"Today I am sad to announce that we will not be publishing a new college football game next year, and we are evaluating our plan for the future of the franchise. This is as profoundly disappointing to the people who make this game as I expect it will be for the millions who enjoy playing it each year. I’d like to explain a couple of the factors that brought us to this decision.
We have been stuck in the middle of a dispute between the NCAA and student-athletes who seek compensation for playing college football. Just like companies that broadcast college games and those that provide equipment and apparel, we follow rules that are set by the NCAA – but those rules are being challenged by some student-athletes. For our part, we are working to settle the lawsuits with the student-athletes. Meanwhile, the NCAA and a number of conferences have withdrawn their support of our game. The ongoing legal issues combined with increased questions surrounding schools and conferences have left us in a difficult position – one that challenges our ability to deliver an authentic sports experience, which is the very foundation of EA SPORTS games.
At EA SPORTS, college football has always been a labor of love, and it is unfortunate that these business and legal issues have impacted our ability to make next year’s game. This franchise has been developed by a team that is deeply committed to the tradition and culture of this sport – that’s why fans have always loved it. We are working to retain the talented people who are part of the team by placing them elsewhere within the EA SPORTS organization.
In the meantime, we will continue to be connected and engaged with our fans who are playing EA SPORTS NCAA Football. Our decision does not affect our commitment to NCAA Football 14 and the consumers who love playing the game."
Dont pay them. Allow them to make money off their own name, problem solved.
Who's gonna buy an autographed picture of Johnny Football in street clothes? Who's gonna buy an autographed generic football helmet signed by Johnny Football? Who's gonna buy an autographed generic football jersey by Johnny Football? NOBODY.
The player wouldn't be able to use his university / logo image / and or anything related to it --- IF --- this was to be permitted. And that's a big if. So therefore, the player wouldn't make anything. Why do you think Johnny Football is signing Texas A&M mini helmets instead of a generic one? He needs the school to make money. Because the paying customer is a fan of the school / program -- more so than a fan of the individual -- Because the individual changes every few years (if not every year).
Maybe I'm wrong here or maybe I'm putting 2 and 2 together here long after everyone else has but; regarding the fact that it's been confirmed that you CANNOT import NCAA 14 draft classes into next-gen Madden NFL 25 - I have some suspicion that this was part of the NCAA/EA settlement agreement.
I have no evidence, just a hunch. It was confirmed forever to be IN and then just recently we hear that they were "mistaken". Not likely IMO. I wonder what the total fallout from this will be in Madden (if any) going forward?
Fell asleep on this one....was not aware that if I own NCAA 14 for PS3 and Madden 25 for PS3....I cannot import draft classes from NCAA to Madden? Please tell me I can. Thanks.
Who's gonna buy an autographed picture of Johnny Football in street clothes? Who's gonna buy an autographed generic football helmet signed by Johnny Football? Who's gonna buy an autographed generic football jersey by Johnny Football? NOBODY.
The player wouldn't be able to use his university / logo image / and or anything related to it --- IF --- this was to be permitted. And that's a big if. So therefore, the player wouldn't make anything. Why do you think Johnny Football is signing Texas A&M mini helmets instead of a generic one? He needs the school to make money. Because the paying customer is a fan of the school / program -- than of the individual. Because the individual changes every few years (if not year).
Problem not solved.
This is a dumb argument. If Manziel can't generate revenue for himself than problem solved. The problem is he doesn't have the right to even try based on the rules.
The players should have a union to be able to negotiation things like universal healthcare or full scholarship to likeness rights with EA or 2K. Completely separate from the NCAA.
You should be blaming the NCAA, not the athletes. The NCAA is at fault for violating their IP rights.
The NCAA is an organization comprised of it's members. It's only function is to govern school's athletics programs. The school's elect / appoint members of the NCAA to lead and govern them. Ohio State, Penn State, Florida, Notre Dame, USC, Iowa, Arizona State, Texas A&M, Michigan, Georgia Tech, Harvard, Northwestern, Stanford, Duke, etc... are all the NCAA. When the athlete accepts an athletic scholarship to a given university, they must abide by NCAA laws that govern that scholarship or lose it and their eligibility to participate. Hating on the NCAA is no different than hating on your favorite school. They are the same thing. If you hate the NCAA and you're OSU Buckeye fan....you basically hate OSU too. These ex-players sued EA b/c they could. They couldn't sue the NCAA. Sam Keller couldn't sue ASU or Nebraska. EA was there and unprotected. In all, EA still made out okay on the whole deal -- even though they paid out a large sum. That gig is over now. The players went after the one thing they could and did. All the while, their school allowed them to be "exploited"....which they signed up for when they accepted the scholarship. Once again....all this lawsuit did was say "If the athlete can't get legally paid....nobody else is". How did this help the athlete? That's like saying....if I can't get paid for cutting that strip of lawn over there....I am making sure no landscaper will get paid either. How did this help anything? It didn't. Bitter, lame, washed up ex-athletes. God forbid they go to class and try to better themselves and build something....instead of tearing down something they NEVER were entitled to anyway.
This is a dumb argument. If Manziel can't generate revenue for himself than problem solved. The problem is he doesn't have the right to even try based on the rules.
