Paul Finebaum has gotten into countless arguments with callers over the years on his longstanding SEC Network show, The Paul Finebaum Show. But on Tuesday, Finebaum was in no mood to hear out “Judge John” from Tennessee about his stance on what changes could benefit that transfer portal and the ever-increasing NIL market.
In the first hour of The Paul Finebaum Show, Judge John shared his opinion that each and every student-athlete should be required to see a financial advisor prior to agreeing to a NIL deal to ensure that players aren’t blowing the compensation they receive.
“Hey Paul, I wondered if you were gonna comment on my suggestion yesterday that before they turn over money to the players on the NIL, they first required them to have a financial advisor employed,” said Judge John.
Finebaum interjected right away, making it a point that every student who goes to college has the opportunity to speak with a financial advisor at their university’s financial aid office.
“First of all John, every student is given the opportunity to work with a financial advisor. It is entirely up to them whether they choose to or not. I don’t really have much to say about it. To me, when a college student is offered an education, offered financial advice, they either take it or they don’t,” replied Finebaum.
Still, Judge John stood firm on his opinion.
“Well, I think if they had a financial advisor they wouldn’t be going out buying Lamborghini’s and stuff,” said Judge John.
“That goes for anybody that has money John, A lot of people never spend a dime. Some people blow it all. That’s their choice. I don’t need to tell you about the freedom of this country to do whatever you want. You think someone should be forced into having a financial advisor?”
“Yeah, I do,” added Judge John. “I sure do when they get the money.”
Finebaum and Judge John would continue to disagree until it turned into a screaming match, with Finebaum ultimately mocking John because he “can’t hold him in contempt” as he would in a court setting.
“You can’t make somebody do something, Judge,” said Finebaum. “I know that back in your court, you probably did based on the way you were going to treat poor old Jim (Harbaugh). You were going to lock him up without hearing both sides of the story.”
“This is the arrogant judge calling,” Judge John ironically replied.
“But Judge, I don’t mean to jump on you but I know a few judges and judges don’t like to be talked over. I believe this microphone belongs to me, Judge. You don’t have a gavel in your hand anymore. This judge is trying to hold me in contempt from his house,” added Finebaum.
“No, I’m not. I’m just wanting some other people who have got brains and are smart to make a comment on my suggestion,” said Judge John.
Memo to Judge John in Tennessee…this is a TV Studio, not your Courtroom pic.twitter.com/pPYOTOLbwg
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) February 11, 2025
After the two again started talking over one another, Finebaum ultimately had enough, hanging up the call and moving on to the next subject.
Finebaum hasn’t been shy about voicing his opinions on the ongoing issues with the current state of college football when it comes to the transfer portal and NIL deals. But clearly, Judge John’s solution is not a sound one in his eyes.
