By Erik Harris, sports editor
TUSCALOOSA — Everybody can, once again, go to Milo’s.
For a brief moment, the fast food franchise known for its sweet tea and saucy burgers had the entire state divided after Auburn quarterback Bo Nix announced his endorsement deal with the company on Thursday morning. It wasn’t long before Alabama fans were pouring Milo’s sweet tea down the drain and punting their cartons across the street.
However, that quickly changed on Friday afternoon when Alabama defensive back Malachi Moore announced his partnership with the Milo’s Tea Company.
“The BEST of both worlds!!,” posted Moore to Instagram. “Super excited to announce by partnership with @drinkmilos for my first sponsorship as a college athlete! Milo’s Sweet Tea and Lemonade are the perfect drinks for a hot summer day! #DrinkMilos #MilosMoments #ad.”
Both Moore, a rising-sophomore with the Crimson Tide, and Nix, a rising-junior with the Tigers, played their high school ball in The Tribune-coverage area: Moore at Hewitt-Trussville and Nix at Pinson Valley.
EARLIER:
AUBURN — It’s a new day in college sports.
And former Pinson Valley quarterback Bo Nix got his day started early.
On Wednesday, the NCAA approved the Name, Image and Likeness Policy, allowing its student-athletes the opportunity to be paid. The policy was made after the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional for athletes to be prohibited from earning money.
On Thursday, Nix, now approaching his third year at Auburn, took to Instagram to advertise Milo’s sweet tea. The QB wasted little time, announcing his endorsement deal at 12:01 a.m.
“How SWEET it is to partner with @drinkmilos for my first sponsorship as a college athlete,” posted Nix, a Mr Football recipient while at Pinson Valley. “Milo’s Tea is a family tradition at the Nix house–especially for holidays–so I’m excited to represent the best sweet tea ever! #DrinkMilos #MilosMoments #ad”
Other athletes quickly followed, including Miami quarterback D’Eriq King, who has reportedly signed a $20,000 deal with College Hunks. Michigan football players Blake Corum and Mike Sainristil announced on Thursday morning their partnership with Yoke Gaming.
This is the new norm in college sports, so let’s sit back and see who cashes in next.