ATLANTA, July 26,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux
stands firmly with Clemson University
Head Coach and Walk-On's franchisee, Dabo
Swinney, who voiced his disappointment in the NCAA's
proposed restructuring of college scholarships at the 2024 ACC
Kickoff in Charlotte, N.C. This
regulation change would virtually eliminate opportunities for
walk-on athletes, vital to collegiate teams' fabric and competitive
nature.
Coach Swinney, who is a former walk-on himself, stated: "The
crazy thing is, there's not many coaches that want 105
scholarships. We want to keep our walk-ons. It's hard to manage
that many guys." He added, "That's great for baseball, soccer, some
of the sports that you take 11 scholarships and spread it out
amongst 30-some guys. But for football, the unintended consequence
is it basically eliminates your walk-ons. There's no coach that
wants that." He also remarked, "Again, the walk-on (part) is what
disappoints me the most. Kids that just want to be a part of it,
that want to come help you practice. It saddens me that that is
probably going to go away."
Brandon Landry, Walk-On's Founder
and a former college walk-on athlete at Louisiana State University (LSU), echoes Swinney's sentiments (Instagram post
here) and reiterates Walk-On's corporate position, noting:
"Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux is built on the ethos of determination,
resilience, and the belief that hard work can lead to extraordinary
opportunities. The proposed cap on football rosters threatens to
undermine this foundational belief by eliminating non-scholarship
athlete positions, which have been a critical pathway for many
aspiring athletes to participate in college sports. Walk-ons are
often the heartbeat of their teams and set a standard for
perseverance that inspires everyone around them. We must protect
their place in college sports."
Drew Brees, former NFL
quarterback and co-owner of Walk-On's, expressed his concerns:
"Walk-ons bring heart, dedication, and an unmatched work ethic to
their teams. They prove time and again that scholarships aren't the
only measure of a player's potential. Limiting roster sizes impacts
these players' dreams and the dynamic of every team they
uplift."
Walk-on athletes have long been a cornerstone in the tapestry of
college sports. Their stories inspire fans and players alike,
showcasing that perseverance and passion make success possible.
Many walk-ons have overcome immense odds to not only earn
scholarships but also become pivotal players and even professional
athletes. Their journeys enrich the culture of sports and prove
that meritocracy thrives in competitive environments.
In line with this commitment, Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux
launched the Walk-On Scholarship program earlier this year to
support walk-on athletes across all sports and recognize their
dedication and crucial contributions. This initiative is a
testament to celebrating and supporting the walk-on spirit in
everyone.
Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux calls on all stakeholders within
college athletics to come together to find a solution that
continues to allow walk-on athletes to contribute to their teams
and pursue their dreams. The brand pledges to continue its support
for the traditions that give college sports their unique character
and competitive edge.
About Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux
Walk-On's Sports
Bistreaux, celebrated as the #1 Sports Bar in America by ESPN, is a
nationally recognized restaurant and sports bar that brings
together the love of food, sports, and community. Concepted on the
back of a napkin by LSU walk-on
basketball players Brandon Landry
and Jack Warner, Walk-On's Sports
Bistreaux opened its doors in 2003 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The menu boasts
scratch-made dishes, paired with a wide selection of unique
cocktails and beers. With nearly 80 restaurants in the U.S.,
Walk-On's is accelerating its nationwide expansion – ranked #1 by
Entrepreneur for Top New Franchise and consistently ranking in Top
500 lists for Restaurant Business, Entrepreneur, Franchise Times,
and Nation's Restaurant News. Walk-On's success and growth are a
testament to its passionate franchise partners, including renowned
athletes in co-owner Drew Brees and
franchisees Dak Prescott, Derrick
Brooks, and football coach Dabo
Swinney. To learn more about Walk-On's or for information on
becoming a franchisee, visit walk-ons.com.
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SOURCE Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux