Why LaNorris Sellers said no to $8 million and stayed at South Carolina

Why LaNorris Sellers said no to $8 million and stayed at South Carolina originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

No, Norris Sellers was not going to beat around the bush. When his son, LaNorris Sellers, received an NIL offer worth $8 million over two years from another institution, the father decided to tell his son what he thinks.

He knows that the offer was legitimate. He knows the young man will be tempted by it. But he also knows the right thing to do.

“You don’t need ($8 million). You’re in a great spot,” his dad told Bruce Feldman of The Athletic. “There were several talks, but it never really crossed his mind (to leave). It’s a challenge with colleges offering younger guys that kind of money. Who’s gonna say no to $8 million for two years? They’re gonna be swayed if you don’t have the right people in your corner.”

The right people, in this case, kept him grounded

LaNorris could easily accept the offer, considering the year he just had. In the previous season, Sellers became only the third freshman in FBS history to reach 2,500 passing yards and run for at least 500, joining Johnny Manziel and Jalen Hurts.

During that season, Sellers accumulated 2,534 passing yards, scored 18 TDs through the air and seven additional rushing TDs while leading the Gamecocks to 9-4 record.

However, there is something commendable about rejecting such an offer since it looks like the Sellers family considers playing in the NFL their true goal. For his father, the college education and playing football for four years should have been a priority.

"He was offered all kinds of crazy numbers," Norris said. "I told him he could say, I’m gonna stay or I’m gonna go. By my two cents: It was to get into college on a scholarship, play ball, get our degree and go on about our business. This NIL deal came later. We didn’t come here to make money. We came here to get our education, play ball, and with schools calling, we’re not gonna jump ship because they’re offering more than what we’re getting. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it."

It might sound more noble since Sellers will lose some of that cash now but earn much more down the road after entering the NFL Draft next year.