I know some of you hate him but Ruiz is a much better NIL source than places like the Gator collective which have not followed thru on contractual commitments.
And I agree with Ruiz that the Nigel Pack deal was a great ROI considering the exposure. This is what NIL is supposed to be.
As for TVD, every smart athlete is trying to maximize their NIL before the transfer portal window closes. Frankly, I advised my nephew who plays basketball at Stetson as was all -conference last season, to do the exact same thing. I know it’s not good for team, or culture, or etc… but for many of these young people this may be the most money they make in one season-ever. Pro sports is not guaranteed and every athlete is 1 injury away from being retired.
if we want TVD we will match what he is being offered, simple as that. UM has the money. I think the bigger question is whether Mario believes TVD is worth the NIL investment that other schools believe he is. But that is precisely how the free market works.
As I mentioned in the Arch manning v Emory Williams thread, the issue will not be whether a player is worth the money.