The Herd with Colin Cowherd THE HERD - Hour 3 - Andy Staples Gives Details on Michigan's Punishment
Aug 15, 2025
Joining Doug Gottlieb is Andy Staples, a senior writer at On3 Sports, who delves into the NCAA's recent punishment of Michigan. They discuss why the decision not to vacate wins makes sense and the financial implications of the sanctions. Michigan faces hefty fines and unique challenges, particularly in comparison to other schools. Andy also shares some light-hearted moments about a wild promotion involving free burgers in Milwaukee, showcasing the often humorous side of sports culture.
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Big Programs Still Face Tight Margins
- Even wealthy programs operate on tight margins once new player-pay obligations are included.
- A $30M fine materially forces reallocation across an athletic department despite donor capacity.
Impact Varies By Institution Wealth
- Andy Staples argues Michigan can likely absorb fines via donor contributions, making the punishment less crippling.
- The same sanction would be far more damaging at mid-majors without deep donor pools.
Portal Churn Makes Preseason Uncertain
- The transfer portal and roster churn make preseason evaluations unreliable this year.
- Teams built heavily from transfers won't reveal true quality until they play competitive games.