Tuesday, July 13, 2021   
 
Senate bill gives 'have-not' states a gigantic research set-aside
A battle is brewing in the U.S. Congress over a little-known program at the National Science Foundation (NSF) that provides money to states that fare poorly in the agency's funding competitions. Last month the Senate approved legislation that would devote 20% of NSF's overall budget to the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), which serves 25 states and the territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. If enacted, it would immediately boost EPSCoR's spending 10-fold, to some $2 billion per year. But many research advocates are wary of expanding EPSCoR so dramatically. They favor a bill passed last month by the House of Representatives that proposes a different way to increase the geographic diversity of NSF's funding. The Senate's push to massively expand EPSCoR at NSF is being led by Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker, the top Republican and former chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. "I think that devoting 20% of NSF funding [to EPSCoR] is an appropriate target for addressing the glaring disparity in federal research funding between the haves and have-nots," says David Shaw, provost at Mississippi State University.
 
Mississippi State University and Mississippi Aquarium team up to clean Jones Park Beach
The Mississippi Aquarium and Mississippi State University joined forces for a community cleanup over the weekend at Jones Park Beach. Originally over 60 people registered to help, but only a fraction attended because of the rainy condition. Despite the small turnout, MSU is always happy to get a helping hand and work together with the community. Mississippi State University Extension Associate Elizabeth Englebretson said, "Anytime we have people come out and do hands-on works to get the experience and get a better understanding of marine debris and what we're up against. A lot of people don't realize how many cigarette butts end up on the beach and how much trash there actually is." For the Aquarium, a partnership like this brings them closer to completing their mission by providing the community with experiences that support animal research and conservation. Mississippi Aquarium Communications Manager Jeff Clark said, "MSU will take this stuff and they'll sort it out and create a data base from it. So, it's educational. It aligns with our conservation efforts and we're just trying to keep our community beautiful."
 
Monday Profile: Starkville resident pursuing passion for nutrition
Jaclyn Dunkerton says she owes her job at Starkville Nutrition to an unlikely source. When Dunkerton came to the Russell Street business for an interview after starting school at Mississippi State University in the fall 2018 semester, she listed her past jobs for owner Wendy Taylor. One of them -- a summer gig at a seafood restaurant called Tacky Jack's in Gulf Shores, Alabama -- stuck in Taylor's mind. "She was like, 'I'm going to hire the girl who worked at Tacky Jack's,'" Dunkerton said. Through that, if nothing else, Dunkerton got the job. She was one of four employees who all started together shortly after the business opened in August 2018 and who, in time, became close friends. Dunkerton's three coworkers were all part of her wedding in July 2020. "They were just kind of learning, too," Dunkerton said of her first days on the job. "That was probably the neatest thing: that we all got to learn together." Now, she's the "last one standing" of the four at Starkville Nutrition -- nearly three years after she started.
 
Mississippi gets nearly $13 million for rural Covid fight
Mississippi hospitals in rural areas will receive nearly $13 million in federal funding to help fight the coronavirus, according to a news release. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is giving $12,918,800 through its Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program to 50 small rural hospitals in the state, according to the release from the White House. Hospitals can use the money to expand access to testing in rural areas as well as for other coronavirus mitigation efforts needed in their communities. "The Biden Administration recognizes the important role that small rural hospitals have in closing the equity gap and ensuring that rural Americans can protect themselves and their communities from COVID-19," said Secretary Xavier Becerra in the news release.
 
MSDH limiting comments on Facebook posts about COVID-19 vaccine
The recent limiting of comments on some Mississippi State Department of Health Facebook posts related to the COVID-19 vaccine has been likened to censorship. Throughout the pandemic, the state health department has maintained an active social media presence, including sharing daily COVID-19 cases, deaths and long-term care facility outbreak counts and other coronavirus-related information. Until recently, the Facebook page allowed all comments, no matter how controversial. That changed, however, on July 2, when comment sections on some posts went silent. Before July 2, a handful of the department's Facebook posts were getting dozens of comments. On July 1, a post that listed the number of vaccinated Mississippians and pushed for more shots in arms amid the rapidly circulating Delta variant garnered over 100 comments. Some people asked questions. Others said the post was spreading more fear. Then there were those who thanked the department for its efforts. In a statement Monday, state health department spokesperson Liz Sharlot said a rise in misinformation in the comments section was "directly contrary" to the entity's public health mission. Tom Garmon, Hattiesburg Patriot News Media founder and editor, understands mitigating misinformation, but said he believes the way the department's gone about limiting Facebook comments is an act of censorship.
 
