We interviewed Paul Gonnella, fondly referred to as Coach G, regarding his new book, PAID, about the scheme that has ripped off thousands of college football and men’s basketball players for years.
PAID is available on Amazon and the Kindle and in fine bookstores everywhere.
1. What inspired you to write PAID?
After abruptly resigning and retiring from college football in 2020, after almost 2 decades of service, I felt it was my duty, to be honest, to watch out for those who have no power or voice.
2. What are the most important, relevant issue(s)?
The most important relevant issues are:
- The state and federal laws are designed by nature to take away the rights of the players.
- No oversight or accountability for the NCAA, D1A college conferences, college presidents/athletic directors & coaches.
- The players not being allowed to unionize.
- The unfair, competitive advantage the big school has.
3. What and how do you think will change with the publication of PAID?
I am hoping it starts a conversation that eventually will lead to change at the foundational level of revenue-making sports.
4. How will sports change as we know it if there are changes?
The sports of FBS college football/men’s basketball will be a better product for public consumption. Not much else will change in terms of the game. The changes I suggest in the book will dissolve the system of the mess it is in right now.
5. Are you thinking about writing a sequel to PAID or a second book?
I have not determined if I will write another book as of yet.
6. Is there anything you would like to add to this interview?
The only way change will occur is if the past players, current players, future players, all their family and friends, and the fans join together to create change. This movement will take a village to create change due to the amount of money and power the schemers have.