The initial argument for NIL is to allow kids to have a cut of the money for the sale of jerseys with their name on it, or for use of their image or likeness in video games. For people like the kicker for Central Florida who quit football because it was that or give up his YouTube channel that was bringing in money. Or the gymnast who has a huge social media following and is doing advertising. Even Caleb Williams and Caitlin Clark - showing up in State Farm TV ads - are a great example of what NIL was supposed to be.

But from the moment it actually started - what it became was "what excuses can we give as a reason that we're paying this kid to play at the school we want them to play at."

The idea behind NIL - that kids should be allowed to have jobs and earn money off of their celebrity - is a valid and good thing. What it has become is what everyone always knew it would become - pay for play with a middle man.