FDA warns of Johnson & Johnson vaccine, Guillain-Barre syndrome link
The Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine is once again raising concerns. The Food and Drug Administration on Monday warned about a possible link between that vaccine and the autoimmune disorder known as Guillain-Barre syndrome. In a statement, the agency said the data "suggests an association" between the vaccine and a higher risk of the condition, but not enough "to establish a causal relationship." The Washington Post reported there have been about 100 instances of the possible connection, mostly among men and in many cases among those age 50 and older. Some 12.8 million doses of the J&J shot have been administered. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says on its website that people who have had Guillain-Barre syndrome can be vaccinated against COVID-19 and that no cases of the disorder were reported in clinical trials for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. One case was reported in J&J trials. Use of the J&J vaccine, hailed for its single-shot convenience, was paused for 10 days in April while federal health agencies investigated reports of six women developing rare but severe blood clots within two weeks of receiving the jab. The agencies later determined the vaccine's benefits outweigh its risks.
 
Schools Push to Get Students Vaccinated Before the Start of Academic Year
With the start of school only weeks away in some parts of the country, schools, school districts and some teachers unions are pushing to get students vaccinated to ensure they are inoculated against the spread of Covid-19 when classes fully reopen in the fall. Sixty-three percent of public schools were open full-time, in-person for all students by May, while 2% offered remote learning exclusively, according to data released Thursday from the U.S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences. Many districts are planning on reopening in the fall for in-person instruction, although some will still also offer remote learning. "The time is now" for vaccinations, said Jim Blumenstock, the senior vice president of pandemic response and recovery at the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. "The school year is right around the corner, depending on [the] part of the country." Schools generally can't mandate that students get vaccines, though other authorities like state legislatures can. Given those limitations, some school districts have turned to community campaigns, joining with local health agencies and clinics, and state and local governments to increase the number of vaccinated people ages 12 and older.
 
Gov. Tate Reeves has 'no intention' to require masks during school year, contradicting state, federal health experts
Parents expecting a last-minute executive order mandating masks in schools this fall won't see it this year, a spokesperson for Gov. Tate Reeves said Monday, a statement that stands in apparent contradiction of his own state health experts who have been considering requiring face coverings for unvaccinated students and staff. "Governor Reeves has no intention of requiring students or staff to wear masks when they're in school this Fall (sic)," Reeves' press secretary, Bailey Martin, said in an email to WLBT. The statement came days after a news conference from the Mississippi State Department of Health where state health leaders discussed new CDC guidance that recommends masks for certain individuals during school hours. "We will be updating schools with some Mississippi-specific components of that guidance, that certainly there will be considerations for mask utilization for unvaccinated individuals," State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers said Friday to reporters as MSDH released new guidance to protect high-risk groups in the state. The guidelines from the CDC do not recommend masks for those students and staff who have been fully vaccinated, however. The statement from Reeves' office stands in stark contrast to his own health experts' possible leanings, though official guidance for schools has not yet been updated by MSDH, leaving school districts to base their 'return to school' plans on recommendations from last August.
 
Legislators set public redistricting hearings, complete with live-streaming
The joint committee tasked with developing a plan to redraw the four U.S. House seats and the 174 state legislative seats have scheduled nine public hearings across the state to garner public input. The hearings will be live-streamed on the Mississippi Legislature's YouTube channel available at the Legislature's website. The issue of live-streaming the meetings first came up in June during the first meeting of the joint committee, which consists of members of the state House and Senate. At the meeting, Lt. Gov Delbert Hosemann, who presides over the Senate, was insistent that the meetings be live-streamed and that locations be found for the meetings that could accommodate internet access. He said the live-streaming is important to allow people who cannot attend the meetings because of work commitments and other conflicts an opportunity to gather information on the redistricting process. The statewide meetings, all slated to start at 6 p.m., include: Aug. 12: Starkville, Mississippi State University Hunter Henry Center.
 
