Charles Barkley Says College Hoops Are a ‘Travesty and Disgrace’
Charles Barkley appeared on CBS’ “60 Minutes” on Sunday (March 26) and got real about the current state of the NCAA.
Of course, Barkley is a huge part of coverage for the NCAA tournament and appears daily and nightly as a NBA analyst during the March Madness season. But, Barkley is upset. He has his reasons.
“The college game is a travesty and disgrace,” Barkley said in the interview. “I’m so mad now about how we can mess up something so beautiful. We can’t pay all these players.”
Barkley is referring to name, image and likeness- NIL. “In the next three to five years, we’re going to have 25 schools that will dominate the sport because they can afford the players. And the schools that can’t afford or won’t pay the players are going to be irrelevant.”
He added that he’s going to be “honest” about his thoughts on the game, no matter what people think. “I’m gonna be fair. I don’t have a hidden agenda. Not many people on TV that you can say that about.”
2024 NFL Draft in Detroit: Official Dates and More Announced
2024 NFL Draft in Detroit: Official Dates
The NFL Draft for 2024 is set to take place April 25-27 in Downtown Detroit. The Draft will bring together some major faces in college and professional football, all gathering in the Motor City, with the event set for the area around Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. Hundreds of thousands of fans from around the US are projected to come.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 30: Detroit Lions fan Tiasha Horton dances with Blue Man Group during round four of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 30, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
2024 NFL Draft in Detroit: The Excitement is Building
“It’s another great day in the Detroit region, with the official announcement of dates for the 2024 NFL Draft,” said Visit Detroit President and CEO Claude Molinari said in a statement. “Fans locally and across the nation can now mark their calendars and plan their visit for a celebration of football and Detroit hospitality. Planning will intensify and we will continue to collaborate with the City of Detroit, the Detroit Lions, Downtown Detroit Partnership and other key stakeholders to ensure the event creates a beneficial lasting legacy for all members of our community.”
“We are thrilled to bring the 2024 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light to Detroit, a tremendous hub of sports and culture,” said Peter O’Reilly, NFL Executive Vice President of Club Business, League Events and International. “With the Lions’ passionate fanbase and incredible local partners, we know the Motor City will make an unforgettable Draft experience as we celebrate all 32 teams, the Draft prospects, and the future of football.”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 28: (L-R) Jameson Williams poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell onstage after being selected 12th by the Detroit Lions during round one of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
2024 NFL Draft in Detroit: Extra fun
According to officials, the NFL Draft Experience – the NFL’s interactive football theme park – will be available for all three days of the draft. Fans will be able to play games, view interactive exhibits, partake in autograph sessions and take pictures with the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
“Detroiters have shown many times our ability to put on highly successful national events and we will be ready again to welcome the world next April,” Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said in a statement. “Next year’s NFL Draft is going be an incredible opportunity for hundreds of thousands of visitors to see the progress our city is making.”
“We are excited to be partnering with the city of Detroit and the NFL to bring the 2024 NFL Draft to Detroit,” Detroit Lions President & CEO Rod Wood added. “We look forward to showcasing the culture, energy, and passion of our vibrant downtown as a part of one of the NFL’s marquee annual events.”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 28: Aidan Hutchinson poses onstage after being selected second by the Detroit Lions during round one of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
