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Kirby Smart clarifies comments after taking shot at how much college football players are making
Kirby Smart said that college football players are practising less while injuries are increasing, and wondered whether players were as hungry to improve now that many can earn substantial money through name, image and likeness deals. His remarks prompted criticism, including the argument that coaches also benefit financially from the sport, and should not begrudge players being paid.
Smart later said he did not want to sound as if he was complaining and called it “awesome” that players can earn money in college. He said his concern was about the longer-term effect of early earning power and whether young athletes understand the value of money and work. His comments followed Georgia’s 27-8 win over Florida; he compared today’s practices with those of his 2021 and 2022 teams.
In short
- Smart questioned whether NIL money affects players’ motivation.
- He said players are practising less as injuries rise.
- He clarified that he supports athletes earning money.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Smart’s concern is that reduced practice time and early access to substantial earnings may affect players’ development, preparation and long-term wellbeing. He can reasonably argue that coaches should help young athletes understand money and the value of sustained work, while making clear that he supports players earning from their name, image and likeness.
The case against
Players have a fair claim to earn money from their own name, image and likeness, especially in a sport that generates significant income for coaches and institutions. Linking shorter practices or rising injuries to players’ earnings risks blaming athletes without establishing that connection, and may overlook the limits on practice time and the demands placed on them.
Explained simply
College football is played by university teams, with coaches responsible for training and preparing their players. Kirby Smart coaches the University of Georgia team, which competes in the top tier of US college football.
Players can now earn money from their name, image and likeness, often through sponsorships and other deals. This has changed college sport, where players were once generally barred from earning money in that way.
The debate centres on how paid deals may affect players’ motivation and development, and on whether coaches’ concerns are fair given that they also earn money from college football. It also reflects broader questions about young athletes’ working conditions and how they handle money.
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