Judge nears decision on future of state mental health system
When Michael Hogan was appointed by a federal judge to help craft a road map for the future of Mississippi's embattled mental health care system, he planned to tour community mental health centers in-person to see the state's services in action. He hoped to speak to patients and employees -- perspectives he said would be vital in charting the Department of Mental Health's path forward. That was in early 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Hogan, a mental health care veteran with 40 years of experience working across the country, said Monday in federal court his ability to work on the ground has been severely limited in the past year and half. "I don't know anything about the situation on the ground, which troubles me some," he said. Speaking at a hearing at the United States District Court in Jackson, Hogan said he feels the state has made progress at providing community-based programs for people with mental illness.
 
Senator Sanders, President Biden meet as infrastructure bill swells past $3.5 trillion
Emerging from a private meeting at the White House, Sen. Bernie Sanders said Monday that he and President Joe Biden are on the same page as Democrats draft a "transformative" infrastructure package unleashing more than $3.5 trillion in domestic investments on par with the New Deal of the 1930s. Sanders, chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, and Democrats on his panel also huddled privately at the Capitol for two hours late Monday with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and key White House advisers during a consequential time for Biden's top priority. Congress is racing to put together a sweeping proposal financing infrastructure, family assistance and other programs for initial votes later this month. Sanders, I-Vt., said he had a "very good discussion" with Biden. Other lawmakers said senators would meet again Tuesday. Biden's big infrastructure proposals are moving through Congress on various tracks -- each potentially complementing or torpedoing the other.
 
Budget blueprint for massive spending package starts to take shape
Senate Democrats hope to reach agreement as soon as this week on the topline spending and revenue numbers for reconciliation instructions they plan to include in their fiscal 2022 budget resolution. Budget Committee Democrats huddled late into the night Monday with Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., and White House aides Brian Deese, National Economic Council director, and Louisa Terrell, legislative affairs director, to discuss the budget reconciliation package they plan to use to enact most of President Joe Biden's economic proposals. Senators leaving the meeting just after 9 p.m. Monday said the group plans to meet again Tuesday evening as they work to finalize an agreement on the spending and revenue targets. "We certainly want to get it done as soon as possible just because it takes time, the whole process of writing things," Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a member of the Budget panel and Democratic leadership, told reporters. Complicating the drafting of a budget resolution is the two-track approach Democrats are taking on infrastructure spending. The first track, a bipartisan framework on so-called "hard infrastructure" -- things like roads, bridges, water and broadband projects -- is not guaranteed to result in legislation that 60 senators can support.
 
Congress takes first spending steps, with good news for U.S. research agencies
Given the availability of more money, spending panels in the U.S. House of Representatives are proposing funding levels that approach the large increases that President Joe Biden has requested next year for several federal research agencies. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) would get hefty increases of 15% and 13%, respectively, in bills taken up today by two House appropriations subcommittees, the first step in the process of setting annual funding levels. NASA science programs would rise by 10% to nearly $8 billion, and the Office of Science at the Department of Energy (DOE) would grow by 4% to $7.32 billion. Core research programs at the National Institute of Standards and Technology would grow by nearly 20%, to $938 million. Relieved of an annual spending cap that has been in effect for the past decade, the House Committee on Appropriations has 8% more to allocate for all discretionary programs -- some $1.5 trillion -- for the 2022 fiscal year that begins on 1 October. And the science agencies appear to be benefiting from that largesse. The final numbers won't be known for several months, however, and must be reconciled with a parallel budget process not yet underway in the Senate.
 
'Shark Week' begins at the Mississippi Aquarium
This year, "Shark Week" has come to Mississippi. Coinciding with the highly-anticipated Shark-filled week of programming on the Discovery Channel, the Mississippi Aquarium is also featuring its first iteration of Shark Week with special programs, special guests and more. "Our team is thrilled to host Mississippi Aquarium's first celebration of Shark Week," Meredith Horn, Vice President of Guest Experience and Education, said. "The week will be packed with added presentations, activities, games, fun photo opportunities, and of course, everything will revolve around the amazing world of sharks." The aquarium is partnering with Jill Hendon and her Shark Research Team from Southern Miss to provide a weeklong interactive event full of shark facts and fun. "Mississippi Aquarium is home to a variety of sharks," Horn said. "During Shark Week, we'll teach guests and our members about our shark's swimming mechanics and we'll have crafts and demonstrations, games and much more."
 
