Bowl games’ breadwinners get crumbs
F or participating in the final college football game of their season, every Oregon Ducks player will receive a 19-inch high-definition television-DVD player, a $45 Best Buy gift certificate, and a hooded sweatshirt as a gift from the Holiday Bowl.
Also, Oregon’s athletic department will give each football player an $800 check for transportation to the game. If the Ducks players choose to drive, or find a cheaper flight, they keep every penny they don’t spend.
Oregon State’s players, meanwhile, receive their Sun Bowl jersey as a gift along with a Sony HandyCam, a watch, a duffel bag and a $350 Best Buy gift card.
Swag, baby. In most circumstances, the NCAA bans giving athletes gifts or money, but when it comes to bowl games, the rules change. Call it a bonus for a good season.
Except it’s not nearly enough.
oregonlive.com
12/19/08
