feature-image

USA Today via Reuters

feature-image

USA Today via Reuters

The NCAA has nurtured the careers of most of the great NBA talents. Even iconic rivalries like Magic Johnson vs Larry Bird were once seen in college games before the NBA. It has allowed the 107-year-old organization to thrive and earn millions. While their contribution to the league is unmistakable, some players have criticized their payment rules. Recently, a former Sacramento Kings star sat down with Kevin Garnett, describing the NCAA?s policies as a ?robbery?.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

But what did the 4x NBA All-Star have to say about the National Collegiate Athletic Association?

ADVERTISEMENT

4x NBA All-Star Weighs In on NCAA Controversy

In a recent KG Certified podcast interview, DeMarcus Cousins revealed his nuanced perspective on the NCAA and its treatment of athletes.?According to cousins, the NCAA experience greatly depends on individual circumstances and a player’s standing within the college basketball sphere.

article-image

Getty

Cousins, who had a successful college stint at Kentucky, couldn’t help but reminisce about the lucrative deals the NCAA struck during his time. “I watched how many people, and I was at Kentucky, and this is no knock to Kentucky because this is just the time we were in. We were having tournaments in Cancun, Mexico, and there were 3,000 people with Cousins in a Kentucky shirt, but the vendor outside just made 60 bands with my name,” he revealed.

ADVERTISEMENT

Watch this Story:?How Did Antonio Brown Build a $100 Million Empire? Music, Football, Investments, and More

The irony of the situation didn’t escape Cousins. He couldn’t fathom how college athletes could be penalized for accepting a free meal or a drink while others profited handsomely from their names and likenesses. “Just Made 60 Bands on my name. I can’t get a free meal? These reparations, bro, I don’t give a [expletive] about no college. I don’t care about nothing,” he passionately declared.

With their status and recognition, players like Tyler Hansbrough can benefit significantly from their college years.?Cousins remarked that, if he were the type of individual he was discussing, he would undergo great growth upon reaching the level of the NBA, since things would no longer remain constant.

Bringing up John Wall led to an unexpected turn in the conversation. The system’s fairness and athlete treatment were discussed.?Arguing passionately, he emphasized the value of dedication and perseverance, even among those who are less naturally gifted.

Read more: ?Why Did We Ever Drop DeMarcus Cousins?: Warriors Fans In Utter Disbelief As Former All Star Finds His Groove For A Career High vs Stephen Curry and Draymond Green

Cousins’ words resonate as a stark reminder of the complex and often exploitative nature of college athletics. The NCAA may be a cornerstone of collegiate sports, but as per DeMarcus Cousins, it’s high time for a reevaluation of its policies and the treatment of the athletes who make the games possible.

ADVERTISEMENT

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Abhinav Tomar

386 Articles

“I’m not the most talented. I’m not the tallest. But I’m not afraid of anyone.” - Kobe Bryant said this one, reflecting his competitive spirit and fearlessness. Looking at him gives me the motivation that I, too, can overcome all obstacles in life. My journey with basketball started very young, leading me here at EssentiallySports to become an NBA writer. My passion for the sport and writing come together to offer my readers top-notch stories. I love curating stories that extend beyond the court, and craft narratives that transcend the hardwood floor. Every article I write is like a canvas where basketball strategies meet my emotions, that truly resonate with the readers. My goal here is to craft content that is unforgettable and to pay tribute to the legend that Bryant is!

Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Pragya Vashisth

ADVERTISEMENT