Auburn mourns death of women's athletics pioneer Jane B. Moore
Jane B. Moore, who made history in her service to Auburn athletics, has died, Auburn Athletics announced Friday afternoon. "For more than 50 years, Dr. Jane Moore made an indelible impact on Auburn University and Auburn Athletics," said Athletic Director Allen Greene. "She believed in the human touch, a quality she consistently demonstrated to student-athletes, who have benefited profoundly from her example." First coming to Auburn in 1969 after earning her doctorate in physical education from the University of Alabama, Moore made history in 1975 when she became the first woman to serve on the Auburn University Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics. Moore served on various committees for both men's and women's athletics for more than 40 years. Moore was a pioneering researcher and served in faculty positions in the College of Education and what is now the School of Kinesiology for 28 years and established the Kindergarten Motor Development Program as a partnership between the College of Education and Auburn City Schools.
 
With cybersecurity jobs on the rise, here's how Tennesse colleges are teaching students
At both the University of Tennessee and Pellissippi State Community College, professors are seeing more interest from students in cybersecurity programs. The need for jobs in cybersecurity will only continue to grow, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment for information security analysts is expected to grow 31% by 2029, much higher than average for other jobs. Employment for software developers is expected to grow by 22% by 2029, also higher than average. The University of Tennessee has also seen increased interest in its cybersecurity programs. "In general, there's a very high uptake in it and there's a lot of real interest in it," UT assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science Scott Ruoti said, adding that his classes are usually at maximum enrollment each semester. Ruoti said major cybersecurity events show students there's a need for jobs to be filled. UT offers both undergraduate and graduate level cybersecurity courses, with the opportunity for students to participate in research.
 
Arkansas lottery hits records for revenue, college scholarship money
The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery last fiscal year set records for revenue and scholarship fundraising, collecting $632.5 million in revenue and raising $106.6 million for college scholarships during the covid-19 pandemic. Lottery officials attributed fiscal 2021's record numbers, in part, to factors brought by the pandemic, projecting next year's totals will dip. The lottery noted its annual figures Monday in its monthly report to Gov. Asa Hutchinson and the Legislative Council's Lottery Oversight Subcommittee. Lottery Director Eric Hagler said numerous factors contributed to the lottery's revenue increasing from $532 million in fiscal 2020 to $632.5 in fiscal 2021 -- which ended June 30 -- including the gaming department offering a suite of games that players found fun and compelling and the sales team supporting lottery retailers. "With regard to external factors, we have consistently reported throughout the year that a closed economy, limited entertainment options and the effects of federal stimulus funds were producing unprecedented tailwinds for lottery performance," he said in a written statement. It has helped finance Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarships for more than 30,000 college students during each of the past 11 years.
 
New Florida law requires colleges' political and viewpoint diversity to be surveyed
A new Florida law will assess political and ideological diversity on campus through yearly surveys. House Bill 233 was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis June 22 and went into effect July 1. In the survey, students, faculty and staff will be asked whether they feel comfortable expressing their viewpoints at Florida College System institutions. It states both the State Board of Education and the Board of Governors may not shield students, faculty or staff from speech allowed under the First Amendment. The law defines "shield" as limiting exposure to "uncomfortable, unwelcome, disagreeable, or offensive" ideas and opinions. As an institution that values academic deliberation, UF is a marketplace of ideas and houses a variety of opinions, UF spokesperson Cynthia Roldan wrote in an email. "We believe the survey will reflect that, and we look forward to widespread participation across campus," Roldan wrote. As a public state university, UF will be affected by the law. On campus, students can be involved in a variety of political organizations representing a wide range of ideologies. Some of the biggest politically affiliated organizations include UF College Republicans and UF College Democrats. Nonpartisan groups like Democracy Matters UF are also present on campus.
 
Military, industry leaders gather at Texas A&M to discuss future of defense
The second annual National Defense Industrial Association conference at Texas A&M began Monday, but it marked the first time industry leaders and the country's defense representatives met in person on the campus. At its core, the symposium on the subject of the Department of Defense's Joint All-Domain Command and Control and all-domain warfare facilitates communication among those in academia, government and industry, NDIA President and CEO Gen. Hawk Carlisle said. Carlisle, who is retired from the U.S. Air Force, said it takes everyone working together to solve the most difficult challenges facing those defending the country, and an event like the symposium "pays huge dividends" in finding those solutions. "We know that potential adversaries out there can dictate things in an autocratic society; we do it through collaboration and cooperation, and that's what this is all about," he said. "It's building that kind of network."
 
