"I think that's gone now": Paul Finebaum takes shots at NCAA's "leadership" abilities; calls the organization a "failure"
Paul Finebaum is known for his hot takes, and there's no stopping him at the moment. This time, the ESPN analyst unleashed on the NCAA's leadership and functioning in an appearance on this week's episode of the SBJ Sports Media Podcast.
"Its purpose should have been to be the gathering place and the leadership tool of college athletics, but I think that's gone now," Finebaum said. "And I think right now, basically, they serve as a functionary to put on events, and they do a good job of the basketball tournaments and the baseball tournaments and gymnastics and all the things that we enjoy, but in terms of leading the sport, they are a complete failure."
He directly aimed at the previous leadership under Mark Emmert, describing his tenure as "one of the biggest disasters in college athletic(s) history."
While the college football analyst acknowledged that current NCAA President Charlie Baker is still in his "honeymoon" phase, he doubts whether the organization can ever reclaim its former stature. With issues like athlete compensation, conference realignment and commercialization at the forefront, the NCAA faces enormous challenges.
The 2024 college football season is approaching fast, and Finebaum's comments have added fuel to an already raging fire of skepticism about the NCAA's future.
Paul Finebaum admits Nick Saban's scary effect
Paul Finebaum isn't shy about giving credit where it's due, and when it comes to Nick Saban, he holds nothing back. He made a startling admission about the legendary coach-turned-analyst.
“He will be the most prepared person on that GameDay set, and he will be clearly the most knowledgeable. I think really the issue will be if everyone else can be themselves. I could not be myself. I’m rarely intimidated, but he scared me to death,” Finebaum said on “The Sport Media Podcast.”
Saban, who retired in January after nearly 50 years in coaching, is already turning heads in his new role as an analyst. His appearances during SEC Media Days and the 2024 NFL draft were met with widespread praise, with fans and experts lauding his seamless transition from the sideline to the studio.
Finebaum is ready to share the stage with the Alabama legend when the new season starts.