Paul Finebaum Clashes with Longtime Caller ‘Judge John’ Over NIL Concerns

Paul Finebaum has engaged in numerous debates with callers on his long-running SEC Network show, The Paul Finebaum Show. However, on Tuesday, he was not receptive to “Judge John” from Tennessee, who shared his thoughts on potential improvements to the transfer portal and the escalating NIL market. In the first hour of The Paul Finebaum Show, Judge John suggested that every student-athlete should meet with a financial advisor before agreeing to any NIL deal to prevent mishandling of their compensation.

“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 require them to have a financial advisor employed,” Judge John stated. Finebaum immediately interjected, emphasizing that every college student has the opportunity to consult with a financial advisor through their university’s financial aid office: “First of all, John, every student is given the chance to work with a financial advisor. It is entirely up to them whether they choose to or not. When a college student is offered an education and financial advice, they either take it or they don’t.”

Nonetheless, Judge John remained resolute in his viewpoint, claiming, “Well, I think if they had a financial advisor they wouldn’t be going out buying Lamborghinis and stuff.” Finebaum retorted, “That goes for anybody that has money, John. Many people never spend a dime, while some blow it all. That’s their choice. You think someone should be forced into having a financial advisor?” Judge John replied, “Yeah, I do. I sure do when they get the money.”

The disagreement escalated into a heated exchange, with Finebaum eventually mocking Judge John, saying he “can’t hold him in contempt” like in a court setting. Finebaum stated, “You can’t make somebody do something, Judge. 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.” To which Judge John retorted, “This is the arrogant judge calling.”

Finebaum then added, “But Judge, I don’t mean to jump on you but I know a few judges, and they don’t like to be talked over. 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.” Judge John clarified, “No, I’m not. I just want some other people who are smart to comment on my suggestion.”

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 more interruptions from both parties, Finebaum finally had enough and hung up the call, moving on to the next topic. He has not hesitated to voice his opinions on the pressing issues surrounding the current state of college football, particularly regarding the transfer portal and NIL deals. Clearly, Judge John’s solution does not resonate with him.