No changes planned for U. of Missouri, Columbia College amid COVID-19 surge
With COVID-19 infection rates increasing dramatically in Missouri and Boone County, the University of Missouri, Columbia College and Stephens College aren't planning any changes now. Columbia Public Schools on Monday re-instituted a mask mandate for students age 11 and younger who aren't eligible to be vaccinated. "We are watching it very closely," said MU spokesman Christian Basi. "Currently our Plan A is to have full-capacity, in-person classes. That's where we're at right now. We're in close communication with public health officials." Changes can be made if necessary, he said. The university last year directed students not to return after the Thanksgiving break and instead conducted courses online. "We can make a pivot quickly if necessary," he said. Vaccinations aren't being required, but they're being encouraged. "We are very strongly encouraging people to get the vaccine," Basi said. "It is by far the best defense."
 
Groups ask 'U.S. News' to exclude SAT and ACT scores
Eleven organizations have called on U.S. News & World Report to stop using average SAT and ACT scores in its rankings of colleges. Many groups and college administrators have long criticized the rankings, but New America, a liberal research organization, hopes the pandemic will provide momentum to the calls for change. The organizations joining the effort include the National Association for College Admission Counseling. "We write today requesting you end the practice of using average SAT and ACT scores of incoming students to calculate your Best Colleges rankings," says an open letter released by the groups. "Using average scores of incoming students to rank an institution has never made sense, but is even more preposterous during a deadly pandemic. The Best Colleges ranking has been the leading college rankings publication for years, and its impact on consumers and institutions alike cannot be overstated." U.S. News counted average SAT or ACT scores as 5 percent of the rankings last fall. A spokeswoman for U.S. News declined to comment on the open letter.
 
One of the nation's biggest student loan servicers is pulling out. Where does that leave borrowers?
A major student loan servicer is calling it quits. FedLoan Servicing, formally the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, services student loans for approximately 8.5 million student loan borrowers -- about 20% of all federal student loans. FedLoan is the only company that services loans for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, or PSLF. The PSLF lets borrowers who work in public service or for a non-profit get a certain portion of their loans cancelled. The company has said it will not renew its contract with the federal government to service those loans anymore, meaning its borrowers will soon have a new servicer. "Is the department going to designate another PSLF servicer or are they just going to spread it out amongst multiple servicers?" asked Betsy Mayotte, the president of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors. The timing of this announcement is not ideal: Millions of borrowers aren't making payments right now because of a pause put in place due to the pandemic.
 
House Appropriations funding for higher education aligns closely with President Biden's budget
The House Appropriations Committee is planning to mark up an initial draft of its funding bill for federal higher education programs on Thursday for fiscal year 2022. The bill largely aligns with President Biden's budget and includes substantial increases to student financial aid and science research. Over all, the legislation provides $27.2 billion for federal student aid programs and another $3.43 billion for higher education programs, an increase of $889 million from fiscal year 2021 and $122 million above Biden's budget request. The bill would increase the maximum annual Pell Grant award by $400, as well as boost funding for the National Institutes of Health to $49 billion -- up $6.5 billion from fiscal year 2021 -- and funding for career, technical and adult education to $2.2 billion. The Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies subcommittee sent the bill to the full committee along a party line vote Monday. Representative Tom Cole, a Republican from Oklahoma, said he was supportive of funding increases to the NIH and increases to the Federal TRIO program and Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP).
 
Free community college is a bad idea
Columnist Jay Mathews writes for The Washington Post: In my long search for educators with the deepest understanding of what works for students from low-income families, few have impressed me as much as Eric Wolf Welch of Justice High School in Fairfax County, Va. He is a veteran teacher who manages the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program at that school. Sixty-six percent of Justice High students are impoverished, the highest percentage in Northern Virginia. AVID is one of the nation's most effective efforts to raise the level of instruction for low-income middle and high school students. So I was startled to discover that Welch does not support President Biden's plan to provide billions of dollars in funding to community colleges to make them tuition free. "The idea on the surface sounds logical," Welch told me. "Community colleges serve thousands, often students from low-income backgrounds like my students, and they can be an avenue toward attaining a higher education degree and the benefits that come with that. But what Biden's plan does is lower expectations for millions of students in poverty across the nation. Why should our goal for low-income students be community college? The goal for all students should be college."


