Missouri head football coach Eli Drinkwitz found himself in hot water on Tuesday for his recent comments on social media about name, image and likeness (NIL).
Within the NIL space, it is well-known how lucrative some NIL deals could be for some star college athletes. Drinkwitz, as reported on by Sports Illustrated writer Ross Dellenger, said that some college players are making more money through NIL than that of some doctors.
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Drinkwitz said that his brother-in-law, who is a pediatrician, is making less money than athletes taking advantage of their name, image and likeness.
“He saves lives,” Drinkwitz said of his brother-in-law.
Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz says college players, thru NIL, are making more money than his brother-in-law, who is a pediatrician. “He saves lives.”
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) May 30, 2023
For this take, he got some severe pushback. Several Twitter users took shots at him for his $6 million yearly salary and little to show for it. Drinkwitz agreed to a contract extension that runs through the 2027 season.
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That said, Drinkwitz has since taken back that comment to give it back in proper context. He clarified his statement, stating he was in support of student-athletes getting paid through NIL. He then posted the entire transcript when asked about the issues with gambling in college sports.
“Full context of question and answer,” Drinkwitz said on Twitter. “I am no way complaining about player compensation! I’m FULLY SUPPORTIVE!! Always have been!”
Full context of question and answer. I am no way complaining about player compensation! I’m FULLY SUPPORTIVE!! Always have been! https://t.co/orKO46NpQs pic.twitter.com/JvjZgSSYdi
— Eliah Drinkwitz (@CoachDrinkwitz) May 30, 2023
Drinkwitz is entering his fourth year at Missouri and has yet to achieve a winning record with the Tigers. He has a career record of 17-19 (11-15 in the SEC).
