drop your playing time or scholarship like a hot potato the minute something better comes along. (I think Kolby Lee and others would concur). That is not a criticism. Sports and business are ruthless endeavors and the ones who succeed can make tough decisions.

I think Richie should be focused on more than the NIL money and ask himself if he will still be a bench player under Pope at UK. No matter what Pope says, Richie has to look at his competition on the UK team and the pattern Pope has established with Saunders' playing time. I don't recall ever seeing Pope starting Richie, even though he was clearly one of the 5 best players on the team. If being a super role player averaging 20-ish minutes per game is what a competitive Richie Saunders wants, then go to Pope. If he wants to start and play more minutes, then stay with Young, get developed and go after all B12 accolades the next year or two.