This is the other side of the "amateurism" argument.

If the Kavanaugh perspective that college athletics must operate like any other industry is valid, should the Ivies be able to set "compensation" in the form of athletic scholarships at $0?

Is there a difference between the Ivies' defense and the NCAA's "amateurism" defense?

IVY LEAGUE MOVES TO DISMISS CLASS ACTION CHALLENGING BAN ON ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS

On May 15, 2023, the Ivy League and its eight member universities moved to dismiss a putative class action contending that the schools’ athletic scholarship policies violate antitrust law. The lawsuit, filed by two student athletes from Brown University in March, challenges the Ivy League’s prohibition on providing athletic scholarships to students competing in their various Division I sports programs. In the complaint, the plaintiffs argue that the Ivy League’s ban constitutes a “price-fixing agreement” that “(1) fix[es] the price for athletic scholarships (at zero), and (2) fix[es] the compensation to Ivy League Athletes for provision of athletic services (also at zero),” in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act. Further, the plaintiffs assert that the agreement is per se illegal and “has direct anticompetitive effects, raising the net price of education that Ivy League Athletes pay and suppressing compensation for the athletic services they provide to the University Defendants.”

In response, the Ivy League highlights its academic identity and cultural essence, explaining the eight member schools collectively “sought to foster campus cultures that do not prioritize athletics over other aspects of their educational mission and instead treat all exceptional students equally while still offering student-athletes the opportunity to play competitive Division I sports in an athletic conference with a relatively level playing field.” In the motion to dismiss, the defendants assert that the student-athletes are “misus[ing] the antitrust laws” as the plaintiffs alleged product markets are defined to only consist of the eight Ivy League schools – ignoring, Defendants assert, obvious and viable alternatives. Throughout the motion, the Ivy League defendants emphasize that their small conference and its unique policies contributes to the “expansion of consumer choice for student-athletes” to select a college based on the “balance of athletics and academics” each student prefers.

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Oregon has its 14th commitment in the 2024 class after California's most productive receiver Dillon Gresham announces his pledge to the Ducks this morning. Gresham talked with me about why Dan Lanning's program won out in his recruitment, and the Oregon head coach had a lot to do with it. See what he had to say in this DSA exclusive video interview breaking down his decision to head to Eugene.

Plus check out what he told Adam Gorney about his commitment in the other story linked above.

I think Gresham is an underrated type of prospect and should have had more offers, but Oregon liked what it saw and I think will be very happy with what he brings to the table during his college career.

from IMG Academy. Coach Lock on the case here

Gresham has set a commitment date. I mentioned him a month ago in a Flock Talk with this commentary:

Keep an eye on three-star wide receiver Dillon Gresham. The San Jacinto (CA) High School standout is very high on Oregon and there is a feeling that he could pick Oregon. He wants to commit early next month and this could be a case of Oregon taking a couple more players than expected as they try to replenish the wide receiver room.

If he were a little bit bigger, there is a feeling he might be a much higher rated prospect. He caught 90 passes for over 2000 yards and 31 receiving touchdowns a season ago. Those numbers are insanely good, and he shows solid speed and agility.

Last month at the Rivals Camp Series in Los Angeles, he got a chance to show just how good he can be against some very good competition.

Gresham more than looked the part at the Rivals Camp and that was not the only time this offseason as he was impressive both ways at the recent Passing Down 7-on-7 tournament as well. The low three-star from San Jacinto, Calif., can star at receiver or defensive back, he has excellent size, moves well and already has nearly a dozen offers.

For what it is worth, he is willing to play on either side of the ball – and he could be an impact player on either side of the ball. I expect he will get a nice bump in a reranking down the line. He has had a great offseason.
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Mostly tomorrow is a full scouting report on each of the new commitments, but here are he recruiting notes from the weekend:

RECRUITING NOTES:

The Ducks hosted a large contingent of 2025, 2026, and 2027 FSP athletes as well as a smaller contingent of elite 2024 prospects over the weekend and the events held (like the scavenger hunt) were a massive hit with the players as it showed the personable side of Dan Lanning and this staff.

Brandon Baker is still set for an official visit in June, so it should show something that he also made the quick, unexpected trip over the weekend. Offneive line coach A’lique Terry had some ground to make up early on in this process, and everything I have heard is that he has been a force in every room he enters.

At this point, based on the things I have heard, what we have all seen, and the prioritization Terry has put into getting Baker, I would be very surprised to see him end up anywhere other than Oregon.

For a long time, Georgia has been considered a heavy favorite for Aydin Breland, but the Ducks have made up tremendous ground and the work being done by Tony Tuioti, Tosh Lupoi, and Dan Lanning has gone a long way to close the gap.

While one unexpected visit may not mark a change in long term projections, the Ducks are slowly working their way in this one and I like the Ducks chances more today than I did a week ago.

I think that – despite some visits to other schools over the last couple of months – Terry has done a great job with Fox Crader and there is a strong indication that he is very happy with his commitment to Oregon. His visit along with Trent Ferguson and Baker this past weekend are a pretty good tell that he staff want this group of linemen to start developing chemistry for the future.

More and more I feel like Jason Brown is also going to be an Oregon commit whenever that time comes. He loves Coach Lock and the offensive system and feels a close relationship with several of the incoming 2024 guys.

All for now!

Nyckoles Who?

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Was one of the best.

Hi name is Kario Oquendo, and he's a 6-foot 4 guard.

Ducks on ESPN2. Playing the Domers. Ducks lead early 5-1

Huskies get a lot of love. Dorlus and IRving 4th team.

Will he wind up in the Pac-1X in the near future?

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He isn’t even on the roster. He’s from The Netherlands. A friend of mine who officiates says that he is physically impressive … he estimates 6’4 and built to the tilt. My friend thinks that his potential is awesome.

Decathletes can come in different type of bodies. This guy will get points in the power and explosive events.

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Boom! Oregon now has a new highest-rated commitment in the class as four-star Rivals100 quarterback Michael Van Buren has announced his pledge to the Ducks this afternoon. Oregon beats out Penn State and Maryland for the No. 59 recruit in the 2024 class. A huge, huge recruiting victory for Dan Lanning, Will Stein and the staff. Ducks now have two high-level signal callers in the class.

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Oregon's big Saturday is going exactly as hoped for the Ducks as less than an hour after Rivals100 QB Michael Van Buren announced his commitment to the Ducks, Rivals100 defensive lineman Xadavien Sims announces his pledge to play for Dan Lanning. Oregon beats out in-state Oklahoma, Michigan State, TCU, and Vanderbilt for the No. 74-ranked prospect in the class.

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Jason Zandamela. The Ducks were by his school two weeks ago for a fresh look, too. Uphill battle with a commitment coming soon

He came into a strong hand, but he managed to hold them together and coach them into a Pac12 title.