John will probably not play NBA professional ball, but if his injuries could have kept him out of playing in foreign league.
2. What about a baseball player, tennis, women’s basketball, etc.?
3. I assume that a college cannot purchase insurance for an athlete. If this is true, then why not? Men’s basketball and football players make millions for the college teams, how could the NCAA deny the college the right to insure the player’s future? Would the NCAA penalize a school if it paid premiums for future income insurance?
4. But then if the University could buy such insurance, would they not have to cover all athletes, both men and women?
5. Does the NCAA insurance loan program cover ALL athlets who wish to participate? I believe the price borrowed for the $5,000.000.00 insurance policy is about $50,000.00 per year. Would a player who did not make a professional team and who was not injured in college have to pay back the premium?
Just wondering.
Coach Calipari often tells us that he does not like the and done thing. I agree with him, and I also agree with him that you have to play by whatever rules that are laid out before you. In the case of the one and done situation, the fault must be laid at the foot of the NBA. It is their rule and not a rule of the NCAA. The rule applies to age and not years in college. A gifted high schooler can skip college altogether and play in europe if he choose. Of course, a year of college is better for those who truly are draft bait.
Any one who really thinks about it has to accept the fact that the one and done thing makes education a farce.
Baseball has pro farm systems and HS kids can go straight out of HS. College football is Pro Football’s farm system and they don’t pay their salary. Basketball has the “D” League but it appears only those drafted are those sent there “to develop”. Why can’t kids go out of high school to the “D” League” or some other designated minor league to develop. Not all players pass the academics for college but a very good at sports. They need to work too. Give them a place to work and hone their skills. The answer to the why is simple, Greed.