ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Williams posted a Twitter video on Tuesday, calling for a player boycott during the Final Four. The former Duke star tweeted that players need to “force the hand of the NCAA.” He did note that “it’s how you boycott that’s going to be the major difference.” In the video, Williams says, “Wouldn’t it be a crazy thing if we saw players not just boycott a game in the NCAA tournament, but boycott a Final Four. Imagine how quickly the NCAA would realize it’s not just a business for themselves, but also a business for the athletes as well. That’s how you make change.” Williams had a strong NBA career, but it was cut short after he suffered a career-ending injury in a motorcycle crash. In the video, he also explains why he thinks a Division I scholarship is not fair compensation.
If players want change… real change & force the hand of the #NCAA. This is what WE need to do. You not only need to boycott but this is how you boycott. @espn @SportsCenter pic.twitter.com/k0ru7LwBFZ
— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) February 28, 2018
His comments come in response to ESPN NBA analyst Jalen Rose calling for a player boycott and NBA superstar LeBron James saying the NCAA is “corrupt.” At an off-the-record panel at the Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, former President Barack Obama said the NCAA should not serve as a “farm system” to the NBA with one-and-done players. Last week, a Yahoo Sports report revealed details of a federal investigation that implicates multiple NCAA programs and players tied to former NBA agent Andy Miller. Arizona coach Sean Miller was also caught on an FBI wiretap discussing a $100,000 payment to freshman DeAndre Ayton.
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