Because the system you've been stumping for over the last few years has no interest in whether this kid graduated. I know from your posting history, that you are a thoughtful person, but you wanted this system where everyone can just prostitute themselves for top dollar. It struck me as disingenuous (or hypocritical) to then act as though receiving a degree has anything to do with it.
Bit of a weird take, I'm as pro education and people finishing their degrees as it gets, and have always been so.
When it comes to Syracuse players, I do also feel once they complete their degree, they've pretty much fulfilled their commitment to the University. In this case, it sounds like Pena isn't going to fulfill his commitment from the NIL perspective. It's not great.
But often the reason to get a degree is to get better employment. It's not completely crazy to view him going into the portal as a way for him to get better employment.
Pena has a brutal injury history and just came off a splash season where his record setting QB headed to the NFL. This may be the highest earning potential for a single year he ever has in his life. As a fan it's a bummer, but recognizing people only have one life and few chances to gamble on themselves, it's understandable why he'd do this. I'm not excusing that he broke a deal/trust, just saying it's understandable.
From my posting history, yes, I do think this is better for the players, and instances where it's crappy on the fans won't outweigh that. You may also know that I hate how much NIL is showcasing in a terrible way what our priorities are. I know some really wealthy people that have the resources to make huge impacts in their community, and they choose not to. Now they can play their own weird version of Fantasy Football, and the cash flows. I find it disturbing.
