So the NIL $$ is to pay for a player's name, image or likeness. It's not to sweep a warehouse floor in anonymity. Where's the ROI for a businessman making those payments if not in publicity/recognition?That's flawed logic. Who said they were silent? Do you know every company that sponsors your favorite basketball team, golfer, F1, NASCAR driver, etc?
Just because you don't know about a sponsor does not mean they don't exist. Also, saying "until proven wrong" is just being obtuse. We won't ever see a comprehensive list of NIL funders, donors, etc.
Can you name a group of players (even a handful) paid by anyone other than Ruiz? Even rumors will do.