The business of college sports is bringing in more revenue, but so are the costs.
So I asked my literary contributors for ideas on how Tennessee could increase revenue, but also which sports it might cut if expenses became too great.
Here are some of the answers.
Rachel writes: Is the UT athletic department struggling with funds? Ah, too bad. Maybe some of the athletes could help by donating some of their NIL funds, or maybe a bourbon distillery in Tennessee could contract with UT to sell Vols spirits at games.
Beer is summer sports, bourbon is football. I can almost hear the ice being poured into the Coke cup. Let’s toast.
My response: Student-athletes are finally starting to make money, but would you like some of that money back? Please?
Although some football players make a lot of money, they aren’t necessarily wealthy enough to donate to colleges, and when they have to buy exorbitantly priced cars, they don’t have much left.
David Little: If you want more for your money I recommend Clone Danny White, he’s the best I’ve seen.
My response: That’s a great idea, but insiders at the UT cloning facility say White’s contract includes a no-cloning clause.
This is another example of what a good businessman he is: he protects his brand.
Bill writes: I’d like to see UT sports’ books, are they already financially well-positioned, and if not, can they squeeze some cash out of the nascent NIL Wild Wild West before the NCAA nails down actual limits — aggressive sponsorships of local entities like Dollywood, the Smokies (baseball team), and the proposed Cherokee Recreation Complex at Exit 407, for example.
My response: You haven’t seen those books, but sources say the Vols are essentially duplicating the money.
James wrote: They will be selling lunch with Tennessee athletes, coaches and administrators.
My response: Thank you for taking a look at another poll question: “If you could have lunch with any Tennessee sports celebrity, who would you choose?”
Colorado Mark writes: If the University of Texas athletic department is in trouble I’ll throw them a little money, and if they want to contact me let them know I can be found fly fishing near the Snowy Mountains, which is in the middle of nowhere for people who live west of Laramie and east of the I40 bridge over the Clinch River.
My response: The state of Tennessee would appreciate your generous offer, but they are not in desperate need of funds to organize a search party and track down fans in remote areas.
Perhaps you should quit the sport before venturing out into the wilderness you now call home.
James wrote: The sports I’m interested in, in order of preference, are football, basketball, and baseball/softball, and I could quit all the other sports and not even notice they were gone.
My response: How shortsighted.
No one was sad when the first few plants disappeared from the Amazon rainforest. Now we are in the midst of a global climate crisis.
Chris writes: Don’t cut programs. Find a solution. You cut programs because someone is lazy. That’s an easy fix. I coach at an NAIA school and you add programs because it strengthens the school.
My response: The question about cutting sports was a hypothetical question, but I appreciate your passion for college sports and this column.
That kind of passion would go a long way towards inducting you into my Hall of Fame of Literary Contributors, the first class of which will be announced in December.
Ken writes: I would quit soccer. I know everyone loves soccer. It’s the most popular sport in the world. But it’s boring.
My response: I first became interested in football after former Tennessee star Claire Lane offered to promote my column for an exorbitant amount of money.
When she transferred to Florida State University, my interest in sports waned. Maybe a sponsorship deal with another athlete could revive my passion for sports.
Or maybe Claire will transfer to the school.
Bill writes: Quit rowing. I’ll admit it’s convenient to have the Tennessee River for practice, but if I had to quit anything, it would be rowing.
Adams:More readers react to Tennessee’s “worst hire.” Some people think I’m the worst. | Adams
My response: The Crew has a goal: to provide more scholarships to female student-athletes and help meet the school’s Title IX requirements.
The sport adds to UT’s reputation as an international university: Tennessee’s rowing team features five athletes from New Zealand, four from Canada, two from Australia and one from Scotland.
The sport has also contributed to an influx of Californians in Knoxville: Six of Tennessee’s team members are from California.
John Adams is a senior columnist. john.adams@knoxnews.comFollow him on twitter.com/johnadamskns.