SPORTS
 
Miami Marlins take SEC Player of the Year Tanner Allen in the fourth round
Tanner Allen won state titles in high school at UMS-Wright and a national championship in college at Mississippi State. Now, the reigning SEC Player of the Year will try to win a title on the pro level. The Miami Marlins picked the outfielder in the fourth round of Monday's 2021 MLB Draft, making him the 118th overall pick. "Man, I think it's awesome," Allen told AL.com. "It kind of came out of nowhere. I didn't even think the Marlins were on me, but my advisor called and it was cool. It's something I will never forget." Allen hit .383 with 11 homers, 66 RBIs and 72 runs scored for the Bulldogs this past season. He started all 67 games and finished with 100 hits. "The last few months have been unbelievable," he said. "Winning SEC player of the year was a true honor, then getting to celebrate our ultimate goal of winning a national championship with the people in Starkville is hard to describe. Being drafted today was just the cherry on top of everything. It's awesome."
 
Huntsville's Christian MacLeod of Mississippi State drafted by Minnesota Twins
Mississippi State pitcher Christian MacLeod, a Huntsville native, was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 2021 Major League Baseball draft on Monday. MacLeod, a 6-foot-4 left-hander, went with the No. 159 overall pick in the fifth round. He played his high school ball at Huntsville High. MacLeod went 6-6 with a 5.23 ERA and 113 strikeouts in 82 2/3 innings in 2021, helping the Bulldogs to the College World Series championship. He was MSU's No. 2 starter for much of the year behind Will Bednar, who was drafted No. 14 overall by the San Francisco Giants on Sunday. The No. 159 overall pick carries with it a recommended signing bonus of $327,200.
 
Kansas City Royals pick MSU's Eric Cerantola in 2021 MLB Draft
Mississippi State's Eric Cerantola was selected by the Kansas City Royals in Round 5 of the 2021 MLB Draft with the No. 139 overall pick. Selected in the eighth round of the Ontario Hockey League draft in 2016, the Canadian pitcher chose baseball and Mississippi State. With a fastball that averages 95 mph, Cerantola is a high risk, high reward prospect. He has the raw ability to be a force in the pros, but the Bulldogs didn't trust him in high-leverage situations, leaving him off the College World Series roster. He struck out 24 in 17⅓ innings this season as the Bulldogs won a national championship, but also had a 5.71 ERA.
 
Miami Marlins pick Mississippi State baseball signee Jordan McCants in Round 3 of the 2021 MLB Draft
Mississippi State baseball signee Jordan McCants was selected by the Miami Marlins with the No. 88 pick in the third round. A Pensacola (Florida) Catholic graduate, McCants has impressed scouts with his approach at the plate and his ability to nab extra bases. The speedy shortstop's older brother TJ McCants is a center fielder for Ole Miss. A switch from the middle infield to the outfield could also be a possibility for Jordan McCants, whether it be in Starkville or the pros.
 
Bottom line on NIL issue? Players are about to share NCAA's bounty
Mississippi sports columnist Rick Cleveland writes: First thing first: This is not going to be the definitive essay on the name, image and likeness issue facing the big business of college athletics these days. It doesn't claim to be. That essay does not yet exist. There are too many unknowns, too much still to be decided. The only thing we know is this: College athletes are about to get paid -- and not under the table. We have long been headed in this direction. And now we are here. The NCAA fought it -- indeed, fought it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. There, the NCAA lost 9-0, which is the courtroom version of just how badly Millsaps football would lose to Alabama. Of course, Millsaps would never fight that battle. The NCAA was stupid enough to do so. And that 9-0 decision begs these questions: Who thought it would be otherwise? Do you know how wrong you have to be for all nine justices on this court to agree you were wrong? These judges can't agree on anything and yet they agree on this point: The NCAA is not above the law. The highest court in the land essentially has ruled, unanimously, that the NCAA has long been in violation of antitrust laws.



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