Rick Barnes Benches Top Scorer Chaz Lanier

Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball coach Rick Barnes benched star player Chaz Lanier during a game against Texas after Lanier failed to shoot on a play designed specifically for him. This decision came after Lanier, who averages 19 points per game, scored only 10 points in 34 minutes during the 74-70 victory. Barnes emphasized that Lanier is 'getting paid to do' his job, referring to the implications of the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era in college sports, where athletes can profit from their performance. Lanier, with an estimated NIL valuation of $1.7 million, is expected to deliver results consistent with his compensation. Barnes's blunt approach highlights the evolving dynamics in college athletics, where accountability resembles that of professional sports. The incident has sparked discussions about the impact of NIL agreements on player conduct and coaching strategies.