"Shame on all of us": Virginia AD Carla Williams demands reforms after Tony Bennett cites chaotic college sports landscape for shocking retirement 

Virginia's athletic director Carla Williams cut a stern figure following the sudden retirement of Tony Bennett. During a press conference at John Paul Jones Arena yesterday, Bennett made his retirement official, saying he isn't the "best coach to lead this program."

A factor that allegedly influenced his decision was the impact of NIL deals, which has caused a massive shift in the college basketball landscape in recent years. Per On3, Williams spoke against the current state of college basketball, using Bennett's retirement to give a wake-up call.

"I think that when people like Tony Bennett exit men’s basketball, exit our industry for something that has nothing to do with coaching or teaching or being a role model, then shame on all of us."

AD Carla Williams calls for stricter legislature

The inflation of NIL deals has had a major impact on college basketball, giving athletes the power to achieve financial stability based on their career choices. The difference between colleges in terms of money poured into deals has been a key factor in deciding the future of the country's prospects, leaving others clutching at straws more often than not.

Besides choosing programs offering more money, college basketball players are also using the safety net provided by NIL deals to stay for more years instead of making the jump to the NBA. An example of this is Drew Timme, who stayed an extra year at Gonzaga instead of going into the 2022 NBA draft.

Carla Williams believes stronger state-wise legislature would play a key role in bringing about a level playing field in college basketball.

"It’s really complicated, and we need state legislative intervention. We need federal intervention, congress. There’s an element of anti-trust involved, an element of labor involve, an element of employment involved.

"And all of those things involve federal law that we in athletics do not control. So there will have to be some legislative intervention to help create some guardrails for this industry."

Bennett's retirement left Williams and the Cavaliers men's basketball program in a tight spot. She announced the promotion of associate head coach Ron Sanchez to interim head coach for the 2024-25 season.

The Cavaliers will begin the upcoming season with a home game against the Campbell Fighting Camels on November 6.