Kentucky fans, especially young fans, often ask for player autographs after games but getting those autographs may not be as easy now. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Will Kentucky football players continue to sign autographs after games for fans, especially young fans, like they have for years at Commonwealth Stadium/Kroger Field? You want to think yes but the new name, image, and likeness possibilities might change that because players can now charge for autographs. Rather than sign for free after a game and sometimes see some of those autographs being sold online, players may opt to not sign after games.
Kentucky freshman offensive lineman Jager Burton hopes that does not happen but knows it might.
“I would never personally want to be like saying no (to an autograph request) for the sole purpose of making money. Obviously, guys have their own priorities and reasons,” Burton said.
“I would always give an autograph, especially after a game. I feel the majority of people would, too, unless they are trying to make their autograph rare and worth more.”
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops thinks the postgame autograph signing will change. It has always been up to players whether they wanted to stop and sign autographs and/or pose for pictures. That remains the same.
“I anticipate that a lot of our players will (sign autographs), and I anticipate that a lot of our players may not. I think that’ll be across the country,” Stoops said.
“I know that’ll irritate certain people, but again, our players are really — I don’t just say this. I speak the truth. I think you all know that. We have really good kids, very good players that are very conscientious, that do so many things to help the community. They’re so unselfish, and they really want to do right. They really do.
“I just appreciate our players. What that looks like, where they can make a few dollars, I think we all can understand that, too. I don’t see any of our players overly consumed with going out and trying to do this NIL thing. I see them concentrating on football, and I hope it stays that way.”
