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rantnrave:\/\/ A college basketball league that pays its players and allows them to make money off their likenesses? It's not real yet, but it's an idea. Vice Sports' Patrick Hruby writes about the scheme to break up the NCAA's monopoly on college sports and to pay student-athletes for their work. Few can match Hruby for his work on the NCAA's hypocritical and exploitative ways. This plan, to build a league of HBCUs that pays players and lets them profit off the court, is imaginative and interesting. Economist Andy Schwarz came up with the idea, and it could disrupt the NCAA if only someone could make it happen. It likely would require the NBA's buy-in; if playing in such a league jeopardizes players' chances to go pro, it won't work. The other question: Who might take the leap and try to break in on the NCAA's turf? Schwarz's idea is only an idea right now. But why couldn't Facebook come in and fund it or try to start a league of its own? Instead of paying billions for broadcast rights, why not create its own product? ... Ice Cube is stepping into the basketball market. How big will his share get? His BIG3 league launches Sunday, and he's out front and part of the appeal. He and Allen Iverson give this 3-on-3 league cultural magnetism. Most important, it doesn't seem like the basketball version of the XFL. It's not schtick, and the talent is already recognizable. ... Former NFL offensive lineman Ryan O'Callaghan comes out as gay. A poignant story from Outsports. ... The only places you can watch Blizzard eSports next year: Twitch and Blizzard platforms. Twitch locked up third-party rights. ... Worth repeating: The NBA is lit right now. The offseason is already more exciting than the Finals. Paul George. Kristaps Porzingis. Dwight Howard. Who isn't on the trade block? ... Alexa, play the Mariners game. ... O.J. keeps up with the Kardashians. ... The women's outdoor clothing market doesn't mean \"smaller and pink\" anymore. <\/p>\n
After a horrific car accident that claimed his left leg, Isaiah Pead is relying on the same kind of strength that earned him a career in the NFL. This comeback, though, is much more difficult. Alex Marvez | Sporting News <\/p>\n
O'Callaghan had always planned to commit suicide after football, until Kansas City Chiefs staffers stepped in. Cyd Zeigler | Outsports <\/p>\n
Drone racing is still a niche hobby, but can it find an audience? James Vincent | The Verge <\/p>\n
The multibillion-dollar college sports industry exploits African-American athletes and has left historically black schools behind. Some people think there's a better way. Patrick Hruby | Vice Sports <\/p>\n
The fittest athlete you've never heard of is an ultimate Frisbee player. Here's what a day in his life looks like. Michael Easter | Outside Online <\/p>\n
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A comeback in life, the freedom of the truth and welcome to drone racing - ESPN<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" sports + biz + culture + life Get REDEF delivered to your inbox rantnrave:\/\/ A college basketball league that pays its players and allows them to make money off their likenesses? It's not real yet, but it's an idea. Vice Sports' Patrick Hruby writes about the scheme to break up the NCAA's monopoly on college sports and to pay student-athletes for their work. Continue reading