Missouri's Eli Drinkwitz faces backlash after lamenting NIL deals pay players more than doctors 'who save lives'

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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." 

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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. 

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.

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.

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.

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Dan Treacy is a content producer for Sporting News.
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