Longtime ESPN analyst and practicing attorney Jay Bilas has never been afraid to speak his mind. He was one of the biggest advocates for NIL and always believed that high school and college athletes should be compensated fairly. “The employment is now the new amateurism; it’s like the third rail,” he said while advocating for NIL. That did receive a lot of criticism back in the day. But fast forward 4 years, and it’s safe to say he was right, at least from the athlete’s point of view. Now, Bilas is back with another controversial statement that hasn’t been well received by the public.
During the game between Florida and Alabama, Bilas called for changes to two college basketball rules. He stated, “We need to go to quarters. We’re the only game of basketball played in the world that doesn’t have quarters… We have to change the replay rule… [Refs] spend more time watching TV than they do officiating the game…”
Jay Bilas on Men’s College Basketball rules:
“We need to go to quarters. We’re the only game of basketball played in the world that doesn’t have quarters… We have to change the replay rule… [Refs] spend more time watching TV than they do officiating the game…” pic.twitter.com/yvBszTSRNz
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 6, 2025
This didn’t sit well with fans, who made sure to voice their frustrations on social media. Let’s check out some of the fan reactions as Bilas’ hot take sparked a frenzy online.
Fans fume with Jay Bilas’ demands
Naturally, fans weren’t happy with Bilas demanding the shift to four quarters. Their frustration quickly spilled over onto social media, as many felt his suggestion was out of touch with the tradition of college basketball. One fan vented saying, “I used to be able to escape Bilas by watching SEC games as he always followed Duke and UNC around. ACC isn’t good enough for him now we get him on all the Big SEC games. Irritating.” Another fan expressed their frustration with humor saying, “This is why the TV gets muted when @JayBilas is on the call lol.” And a third fan reflected on Bilas’ usual antics by saying, “It wouldn’t be college basketball season if Jay Bilas wasn’t complaining about something”
This is why the TV gets muted when @JayBilas is on the call lol.
— TD (@alltimebetting) March 6, 2025
It’s clear that the fans didn’t like Bilas’ opinion. But why? Simple reason. The NCAA has used two 20-minute halves since 1954, making it a long-standing tradition. This format keeps the game competitive. Longer halves lead to fewer stoppages, more scoring chances, and a steady pace. It also results in closer games across a wider range of teams and helps create those “Cinderella story” we all wait to witness every March Madness.
Bilas’ suggestion to change the review system is something fans can get behind. In recent years, the speed of the game has slowed due to refs constantly reviewing plays, affecting the game’s momentum. Giving each team a review, like in the NBA, would definitely help solve this issue.
One fan took to X to remind everyone that Bilas was one of the prime advocates for NIL saying, “This brought to you by the guy who pushed for NIL and transfer portal; be smarter people don’t listen to lawyers like Jay Bilas”
While NIL has certainly benefited players, it hasn’t been as smooth for the teams. With the addition of the transfer portal, thousands of players enter the portal each year to test their NIL value. This leaves teams vulnerable, as they risk losing their key players and are forced to rebuild year after year. This sentiment was further reiterated by John Wall who said, ” I think NIL is dope to a certain extent. I think they gotta take the portal out though because everybody just going to the portal every year just to see who gon’ offer me the most money”
Jay Bilas may have a point in his advocacy for changes like both the teams getting a review each but when it comes to implementing four quarters? Fans wouldn’t entertain those changes. While evolution is essential, balancing innovation with tradition is crucial to preserving what makes the sport special!
The post ESPN in Trouble as College Basketball Community Livid With Jay Bilas’ Bold Demand Before NCAA Tournament appeared first on EssentiallySports.
