For years, I was immune to the siren sound of rubber soles on plywood, bouncing balls and the screams of underclassmen that permeate this time of year, dubbed “March Madness.” I gracefully bowed out of sports discussions that turned to the collegiate variety. But now I might be hooked.

As the powers that be in college sports have changed the rules for the athletes in recent years, it doesn’t seem as much like indentured servitude as it has in the past. I found myself peeking at the end of a first-round game this week and realized that I didn’t have the moral objection to the game that I used to. If you’re like me and haven’t paid attention to college sports, let me explain how things have changed in recent years.

Players can now profit from their name, image and likeness, which they weren’t allowed to do.

There’s also a thing called a “transfer portal,” which makes it easier for them to switch schools and remain eligible to play. Discussions continue on how to properly financially compensate these student-athletes, who bring attention and notoriety to the schools they represent.

The game has changed – for the better. And for the first time in years, I’m ready to tune in. Where can I download one of those bracket things?