Message received

The NCAA, fresh off issuing fines--but no forfeited games or probation--over the University of Michigan's sign-stealing scheme that netted the program about a dozen wins they otherwise would not have gotten--has ordered Michigan State to vacate 14 wins over about $10,000 in "improper payments" to six players, and to spend three years on probation.

Message is received; the NCAA has no clue, and that was proven a while back when they declared the stinky weasels had won their "national championship" "fair and square".  Um, no, the ban on stealing signs is there for a reason, and being in the right place on key plays is a huge deal.  

What it says, moreover, is that the NCAA seriously needs to upgrade its rules, as the $10,000 improperly spent by MSU pales in comparison to the $16.3 million + spent annually in NIL payments by Michigan.  Yes, the old system--you get your education and a few bucks for meals and such--was a huge injustice to the strong majority of players who had no prospects of playing in the big leagues, but nevertheless risked life-altering injuries on the field.  

What would I suggest?  First of all, no more "general studies" programs--we should be nudging pro leagues to set up farm teams in football and basketball for those athletes who really have no business in a four year college.  As illiterate All-Pro Dexter Manley could tell you, it's a big problem.  Next, there needs to be some limit on NIL funding in the same way that the pro leagues have salary caps.  Maybe a cap at $12 million plus insurance policies for life-altering injuries would be a good start.  You want more?  Go to the pro leagues.

Finally, the old system of investigating colleges when a coach buys a player a sandwich needs to be discarded.  The Pareto Principle ought to matter; when the average player is taking home over $150,000 annually plus his scholarship, that sandwich, or even an improper payment of a thousand bucks or so, simply isn't going to change things much.