College game now trapped in a wicked web

US college football, at least at its highest level, has deteriorated into a money-making mess.

Athletes in all sports are now permitted to make money while playing inter-collegiate games.

Thanks to many US states allowing a thing called NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) Rights, college performers may now receive financial remuneration for endorsements, personal appearances and autograph signings, etc.

Long gone is the idealistic notion of a kid going to a college or university and playing the gridiron sport in return for a free education and a chance at a better life that a pricey degree affords them.

But this isn’t the first time college football has sunk to such a money-grubbing, murky level.

Way back in the 1920s when college football was just becoming immensely popular and fans were packing huge stadiums — before games were televised and the NFL existed — many…