Scrap-Metal Tycoon Adam Weitsman Open to Backing Siena's NIL Efforts under New Coach

Adam Weitsman, renowned for his scrap-metal business empire, has signaled his willingness to support Siena College's name, image, and likeness (NIL) initiatives following Gerry McNamara's appointment as the new head coach of the men's basketball team. Weitsman, who parted ways with Syracuse University athletics last year, expressed his readiness to assist McNamara and the Siena players if called upon.

In a statement on Wednesday night, Weitsman conveyed, "I will try to support what they already have only if I’m needed." He commended the passionate fan base and dedicated individuals behind Siena's NIL efforts, mentioning his friendship with McNamara as a driving factor for his potential involvement. McNamara, a former star guard and assistant coach at Syracuse, reached out to Weitsman following his appointment at Siena, citing excitement for the new role and a desire to make an immediate impact.

Weitsman, serving as president of Upstate Shredding, a prominent $1 billion business headquartered in Owego, Tioga County, underscored McNamara's coaching prowess and the positive prospects for Siena under his leadership.

McNamara's stance on NIL in player recruitment was also highlighted during a recent news conference. While acknowledging its significance, McNamara emphasized the core values of tradition, history, and pride in wearing the team's jersey as foundational aspects of his recruiting approach. He expressed a commitment to elevating Siena's profile and leveraging collective efforts to support student-athletes.

Weitsman's previous involvement with Syracuse athletics garnered attention for hosting notable figures like Tom Brady and Giannis Antetokounmpo at JMA Wireless Dome. However, he stepped back from supporting Syracuse following disagreements with the university's administration regarding celebrity appearances and discussions around NIL.

Reflecting on past challenges, Weitsman acknowledged his legal history but stressed the lessons learned from those experiences. He remains committed to transparency, integrity, and contributing positively to initiatives that align with his values.