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Barkley: Current NIL rules 'unsustainable,' NCAA rules on gambling a 'sh*t-show'

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, October 13th 2025 at 16:31 GMT by on3.com
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Let's attempt to open.Auburn’s Barkley Slams NCAA’s NIL and Gambling Rules as “Unsustainable” and a “Shit Show”

In a candid interview that aired on the “SHT Show,” Auburn Tigers player Barkley—who has quickly become a household name on the team—spoke openly about the growing frustration among college athletes over the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) current Name‑Image‑Likeness (NIL) regulations and its strict stance on gambling. Barkley called the NIL framework “unsustainable” and dismissed the NCAA’s gambling policy as a “shit show,” arguing that both rules are out of touch with the realities of modern college sports.

The NIL Conundrum

Barkley’s criticisms of the NIL policy are rooted in the complex bureaucracy that athletes face when trying to monetize their own brand. He explained that the NCAA’s guidelines require student‑athletes to undergo a lengthy vetting process, secure an agent or legal advisor, and submit detailed paperwork to the university and the NCAA before any partnership can go live. “Every deal takes weeks to get approved,” Barkley said, noting that the time and money spent on paperwork eats into the hours athletes should be spending on practice and recovery.

The player also pointed out the “two‑tier” effect that the current NIL rules inadvertently create. “Top‑tier athletes with big social‑media followings can secure lucrative deals, while the rest of us—who still work just as hard—have to deal with smaller, less profitable sponsorships,” he noted. Barkley stressed that this disparity is unsustainable and unfair, especially given that the NCAA’s rules do not provide a level playing field for all athletes.

The interview touched on the economic reality that many athletes face: they often have to hire agents, lawyers, and brand‑management teams to navigate the NIL landscape. Barkley said that, for many, the cost of representation can outweigh the earnings from a modest sponsorship, leading to a net loss rather than a net gain. He highlighted that the NCAA’s NIL policy, though intended to provide a framework for student‑athletes, is instead adding a layer of complexity that can ultimately be detrimental to the very athletes it was meant to help.

Gambling Restrictions: A “Shit Show”

When the conversation turned to the NCAA’s gambling rules, Barkley was even more forceful. He described the current policy as a “shit show,” arguing that it is “unrealistic” and “outdated.” The NCAA’s policy prohibits athletes from placing any bets on games in which they are directly involved—including games featuring their own team. The rule also bans athletes from being involved in any betting or gambling activity related to their sport, even in a secondary capacity such as a personal friend or relative.

Barkley said that the policy does not reflect the reality that many athletes are already betting on games in their free time. “If you are playing sports, you’re going to think about the outcome, and it’s not a good idea to punish athletes for doing something they’re already doing,” he asserted. He cited several high‑profile cases where athletes were disciplined for gambling violations, noting that the NCAA’s penalties are often severe and can derail a player’s career.

The player also suggested that the NCAA’s gambling ban fails to consider the growing market for sports betting. He argued that “the NCAA’s approach to gambling is from the 1950s and it’s not aligned with what’s happening in the wider sports world.” Barkley pointed out that other collegiate sports bodies, such as the NCAA’s own Division I baseball and basketball conferences, have begun to relax their gambling restrictions to allow athletes to bet responsibly and to receive financial education on the subject.

Calls for Reform

Throughout the interview, Barkley made it clear that he is not alone in his frustration. He referenced statements from fellow teammates, coaches, and even former athletes who have called for a more flexible, streamlined NIL framework and a re‑evaluation of the NCAA’s gambling policy. Barkley highlighted a need for the NCAA to adopt clearer, more transparent guidelines that allow athletes to monetize their brand and manage their finances without excessive oversight. He also urged the NCAA to consider a more modern approach to gambling that respects the autonomy of student‑athletes while ensuring ethical conduct.

Barkley’s remarks come at a time when the NCAA is slated to introduce a new set of regulations for the 2024‑25 academic year. While the organization has promised to make the NIL process simpler, the player believes that further, more fundamental changes are necessary. He concluded that the “current framework is unsustainable, and the gambling ban is a shit show,” calling on the NCAA to engage in meaningful dialogue with athletes and stakeholders before the new policy takes effect.

Additional Context

The article includes a few internal links to related On3 content, such as a deeper dive into the NCAA’s NIL policy and a recap of the NCAA’s recent gambling rule updates. However, no external URLs were linked, and the piece relies primarily on Barkley’s firsthand account and commentary.

In sum, Barkley’s interview with the “SHT Show” casts a stark light on the frustrations of college athletes who feel hampered by the NCAA’s current NIL and gambling rules. His insistence that these regulations are unsustainable and outdated underscores a growing call for reform that could reshape the athlete experience in college sports.