Tennessee football games looking like NASCAR races with corporate logos? Vols fans say no thanks | Adams

Money not only talks. It inspires my literary contributors to be creative.

That’s what I discovered after writing a column on the future of corporate logos in college football.

Patricia writes: Hey John, do you think the announcers will call a game like this?  He is at the food logo, just crossed the oil logo and was tripped as he crossed the bank logo for a touchdown in the Walmart Money Spot!

My response: I think you are on to something. This also could work in basketball. Player steps to the “Food City free-throw line.” Player shoots from just outside the “Ingles 3-point line and draws nothing but Kroger net.”

Joel writes: I hate what you are saying, but I also know you are right about this. In a very short time college football fields and uniforms as well will look like NASCAR cars and drivers.

Wagering is another pet peeve of mine, which will affect college sports.

College stadiums won’t need to have a physical wagering station, since there’s an expanding number of phone apps. However, field advertising of individual apps might be quite lucrative.

“Fan enhancements” have already priced me out of football and I expect that will happen for basketball after next season. I’m told that has happened to them regarding baseball already.

My response: Perhaps fans can find ways to cash in on advertising, too, though they probably couldn’t make enough money to afford tickets. Wonder how much a corporate sponsor might pay a fan to have its logo tattooed on his forehead? 

Vols Mark writes: Your columns for the last few weeks have been outstanding. Here’s my take on corporate advertising:

I don't think on-field advertising will happen in college football. If FIFA, which runs the World Cup, doesn't allow it, why would college football?

FIFA allows ads on digital banners around the field. They talked about putting ads on the field, but decided it would be too distracting to players and viewers.

FIFA earns more money than college football, so if they think it's a bad idea, college football should, too. College football should learn from FIFA and say no to on-field advertising to keep the game looking good and enjoyable.

My response: You make a good argument but might be giving too much credit to the leaders of college football. I can envision a green football with dollar-sign laces, and corporate logos on both sides, as it sails through the sky.

ADAMS:Tennessee football can make money through on-field advertising. I can help

Shemp writes: Very nice article on corporate sponsorships.

However, the skies already have planes pulling various banners promoting different things.

As we continue to say: “It’s all about the money.”

My response: Good point. I wonder when those planes will start dropping corporate-logo leaflets into the stadium.

Joe writes: Coaches really don't seem to like players being paid. Coaches are control freaks by nature. Coaches can make millions a year and then resent a player leaving to make money. Let's cap the coaches and let the players make as much as the market will allow. Now that's the way to balance the sports world.

My response: Great idea. I wonder if that will come up for discussion at the American Football Coaches Association convention next January in Charlotte, North Carolina.

My best guess is "no."

John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns.