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The NCAA Transfer Portal undoubtedly gives student athletes more flexibility than ever.
Previously, college athletes who chose to transfer could not compete in the first year after changing schools.
The portal gives them the opportunity to play right away. Sweeping political changes almost always bring both intentional and unintended consequences.
Since the emergence of the transfer portal and the increase in the name, image and equality (zero), the gap between college programs with deeply poured boosters and alumni and smaller schools with fewer financial resources is apparently grown.
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Main coach Thomas Hammock of the northern Illinois Huskies sees his team warming before a game against Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium 16 September 2023 in Lincoln, Neb. (Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
Northern Illinois coach Thomas Hammock, who is leading a program that does not compete in a Power Four conference, suggested that the transfer portal contributes to an environment where players and their parents’ priorities are in the wrong place.
Tom Brady asks parents to ‘teach your child the real values’ in the middle of the increase of zero in university sports
“I enjoyed my college experience,” Hammock said. “I didn’t get a penny. But the lessons I learned were more valuable than any money you could ever pay me. I appreciate it because it’s in the long term. People lose the fact that this is in the short term.
“Don’t lose focus on long term. Get your degree and learn valuable lessons that will help you in the long term in your life. That’s the whole purpose. This is a transition from being a child to an adult. I hope people don’t lose focus on it.”
Northern Illinois Huskie’s head coach Thomas Hammock looks in the first quarter against Notre Dame fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind., September 7, 2024. (Matt Cashore/Imag images)
Hammock pointed to more intangible possibilities in the disposal of student athlete.
“Everyone talks about everything else beyond the most important thing about going to college,” Hammock said. “Because if you go to college to get a few dollars, you might as well get a job.
“This is too hard to go and get a few dollars. Learn the lessons you need to learn to succeed in life for the next 40 or 50 years of your life. I would do it again for free because of the things I learned. That’s why I stand here today, because of what I learned in college. Not because of how much someone gave me.”
Northern Illinois Huskie’s main coach Thomas Hammock during the first half at Huskie Stadium in Dekalb, ill., September 21, 2024. (Mike Dinovo/Imag images)
Hammock won the Academic Allamerican honor twice during his play days in Northern Illinois. Niu Huskies has qualified for a bowl game in three of the last four seasons. Hammock Coachede NIU to an 8-5 record last year.
Huskies’ Start -quarterback was among the most important players who left the program after entering the transfer portal.
