LSU Football: Ed Orgeron tells fans to pay his players

LSU Football head coach Ed Orgeron is one of the most lovable figures in college sports.

Whether it’s his emphatic “Geaux Tigers!” to end interviews, or the countless shirtless photos of him running, it seems like Coach O is always giving fans (and non-fans) a reason to love the LSU head coach.

On Wednesday, Orgeron gave folks another reason to love him.

Though to be fair, there are definitely going to be some people who won’t be fans of what Orgeron had to say….but do those people really matter?

(I’m kidding….kinda.)

The latest reason to love LSU football head coach Ed Orgeron

Unless you’ve been on a Survivorman-like retreat removed from reality, you’ve likely heard about the new name, image, and likeness rules that went into effect on July 1.

(By the way, if you have been on a Survivorman-like retreat and this is the first thing you’re reading upon your return….well I have no idea what to say except that’s amazing.)

Players can now profit off their name, image, and likeness (NIL), which means yes, college athletes can finally be paid (though not directly by their school).

During an appearance at the Baton Rouge Rotary Club on Wednesday, Orgeron used the new NIL rules to tell the crowd to pay his players (if they want).

“We’re paying players now,” said Orgeron (via The Athletic’s Brody Miller). “So, if you guys want to start paying our players, you can go ahead.”

“If you want to give our players money legally, do it,” added Orgeron. “We would like that done. Other schools are doing it…and bragging about it.”

This is a phrase that I never thought I’d hear a coach say in public. It truly is a new time in college sports.

Now, regardless of how you feel about players making money off their NIL (and I know there are some strong feelings on it out there), you have to love Orgeron for being so blunt here.

There are definitely other programs out there bragging about players making money. Alabama head coach Nick Saban made it a point to tell a gathered crowd last week that quarterback Bryce Young is set to make around seven figures in deals.

Orgeron, however, didn’t take the subtle approach. He just straight up told fans to pay players if that’s what they want to do.

And he can do that now without any repercussions.

Coach O is the best and there isn’t a close second.