Failing for who? Small G5 programs that don't turn a profit? If so, I agree. That's the result of a free market. There are always market corrections, and they are typically drastic. End of the day, money always wins. As an MT alum and fan, it burns, but we missed our chance. Simple as that.
As far as being "not smart enough", he is smart enough to cash in while he can. Optically, it's not a great look, but another school is going to pay him. He will have over 100k reasons to not care about the optics. Like it or not, he is maximizing his earnings window. He will be the first of many to do this.
These TV contracts changed the business model. I don't have a problem with players cashing in. They are the product. Coaches have made a career of out leaving for more $, why can't players? Because of loyalty to the school? That's just not the real world anymore.
I realize I'm in the extreme minority, but this is why I just don't see the ROI in investing in G5 football anymore. We are steam rolling forward into just being glorified minor league football. Any P5 talent we get will leave as soon as a more lucrative offer comes along. It's almost impossible for us, or similar schools, to be relevant on a national scale.
IMO, we need to be the Butler or Wichita St of the southeast. Be a national player in basketball and baseball. Again, I realize I'm in the minority. Just feels like we are spitting in the wind on this, and it's only going to get worse.