This is the way things have transpired in my opinion.
Apparently, according to Chase & I believe confirmed by @Neal McCready here all of this was unrelated to the On3 purchase of Rivals. Chase has indicated on 247 that this was in the works to prior to the announced merger. I believe that Neal & Chase are in step in all of this. I can only speculate that Neal & Chase approached 247 with the idea that Chase would take the lead role at 247, Neal would eventually come over after his contract expired and a content provider. Because of the perceived loyalty of the RG crowd they could offer 247 a much enhanced membership of loyal followers (already happening). We all know that Neal doesn't like recruiting coverage and 247 has that pretty much setup with David Johnson. Chase could provide the baseball coverage and 247 already has someone covering basketball and perhaps Neal could focus on that as well. There would also be the agreement that Neal & Chase could continue MPW, Neal & Siskey could continue their thing. Siskey is not employed by either and he could brought along to sweeten the pot with his expertise. It appears already that David Johnson is taking on a much less visible role. He covers football recruiting pretty well, too well in a lot of people's opinion.
All of this assumes that Neal wants to stay around the area. I know he's hinted for a while that their is an exit plan for him. He could do a number of things because he is that good. With Carson graduating their really is nothing to tie him to Oxford. I would hate for Neal to leave though. I absolutely love to hear him speak and to read his writing. He is excellent at both.
On3 will end up being the loser here as they will gain nothing from the Rivals merger (as it relates to Ole Miss sports) when Neal decides to leave. People are loyal to Neal & Chase, not Rivals or any platform.
I have been a member of the OM Spirit and then 247 (HernandoReb). I've been back & forth with Rivals a couple of times but in the end I really like RG the best. I had left 247 a couple years back but renewed last year on one of their specials. I most likely would not have renewed at the full price.
Change can be difficult at times but it's a part of life.
Apparently, according to Chase & I believe confirmed by @Neal McCready here all of this was unrelated to the On3 purchase of Rivals. Chase has indicated on 247 that this was in the works to prior to the announced merger. I believe that Neal & Chase are in step in all of this. I can only speculate that Neal & Chase approached 247 with the idea that Chase would take the lead role at 247, Neal would eventually come over after his contract expired and a content provider. Because of the perceived loyalty of the RG crowd they could offer 247 a much enhanced membership of loyal followers (already happening). We all know that Neal doesn't like recruiting coverage and 247 has that pretty much setup with David Johnson. Chase could provide the baseball coverage and 247 already has someone covering basketball and perhaps Neal could focus on that as well. There would also be the agreement that Neal & Chase could continue MPW, Neal & Siskey could continue their thing. Siskey is not employed by either and he could brought along to sweeten the pot with his expertise. It appears already that David Johnson is taking on a much less visible role. He covers football recruiting pretty well, too well in a lot of people's opinion.
All of this assumes that Neal wants to stay around the area. I know he's hinted for a while that their is an exit plan for him. He could do a number of things because he is that good. With Carson graduating their really is nothing to tie him to Oxford. I would hate for Neal to leave though. I absolutely love to hear him speak and to read his writing. He is excellent at both.
On3 will end up being the loser here as they will gain nothing from the Rivals merger (as it relates to Ole Miss sports) when Neal decides to leave. People are loyal to Neal & Chase, not Rivals or any platform.
I have been a member of the OM Spirit and then 247 (HernandoReb). I've been back & forth with Rivals a couple of times but in the end I really like RG the best. I had left 247 a couple years back but renewed last year on one of their specials. I most likely would not have renewed at the full price.
Change can be difficult at times but it's a part of life.