The players should have a union to be able to negotiation things like universal healthcare or full scholarship to likeness rights with EA or 2K. Completely separate from the NCAA.
What world do you live in? Union for college athletes? LOL. Are you for real? This isn't a pro league. This is a university. You do realize "UNIONS" are for working people. Do you think "UNIONS" just function out of thin air? You pay dues for a union to pay for all the things they do. Are the college players gonna pay into this union? NFL players pay a hefty sum to their union. As would you if you worked for UPS or a if you were a teacher.
Playing college football is not a job. Why? Because a "job" is defined as providing a service or duty for a fee. Get that last part......a fee. If the NCAA has to pay it's players....they'll drop the programs all together. Do you know why? Read up son.
They also let current players join the lawsuit. I know some were from Arizona. Right before the season started several coaches were at ESPN and Rich Rod was asked about it on Sportscenter.
What world do you live in? Union for college athletes? LOL. Are you for real? This isn't a pro league. This is a university. You do realize "UNIONS" are for working people. Do you think "UNIONS" just function out of thin air? You pay dues for a union to pay for all the things they do. Are the college players gonna pay into this union? NFL players pay a hefty sum to their union. As would you if you worked for UPS or a if you were a teacher.
Playing college football is not a job. Why? Because a "job" is defined as providing a service or duty for a fee. Get that last part......a fee. If the NCAA has to pay it's players....they'll drop the programs all together. Do you know why? Read up son.
You could easily argue that the service they provide is being a member of the team (which includes meetings, practices, games, etc) and the fee or payment they receive through scholarships includes tuition, books, food, housing, clothing, access to fitness facilities, tutoring, etc.
Like a job there is an exchange of value for services rendered.
How about a parting gift from EA Sports ... patch in the four team playoff (I don't even care how they set up the selection process for the game). I'll pay for that before I spend another $1 on a set of new gloves for a team I may play once in my dynasty.
How about a parting gift from EA Sports ... patch in the four team playoff (I don't even care how they set up the selection process for the game). I'll pay for that before I spend another $1 on a set of new gloves for a team I may play once in my dynasty.
Also has anyone heard if any of the individuals who've historically done the named rosters after release will continue to do so next year using the same '14 game (no reason this couldn't be done right? schedules wouldn't be accurate; but who cares once you've played the first year in a dynasty).
That whole concept of "amateurism" is just a facade. I say pay em if not let em work.
The NCAA should just allow players to get individual endorsements for their likenesses. If they don't want them doing gambling or porn websites and stuff like that, then allow each university to hire a guy who has to approve the endorsement. Then the big name guys like Manziel can get their money and everyone is happy and this silly argument that happens every single year will finally end. Nobody cares that the backup DT for Akron isn't getting paid. It's all about the big name players being able to capitalize on themselves.
Fell asleep on this one....was not aware that if I own NCAA 14 for PS3 and Madden 25 for PS3....I cannot import draft classes from NCAA to Madden? Please tell me I can. Thanks.
I clearly stated next-gen.
EA had said that for example, if you owned PS3 NCAA 14 and bought PS4 M25, you could import draft classes across into the NG version. Then they retracted that.
Who's gonna buy an autographed picture of Johnny Football in street clothes? Who's gonna buy an autographed generic football helmet signed by Johnny Football? Who's gonna buy an autographed generic football jersey by Johnny Football? NOBODY.
The player wouldn't be able to use his university / logo image / and or anything related to it --- IF --- this was to be permitted. And that's a big if. So therefore, the player wouldn't make anything. Why do you think Johnny Football is signing Texas A&M mini helmets instead of a generic one? He needs the school to make money. Because the paying customer is a fan of the school / program -- more so than a fan of the individual -- Because the individual changes every few years (if not every year).
Problem not solved.
He can sign a picture of himself in a blank #2 Maroon jersey, just like pro athletes wear when they do commercials. Like I said problem solved. Everybody wants these kids who everybody else is making money off of to smile and just take it. I hope they hammer the NCAA and at least get the rule changed so they can get some money in their pocket.
I never understood why players in college didn't like people using their likeness BUT as soon as they go to NFL and they are in the game they are in AWWW to see themselves in the game ..... I just never understood that
I never understood why players in college didn't like people using their likeness BUT as soon as they go to NFL and they are in the game they are in AWWW to see themselves in the game ..... I just never understood that
The NCAA should just allow players to get individual endorsements for their likenesses. If they don't want them doing gambling or porn websites and stuff like that, then allow each university to hire a guy who has to approve the endorsement. Then the big name guys like Manziel can get their money and everyone is happy and this silly argument that happens every single year will finally end. Nobody cares that the backup DT for Akron isn't getting paid. It's all about the big name players being able to capitalize on themselves.
As a regular college student, if someone wanted to pay me money for my autograph I could take it, no problem. If somebody wanted signed copies of the university-published research reports I did as a grad student, that would be no problem.
I understand how paying players formally or via boosters open up huge worm cans for the NCAA, as well as the whole tangled mess that agents bring in, but what exactly would be the problem with allowing student athletes to profit from their likeness the same way as any other student could?
If agents are the concern, simply add some groundrules: you can profit from your likeness with X exceptions...