Interesting Article on NLI's

[stevo]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/seth_davis/11/18/hoop.thoughts/index.html?eref=T1

Here is a pretty interesting article on NLI's and recruitment. I did not realize NLI's were totally voluntary. The article does make it seem that signing one is not a good idea for a student athlete, at least for the high performers who have maximum leverage.

I, for one, hope this kid gets what he wants.

[HoosierHawk]

Say what you will about Mike Davis, but he really does connect with his players. There was almost a mutiny by the team when IU ran him out of town. I still don't think he is a great coach, but recruiting was never the problem.

The NLI in my eyes is kind of a necessary evil. Schools can't be left high and dry and need some stability that they can feel comfortable that recruits who say they are coming are coming. That said, I also agree that it was written by the Athletic Departments for the Athletic Departments. They need to re-write the thing with advocates for the recruits having substantial impact. There is no reason the document can't protect player and university interests at the same time.

[mcfarljd]

Might as well mention this here, but as is the current situation with a lot of younger players verbally committing years before they can sign their NLI for college hockey programs, already 3 planned members of the Wisconsin class of 2009 have decommitted within the past few months and refused to sign their contract.

One said it was because he was promised a full ride, and was upset that they recently told him they only give out 90% scholarships (Brock Montpetit).

Another didn't want to play another year in juniors and wait to play puck, so he signed with Denver over the summer and i playing currently (Patrick Wiercioch)

And the third stated that he didn't feel he could keep up with college coursework (Nick Pryor)


I think Mike Eaves is starting to lose the handle on his program.