Geno Auriemma takes not-so-subtle shot at NIL era athletes in pointed rant about recruiting challenges
UConn women’s basketball head coach Geno Auriemma is in hot water after sharing his thoughts on how NIL deals have impacted the college landscape.
For many years, there has been much chatter about whether college athletes should be compensated for using their name, image and likeness (NIL). Universities nationwide have profited from stellar athletes (like Caitlin Clark) who draw attention and dollars to sports programs. That has prompted those same athletes to argue that they should see part of the money, spurring a massive culture-shifting movement for the foreseeable future.
However, some coaches don’t see it that way and are struggling to adjust to the impact NIL deals have made on their jobs, especially when it comes to recruiting and maintaining talent. Uconn Huskies coach Geno Auriemma recently shared what he feels are challenges in this new era.
"How do you coach in an environment where the players feel like they owe you nothing and you owe them everything?"
Geno Auriemma talks about the challenges of coaching with NIL and the transfer portal: pic.twitter.com/yzBvAmHyrF
— UConn on SNY (@SNYUConn) January 13, 2024
Many fans quickly pieced together that he was seemingly taking a swipe at Lauren Park-Lane of Mississippi State when he mentioned Seton Hall during a press conference on January 13. She transferred from Seton Hall to Mississippi State after her 2022-23 season. The dig at Park-Lane prompted a response from the player herself.
Whewww I still have eligibility left so imma just save my comments https://t.co/BVCOkOBUu9
— LP (@LaurennnPark3) January 16, 2024
To say I left MY 4 year university for money is reckless
— LP (@LaurennnPark3) January 16, 2024
As Auriemma’s words went through basketball circles, Park-Lane’s strength and conditioning coach and LSU star Angel Reese also responded, jumping in to defend the senior guard.
Keep my PGs name out your mouth. She transferred as a grad transfer. Last I checked, dedicating 4 years of your eligibility to a university is a completion of the agreed upon commitment. She wants to compete for championships not a paycheck. https://t.co/NntK3XLODl
— Kaiti Jones (@kaitijones) January 16, 2024
Been that girl, forever that girl & always will be that girl. I remember jokingly asking you come play with me at UMD and you always told me you loved seton hall and wanted to graduate there! keep being you CHEATCODE! https://t.co/lWFtx1fzQi
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) January 16, 2024
To be clear, Geno Auriemma is not wrong for sharing his thoughts, but coaches will never be able to have a nuanced conversation about the NIL era if they single out players or make sweeping assumptions about why a player may transfer.