Welcome everyone, I wanted to post a poll on a real topic becuase there is one I'd actually like your opinion on. Not like usual, where I really couldn't care less what you think. The NCAA announced some changes today. The most talked about is undoubtedly that they have approved conferences to decide whether or not they mean to pay players a stipend, or "full cost of attendance" in the amount of up to $2000. We had a little back and forth about this on a morning links post a day or two ago, but I'd like to engage a real discussion. Imagine that, I'm growing up before your eyes.

My take;

This will hurt. It is going to hurt Boise State and schools like it, unless they now join the Big East and can retain AQ status and here's why; they can't afford it. Along with approximately 290 or so other Division I programs. There are 347 Schools represented in Division I. This $2000 stipend is available to all scholarship athletes in all sports. President Kustra was reported to have been against this measure. And the simple reason is it gives Power Conference teams yet another edge because teams from lesser conferences aren't going to be able to indulge in such a step.

Ohio State's AD, Gene Smith was quoted as saying he believed only 60-70 of the 347 Division I Schools could afford the $2,000 per athlete. Guess which 60-70 he's talking about? In other words, schools from AQ Conference can afford this, no one else can. Which conferences were pushing for this measure? The Big Ten and the SEC.

My question; How does this affect recruiting?

My answer to my own question; Immensely. it's yet another way the Alabama's and USC's etc. can woo highly sought after athletes, and keep the chasm between them and the have-nots. Just imagine that their fancy subdivision just had a new wrought iron fence put up around it, and that's basically what this is.

So what it is OBNUG? What it is?

Give me your votes in the poll, and your opinions in the comments. Keep in mind, I will boo you if you disagree with me.