The SEC's spring meetings didn't pass without controversy on Tuesday, but it wasn't Nick Saban or Jimbo Fisher making the headlines this time.
Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz ruffled some feathers with his comments about the current state of NIL deals in college football, telling reporters, "People are making more money on NIL than my brother-in-law who is a pediatrician who saves lives."
Drinkwitz went on to say there are "bad actors" involved in NIL deals and decried that the system is "cavalier."
Eli Drinkwitz’s comment here was responding to a question on sports gambling. Here is more context around it: pic.twitter.com/pwI4H8lrIQ
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) May 30, 2023
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Whether Drinkwitz was actually criticizing the reality of college athletes making more money than pediatricians isn't totally clear. Full context revealed he was responding to a question about gambling, and Drinkwitz indicated later in his answer that he was concerned about there being "a lot of money" but no parameters and a lack of good advice for players.
Drinkwitz tweeted later Tuesday clarifying his comments, saying he's "pro NIL" but just wants guardrails.
"I am no way complaining about player compensation! I’m FULLY SUPPORTIVE!!" Drinkwitz said.
Full context of question and answer. I am no way complaining about player compensation! I’m FULLY SUPPORTIVE!! Always have been! https://t.co/orKO46NpQs pic.twitter.com/JvjZgSSYdi
— Eliah Drinkwitz (@CoachDrinkwitz) May 30, 2023
Still, the partial quote about his brother-in-law was enough to spark instant backlash. Many pointed to Drinkwitz's own salary. The fourth-year coach signed a new contract in November that pays him $6 million annually -- presumably also more than any pediatrician. Meanwhile, Missouri hasn't yet had a winning season during Drinkwitz's tenure.
Eli Drinkwitz makes $6 million per year to be the Jeff Fisher of college football. https://t.co/gfiC19kWZh pic.twitter.com/KfLShYrV1A
— Jim Weber (@JimMWeber) May 30, 2023
With people like Eli Drinkwitz around, it’s a real mystery why the NCAA keeps losing the PR battle. Until there’s some damn self awareness beaten into these guys, the entire operation is on the verge of irredeemable.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) May 30, 2023
Eli Drinkwitz and his brother-in-law when the check comes at dinner. pic.twitter.com/qBm3db0bSD
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) May 30, 2023
Others pointed out that Drinkwitz has worked to make NIL deals more accessible in Missouri.
Drinkwitz was present earlier in May when a bill that makes it easier for Missouri high school athletes who commit to play collegiately in-state to get NIL deals quicker.
This will get Drinkwitz ripped, because Twitter, but he has been the biggest NIL advocate at #Mizzou and has helped push legislation to expand what can be done in Missouri. He’s as forward thinking on it as anyone. He’s also aware, like most of us, that it’s all a little crazy https://t.co/kqwmA0lA7q
— Ben Frederickson (@Ben_Fred) May 30, 2023
Even if he didn't express it in the most eloquent way, Drinkwitz is far from alone in wanting more parameters set up around the NIL system in college sports.