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Good thing our entire season doesn't hinge on a 3 day tournament. Wait

I'd heard he had 8 hours to finish which would be completed this semester, but I heard it from the my cousin's friend whose sister's boyfriend has a mechanic that fixes the mowers for a guy that cuts John Groce's neighbor's lawn. I suspect your info is a little less attenuated.

Happy Thanksgiving Zips Nation!!

The tournament results were certainly disappointing but not all is lost. Here are the Zips early season tournament results since 2018: 2018- Caymans- 1-2 2019- DC Hoops Fest- 1-1 2020- None 2021- Gulf Coast Showcase- 1-2 2022- Caymans- 1-2 2023- Caymans- 1-2 We'd all love to see them win these tournaments but I think the better view, based upon the past, is to look at them as prep for the rest of the season.

In my opinion this is exactly what’s wrong with the program and the MAC. Being happy about another guaranteed thrashing for a payday is mind boggling to me. This happens yearly. We will guaranteed start off 0-1 and frankly will lose to Rutgers and South Carolina. That is 3 loses right there, but as fans we should accept it all because it will be a pay day for the university? Goodness. Akron should drop down to FCS. Yea board, dislike this post, quote this and trash me. I don’t care. At least at FCS we may be able to win and host a playoffs game. Being a guaranteed win for these big programs is bullshit. Expecting fans to accept it because it’s a payday for the university not only is bullshit as well, but also a clear sign your program does not deserve to be FBS. I’m fed up with being a Zips fan and accepting this crap. But this board doesn’t like to go against the grain, so I’m sure I’ll be more lectured how im wrong on this and how I need to be happy. Someone on here said this is a positive to see the program go against big competition. Just stop. That’s a clear sign you cheer for a loser program. Accepting this due to the payday…goodness.

Since Bilas is a lawyer who has won a noted case in Federal Court, a former top college player and widely respected college basketball analyst I think he'd be a good lawyer for Ali. Ali started the season last year with a concussion and broken nose requiring surgery and had recurring concussion symptoms at the end of the year. Perhaps the mental health issues are wrapped up in that situation. Maybe he feels Akron is a better place to handle all that. Can't blame him. Let the kid play!

I'm hoping for a more credible less belligerent non-professional wrestler voice to take up the cause!

Piecing this together, it sounds like Ali Ali struggled with mental health at some point - either prior to his Butler transfer or after his Butler transfer - and the mental health struggles affected or could have affected his academics. Akron is where he had/has the better support system, so he came back. At least this is what the argument seems to be. When Ali Ali missed that time last year with Butler, was that an actual injury, or was it mental health related? Something to think about. According to this article, "a player can receive immediate eligibility if they have a physical injury or mental health condition that pushed them to transfer from a school." The new restrictions were approved on January 11th, and players crafted their transfer appeals to fit within these guidelines, especially the mental health angle. Jackson from FSU, Walker from UNC, and now Ali Ali. I agree with Bilas. The NCAA crafted guidelines that included mental health as an acceptable situation for immediate eligibility. That's a loosey goosey category that isn't very difficult to meet in today's society with mental health becoming more of a major focus. @clarkwgriswold Great point about the NCAA's involvement with Bill Self's seemingly 100th infraction/violation. People are tired of corrupt organizations/associations/committees/ruling bodies. The NCAA is towards the top of that list and they continue to grow the flaming torch & pitchfork mob that's against them. Pretty big that Bilas tweeted about this. Hopefully Pat McAfee can go on another epic rant against the NCAA on Monday about this.

On the other hand, we could use some of the beat-down money to boost recruiting. Here's how.... Promise recruits that they will get a bowl game experience every year they play for the Zips. Contract with Hunter Biden to set up a series of shell companies, deposit money in company #1, have company # 20 sign up as a source of Zip NIL funds. Then, each year, have it buy each Zip player a ticket to the bowl game of their choice.

If Ali did sign Bilas as his attorney, it could be argued that that action right there speaks to Ali's mental health issues.

Was Bilas his attorney?

Beyond the merits of Ali's case, he announced his transfer on May 4th. 202 and two days have elapsed since then. That's a ridiculous delay. The NCAA is becoming more of a joke every day. All the while they look the other way and accept half assed compromise settlements and self imposed penalties for blatant cheaters like Bill Self.

You answered your own question. History and traditions matter in college football. Toledo has a long tradition of winning in the MAC. They have a great rivalry with a good program 20 miles away. They are very close to MAC West teams so travel is inexpensive and fans can attend games. Their program benefits the players students alumni fans and general community around Toledo, and all of these groups know it and appreciate the program. That's what a state university should do. It's what Akron should be doing, but can't get out of it's own way.

Because Th at spot on the schedule was a home game against a Power Five opponent and now it is on the road, so one less home game for season ticket holders and it’s the marquee home game that was removed.

I admire Matt because he’s genuinely invested in the Zips. The guy could take a private jet anywhere in the world on a fall Saturday but more often than not he can be seen on the Zips home sideline. For everyone’s sake I hope his steadfast support pays off. He’s a special Akron dude.

Congratulations to InterMiami CF on winning the first Leagues Cup. Great to see DeAndre Yedlin make his pk (9th of 10 for InterMiami) ... only pk he's ever taken? ... and GK Drake Callender making the 10th/"winning" pk as well as saving the pk from Nashville's GK.

What are Zips fans thankful for this year?? I am thankful the season is over tomorrow. It’s an annual tradition marking the beginning of Christmas holiday in my house. 🎄