Re: Reuters: TSL finds 'secret sauce' to survival
Posted: Tue May 04, 2021 2:33 pm
Activist? The players aren't paid. It's not a footnote.
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Not being "Paid" isn't a problem... they are getting something of value in exchange:
No, it exposes Woods as a liar because it quotes Woods as still calling his league professional even though it doesn't even fit the definition of semi-pro. And let's not beat around the bush: unless Woods thinks you're famous enough to bring eyeballs, you still have to pay the $2000 room and board for the privilege.
I've mentioned this multiple times... Most players aren't paying a dime you are mistaken... See below...johnnyangryfuzzball wrote: ↑Tue May 04, 2021 4:35 pmNo, it exposes Woods as a liar because it quotes Woods as still calling his league professional even though it doesn't even fit the definition of semi-pro. And let's not beat around the bush: unless Woods thinks you're famous enough to bring eyeballs, you still have to pay the $2000 room and board for the privilege.
This is the sporting equivalent of an internship. No real compensation, no guarantee of employment, just "payment in exposure." Anyone in the arts and entertainment community will knowingly laugh at that phrase because they know what it entails.
Beyond the "love of football," I would think it's generally understood a large amount of players go in alternate leagues for some degree of exposure. I don't think the article is trying to portray some kind of scam or indentured servitude on the part of TSL.4th&long wrote: ↑Tue May 04, 2021 3:04 pm
Not being "Paid" isn't a problem... they are getting something of value in exchange:
The article does not report the benefit and reason why players choose the TSL. Again its something along these lines that they should inform the reader about:
"The TSL is aiming to be a true Developmental league for the NFL. In return for their efforts and 8 week time commitment the players get coached by NFL veterans, workout and practice against top free agents to stay in football shape, and best of all get game film and exposure for all games produced by Fox Sports. Additionally all meals plus room & board are covered. In the absence of the TSL these players would have limited exposure."
Something along those lines which is an honest answer and explains to the reader why a person would really want to play in the league. Most aren't paying to play either.
Partially agree, but for me as a reader, i like more info, ie whats the players angle. Plus as I posted above its factually inaccurate as R&B is covered.nick1091 wrote: ↑Tue May 04, 2021 7:42 pmBeyond the "love of football," I would think it's generally understood a large amount of players go in alternate leagues for some degree of exposure. I don't think the article is trying to portray some kind of scam or indentured servitude on the part of TSL.4th&long wrote: ↑Tue May 04, 2021 3:04 pm
Not being "Paid" isn't a problem... they are getting something of value in exchange:
The article does not report the benefit and reason why players choose the TSL. Again its something along these lines that they should inform the reader about:
"The TSL is aiming to be a true Developmental league for the NFL. In return for their efforts and 8 week time commitment the players get coached by NFL veterans, workout and practice against top free agents to stay in football shape, and best of all get game film and exposure for all games produced by Fox Sports. Additionally all meals plus room & board are covered. In the absence of the TSL these players would have limited exposure."
Something along those lines which is an honest answer and explains to the reader why a person would really want to play in the league. Most aren't paying to play either.
The title of the article sets the stage to basically ponder the question as to why they survive while others do not, and it's obviously in large part to the reduced overhead by not having player salary. Spelling out why players would do that in super flowery terms is the job for an in-house marketing team, not professional journalists.
By the way, I'm in an industry where Reuters was once a massive competitor (and total jerks), so if I thought they were being unfair or irresponsible I'd definitely call them out on it.
Agreed Firecop, with the exception that most of these players aren't even paying. Also agree that people are getting hung up on the pay/comp, if players didn't want to be there they simply wouldn't sign up. The players there see the benefit. And watching some of these QB's and players in general - It looks clear to me that they will have a much better chance getting evaluate by an NFL team AFTER a season like this one. Their skilz, timing, strength, muscle memory, etc... No doubt will improve or return to mid season form.Firecop wrote: ↑Fri May 07, 2021 11:16 am I agree that it would have been nice if the article would have explored all sides of league participation; too many people are getting hung up on compensation (pay) vs. benefits. It's really no different than us sending our kids to soccer camp where we pay for them to be coached, trained, and evaluated against a higher level of competition than available at the local level. Whether you like the TSL's structure and business model or not, it has survived longer than either the AAF or XFL and there seems to be plenty of willing participants. This is one case that proves "Go BIG or Go Home" isn't always the right way.
They're "going big" without making any effort to do so. Consider we're on the eve of truly a one-time event in history, where a college game (JMU/SHSU) and a pro game (even if one would only consider TSL the bare framework) are on head-to-head on network TV (ABC vs FOX) on the second Saturday in May. At the very least it's a bit of trivia down the road.Firecop wrote: ↑Fri May 07, 2021 11:16 am I agree that it would have been nice if the article would have explored all sides of league participation; too many people are getting hung up on compensation (pay) vs. benefits. It's really no different than us sending our kids to soccer camp where we pay for them to be coached, trained, and evaluated against a higher level of competition than available at the local level. Whether you like the TSL's structure and business model or not, it has survived longer than either the AAF or XFL and there seems to be plenty of willing participants. This is one case that proves "Go BIG or Go Home" isn't always the right way.
Not sure how a dev league is threatening to the NFL, they already have the world's biggest dev league in the NCAA.4th&long wrote: ↑Fri May 07, 2021 12:55 pm As far as the structure... Yes - agreed. And to me B Woods is making it clear what the difference is between an Alt/Minor league (XFL/AAF) vs a true Dev league. And I'll be the first to say as a fan I prefer the Alt league, then minor, then Dev league in that order. But they all have appeal. If The TSL can get NFL backing or endorsement they will get more appeal. And a Dev league is least threatening to the NFL.