How sports is played at the college level has absolutely changed, leading college coaches to complain about the players’ lack of loyalty to their programs. Turns out, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has a thing or two to say to these coaches.
During the past few years, college athletes have been allowed to partner with brands to promote their products or services. As a result, these players get the chance to make a profit on their own without the need to jump to the pros to do so.
One good example this year is the Iowa Hawkeyes’ Caitlin Clark and how her current endorsement deals have given her a way to earn while still in college. Add her recent surge in popularity and brands are falling in line to get her to endorse them.
James, for his part, has been invested in college basketball due to his son playing for the USC Trojans this season. After being eliminated from the NCAA Tournament, Bronny James announced that he will be entering the transfer portal to join a program that better suits him.
This move has seen its fair share of supporters and detractors, especially since Bronny hasn’t lived up to expectations in college. As a result, the topic of player loyalty has been brought up by coaches after several key names have entered the transfer portal recently, much like LSU Tigers star Hailey Van Lith.
Los Angeles Lakers Star LeBron James Fires Back At College Coaches After Complaining About Players’ Loyalty
This topic has led ESPN’s Mike Greenberg to call out these coaches for their allegedly lacking loyalty too to their contracts. This can be seen in a video shared by Maurice Clarett on Instagram:
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Greenberg’s reaction has also taken James’ attention. As seen in a screenshot taken on his social media account:
LeBron James has a message for college coaches complaining about player loyalty in the NIL era: “Facts!!!!!! Say it louder for the ones in the back who act like they couldn’t [hear you]” 👀 pic.twitter.com/H6nAn1mDwU
— Kit Guinhawa (@BeatKit22) April 3, 2024
The fact that only one of these coaches have stayed with their original program speaks volumes about the loyalty they have showcased. It remains to be seen how they will respond to Greenberg’s take and James’ reaction to it.
With the current NCAA season coming to an end, a lot of eyes will be on these coaches and the players who have decided to transfer. By then, it’ll be known if the trend on loyalty will change for the better or worse in the months to come.
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