Vodka Brand Offers Special Edition Bottles That Benefit NC State NIL And Student Athletes

The world of college athletics has changed drastically in the last few years with the NCAA allowing "NIL". NIL stands for name, image, and likeness and essentially allows college athletes to profit off their brand. This is absolutely something that should be allowed. Though combined with the transfer portal it has turned into the Wild West, especially in revenue-generating sports like football and men's basketball. Schools are dependent upon NIL Collectives to fund these athletes. The vast majority of this money is coming directly from fans and alumni. And if you want to compete? You've got to pay up.

Do I see this current free agency, fan funding NIL trend continuing long term? No, I think almost unanimously college administrators and fans agree there needs to be some sort of uniform restrictions. But the current model is here to stay at least for the immediate future. And that means raising money for the collectives in any way possible. For my alma mater, the newest strategy is a vodka brand that will benefit NC State NIL Collectives.

The brand is Social House Vodka was established in 2017 by Cary Joshi, President and K'Hadree Hooker our VP of sales., a former defensive lineman at NC State. Hooker and Social House have teamed up with Savage Wolves NC States Football exclusive NIL collective. The company had this to say in a press release "The 2024 SOCIAL HOUSE® Vodka Limited SAVAGE WOLVES Edition will not only offer a premium drinking experience but also provide an opportunity to give back as a portion of the proceeds from each sale will go directly to support the SAVAGE WOLVES’ mission. What sets this partnership apart is its heartfelt commitment to making a difference in the lives of NC State University student-athletes."

The special edition co-branded vodka pictured above is set to launch and will be celebrated with an exclusive launch party and fundraiser. More details to come on that. I may have to attend this in person! The vodka will be available in ABC Stores across the state beginning in April. (This will now be the only vodka you'll find in my home).

NC State and Savage Wolves have stepped up this off-season, securing one of the nation's best transfer classes along with a solid recruiting class. Expectations are high, but hopefully I'm raising a glass of Social House Vodka for an NC State win often next fall. Cheers and Go Pack!

Learn more and read the full press release here.

NC State Football Coach Dave Doeren had some choice words for former Carolina Panther Steve Smith after the Wolfpack victory against Clemson on Saturday afternoon. Yes, that Steve Smith. The Wolfpack held on to the lead and were able to take a knee against the Clemson Tigers on Saturday at Carter Finley Stadium in Raleigh elevating the team to a 5-3 record while sending the Tigers back to .500 sitting at 4-4 on the year. No matter the records of the teams this is a big game every year and one this NC State grad and die-hard fan was extremely happy to put in the win column. So what prompted the comments from Doeren? It was all in response to Smith's comments as the guest picker on College Gameday that morning.

One of the games picked by the ESPN hosts was the NC State/Clemson game. And Smith not only picked the Tigers but took a shot at the Wolfpack as well saying that NC State is "unfortunately waiting for basketball season". Doeren who notoriously defends his team and university (which we love!) was having none of that. So in his post-game interview, while the celebration was taking place in Carter Finley Stadium, he chose to clap back as the former Panthers great. NC State Coach Dave Doeren let his feeling be knowing saying"Tell Steve Smith back in the studio this ain't a basketball school he can kiss my ***". Doeren proceeded to walk away after the comment leaving those who did not watch Gameday that morning a little confused.

It's classic salty Dave Doeren which NC State fans love to see. He's going to defend his team til the end no matter who it is against. That includes one of the best to ever play professional football in the Carolinas.

Doeren was expectedly asked about the comments in his post-game press conference where he took the opportunity to clarify the basis behind the comments. "No disrespect to him but he disrespected our program and I'm not going to let people do that" Doren said. He also doubled down saying "he can take that and put it where it belongs".

Perhaps somewhat of an apology? These comments were made on Monday in the weekly press conference.

Steve Smith on the sidelines is not something I would have ever guessed but I'd love to see it happen. I'm biased but there is something special about Saturday's in Carter Finley and Steve Smith should definitely take up the offer to experience it. Preferably a night game. Saturday against Miami perhaps?

I was hard on Doeren for a long time, and still question some of this decisions. But salty Dave who isn't afraid to tell it like it is, love him. Love his fire, and love that he loves NC State.

Everyone knows when something as said, and PR is a big part of recruiting. Glad to see others supporting this decision as well, especially those with no connection to the University. Go Pack!