Peyton Manning, quarterback of the Denver Broncos, was paid $105,000 to speak at Oklahoma State University's basketball arena to a crowd of more than 4,200 people. The public appearance involved a full hour speech, with 30 minutes allocated for a question-and-answer session. The Speakers Board of Oklahoma State University paid for the huge amount, according to a report by NBC Sports.
Now, there are critics saying that the school paid more than they bargained for since Manning only gave the expected motivational lines that every aspiring book author would say at their launch. Thefootball star continued to encourage the viewers to invest their time and become a "game-changer". He added tips on how to challenge one's self, and act and think deeper on what people really need to do with their lives.
However, others were quick to rescue Manning by saying that other celebrities charge higher and give worse speeches, according to Yahoo! Sports.
Parents and school officials brought up the issue of whether it was wise for OSU to invite Manning to share clichés at Stillwater for $105,000. Notably though, there were students who were highly motivated by his appearance.
Chairman Patrick Alland himself thought so and said that he would do the same thing all over again. According to him, the money was properly invested. NCAA and other member institutions, however, are questioning the spending habits of the board and are also skeptical about their view on paying student-athletes large amounts to play, writes Fox Sports.
People who attended Peyton Manning's speech heard the old statements, "Enjoy the journey, not the destination," and "You either get better or worse every day. You don't stay the same."
Manning does have value and can expect a significant sum of money for at least approving certain invitations. He is a five-time MVP of the NFL and belongs to a family of equally talented NFL stars, specifically his father Archie Manning and brother Eli Manning, who were also quarterbacks.