Former Colorado football staff member, Trevor Reilly, made a trip to Saudi Arabia in December without the team’s knowledge to secure a $10 million deal for the university’s athletes in hopes of boosting name, image, and likeness funds. Reilly eventually resigned from his position as a special teams analyst for coach Deion Sanders out of frustration.
During his trip, Reilly met with officials in Saudi Arabia to discuss a potential branding agreement, promoting tourism in the country through the university’s social media following. The initiative was not authorized by Colorado or the collective overseeing NIL funds.
Reilly’s actions raised questions about foreign investment in college athletics, particularly from Saudi Arabia, known for its involvement in various sports ventures. While Reilly believed in the potential of securing funds, the university and the collective overseeing NIL funds distanced themselves from his efforts.
Following his resignation, Reilly moved to Hawaii to coach high school football and work in a restaurant. His pursuit of funds from Saudi Arabia reflects a growing trend of international investment in sports, despite concerns over human rights violations in the country.
While Reilly’s efforts did not materialize into a deal, the incident highlights the complexities and ethical considerations surrounding foreign investment in college sports. The possibility of Saudi money flowing into college athletics is seen as realistic by many industry insiders, although met with some hesitation given the nation’s controversial human rights record.
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