Eastern Kentucky University introduced its new director of athletics Wednesday morning at the university’s Center for the Arts. Kyle Moats comes to EKU after 15 years as AD at Missouri State University. Moats will take over from interim Athletics Director Dan McBride and former AD Matt Roan, who held the post for four years. Moats thanked all three, and outlined his aims.
“We will strive to demonstrate the following stated goals: to win. We want to win in the field and in the classroom. They're not mutually exclusive. We're going to put the student athlete at the heart of the program. All of our decisions need to be centered around their well-being.”
Moats said his other goals include being fiscally responsible and adhering not only to NCAA rules, but also the intent of the rules. Later, he took questions from members of the media – including one about what some have called the wild west of NIL: Name, Image and Likeness.
“It's not going anywhere, and I think it needs to be a part of what we're doing. What I wouldn't be crazy about is making student athletes employees, and I think that's going to be hard coming out with the antitrust and how that's going to work.”
Three weeks ago, the NCAA and the nation’s five biggest athletic conferences announced a nearly $2.8 billion NIL antitrust settlement. Other suits have since been filed.
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