We need to put an end to the frenzy, the emotional backlash that arises when critical comments are made about players who are now getting paid to participate in football.

Players sought this arrangement — being compensated for their efforts, enjoying mobility in their careers, and having the freedom to choose where they play — and now they have it.

With it comes the full spectrum of experiences.

Unsuccessful NIL contracts, shattered aspirations, and visible public scrutiny. All of it is now laid bare.

“We need to identify a player,” Auburn coach Hugh Freeze remarked following the Tigers’ recent defeat to Arkansas, “who won’t throw interceptions.”

As someone who firmly supports player rights, pay-for-play, and essentially a free-agency model in college football, I find myself questioning what’s so wrong with Freeze’s critique of the Auburn quarterbacks?

You can’t insist on being treated like an adult while simultaneously craving the pampering typically reserved for children.

You can’t expect to command a hefty salary and a starting position, then react negatively when a coach criticizes you as motivation.

In this world of multi-million dollar NIL deals, players have the freedom to move teams and potentially disrupt others’ rosters, yet they want to avoid all forms of criticism.

In this fast-paced, ever-evolving billion-dollar industry — a situation unlike anything we’ve encountered before — coaches with hefty contracts face accountability. Why shouldn’t players, too?

If UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka has the professional savvy and media skills to declare he’s sitting out the rest of the season due to unfulfilled NIL promises — the ultimate power play for someone on an undefeated team — then these athletes surely can handle public scrutiny.

The notion that coaches can’t speak frankly in this player-friendly climate is utterly absurd.

Auburn’s quarterbacks, Payton Thorne and Hank Brown, are not performing well. In fact, they might just be among the least effective quarterback groups in the Power Four conferences.

Auburn quarterbacks had impressive stats in victories against Alabama A&M and New Mexico: 10 touchdowns and 0 interceptions.

However, in losses against California and Arkansas, they managed only 3 touchdowns and 8 interceptions.

Auburn ranks as one of six teams in FBS averaging over eight yards per play (8.03) — yet they sit last in turnovers (14). These statistics do not add up, resulting in too many defeats.

Frustrating losses that can make a coach take the podium, reflecting on a game that shouldn’t have ended in defeat, replaying each missed opportunity in their mind, and resorting to the only strategy left:

Constructive, legitimate criticism that many have reacted to as if it were a grave offense.

It would be concerning if a quarterback with an NIL deal — beginning next season, earning part of the anticipated $20-23 million per team budget in direct pay-for-play — cannot process constructive feedback.

The era of coaches softening critiques with excuses like “we had a bust” or “we lacked proper positioning” or “we need better coaching” is over. Regardless of the terminology — and the misleading claims from university administrators and conference commissioners that compensating players doesn’t equate to a “job” is frankly disrespectful — a player has underperformed.

I understand that this perspective may clash with the idea of everyone receiving a trophy, but failure can often lead to success. Some players actually thrive in tough situations, using skepticism and critique as a means to — brace yourself — improve.

So what if Coach Freeze wasn’t as tactful as North Carolina coach Mack Brown in a similar predicament? Brown, regarded as one of the finest coaches and a remarkable ambassador for the sport, stood before the media following a devastating loss to James Madison and shouldered the blame himself.

He acknowledged his role in recruiting and developing the current roster. If there is any blame to be assigned, it lies with him.

“I just hate losing so much,” Brown expressed. “It makes me feel nauseous.”

Hugh Freeze feels the same way.

He merely vocalized what others might keep to themselves.