Sun Dec 08 01:10:00 UTC 2024: **SMU Legend Eric Dickerson Backs NIL, Slams NCAA at Influxer Event**
DALLAS, TX – SMU football legend Eric Dickerson returned to campus Tuesday, not to reminisce about his record-breaking Pony Express days, but to lend his support to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals for student-athletes. The Hall of Famer, who rushed for 4,450 yards and 47 touchdowns during his SMU career, spoke at an event hosted by Influxer, a company facilitating NIL partnerships.
Dickerson voiced his strong belief that athletes should be compensated for their efforts, dismissing concerns that NIL deals would negatively impact players’ commitment to their teams. “Athletes are going to play hard, no matter what,” he stated.
He didn’t pull any punches when discussing the NCAA, calling the organization “crooks” and advocating for its removal from college football. Dickerson proposed that individual conferences should regulate themselves instead.
Dickerson’s visit coincided with a highly successful season for the SMU Mustangs, who are currently 11-1 overall and 8-0 in ACC play, heading into Saturday’s ACC Championship game against Clemson. Their strong performance, including a current eighth-place ranking in the College Football Playoff, further underscores the growing importance and success of NIL deals in college athletics.
First Piper 