The 2014 MAC Media Day kicked off with commissioner Jon Steinbrecher gave his annual "State of the MAC" address. Obviously, a good chunk of his focus we spent on the shifting dynamics of college athletics, especially the debate over Power 5 autonomy and student athlete benefits.
Steinbrecher didn't mince any words when he said the MAC "will not support paying student-athletes" but is in support of benefits such as full-cost of attendance scholarships.
"We will not support paying student-athletes" -Jon Steinbrecher #MACtion
— Hustle Belt (@HustleBelt) July 23, 2014
The commissioner said the idea of paying college athletes goes against the ideals of college athletics and that the Power 5 has a responsibility to do what's right for all of college athletics. So it doesn't appear MACletes should expect to get salaries anytime soon.
We'll have a full recap of the commissioner's speech later.