A parody for today with some little truth, perhaps… Hope you enjoy it…

I really like you… BUT… if this statement ever comes up in a dating relationship, odds are you are about to break up. Welcome to the transfer portal of college sports. That’s about how I see it. The transfer portal only works in the Fansville, Dr. Pepper commercial. They really did not need a kicker, but he brought Dr. Pepper through the portal with him, which made all the difference to his acceptance.

So, why does a player enter “the portal?” Here are a few reasons why I believe they do and my response to each in italics…

  • A player is unhappy with the coach, playing time/position, and/or team culture – but that player chose to go there…
  • A coach tells a player he doesn’t fit their program anymore… Sorry coach, you should have done a better job recruiting…
  • The school doesn’t have the major they want to pursue – the player should have known what the majors were upon choosing that school…
  • The coach leaves, and a new coach has a system that doesn’t fit you… I’m ok with this… However, my dad and I disagree on this. He says a player signs to play at the school; I say a player signs to play for the coach…
  • A player has remaining eligibility but wants to finish by pursuing grad school somewhere else – I’m ok with this if they have graduated…
  • The family situation has changed, and you wish to be closer to home – I’m ok with this, but it is very subjective…

Anyway, all these transfers… it seems that it has become a free agency market. At some point, will college athletics become over-populated? It looks like a used car lot. And then there are the “I’m transferring” statements put out by athletes. Have you read some of them lately? Here are some great “tag lines…” 

  • Upon much thought and prayer…
  • After talking to my parents, family, and loved ones…
  • I will be forever grateful…
  • I will cherish my memories and friendships…
  • This is the toughest decision I have ever made…
  • I am taking my “talents” to xyz school…
  • It is with a heavy heart…
  • I’m not sure where I’m going…
  • Respect my decision…

The idea of posting your statement of transferring with all the high-def graphics wears me out. The bottom line, the athlete, is breaking up with the college and moving on. Does a statement really need to be made?

So… If you are still reading, then I need to let you know… I am entering the transfer portal, and here is my statement…

After much consideration, time alone, prayer, and speaking with my loved ones, I would like to announce that I have entered my name into the transfer portal. I would like to thank those who brought me to WORDLE. Their encouragement and daily challenge have made me a better thinker. I have enjoyed my time and the friendships I have made, but I feel it best to move on. I am leaving WORDLE and taking my intellectual talents to NERDLE and GLOBLE. NERDLE offers me the intellectual stimulation of mathematics on a deeper level that WORDLE could not provide. GLOBLE offers me the intellectual stimulation of relearning and identifying countries across the globe to enhance my geography. I will forever cherish my time at WORDLE and look forward to what the future holds at NERDLE and GLOBLE. Yes, both platforms want my time. Please respect my decision. #gonerdle #gogloble

Go be a great educator and leader today… Our future needs it…

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2022 J Clay Norton

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