Pay to Play?

For years there have been controversies regarding the fact that college athletes are not paid to play, contributes to the many scandals of players taking money from outside sources.
While watching the NFL Draft, commentators listed various stories of schools and players that lost their titles and personal awards. An article entitled The Right Way to Compensate College Athletes, discussed the events of Reggie Bush losing his Heisman award and view points about players rightful compensation. The author Patrick Rishe explained that, athletes are reward enough by getting paid in the terms of cost savings on tuition and fees. A valid point that many people would  agree upon when hearing college athletes complain about not getting paid. However, it is when Rishe stated that the bulk of the revenue generates from college athletics such as, ticket sales and media revenue is due to the school’s brand not individual student-athletes. I disagree with that statement, it’s my opinion that there are numerous colleges that have become prominent and increased their enrollment rate on the coat tails of elite athletes.

For example, ESPN’s films 30 for 30 did a documentary called The U that told a story of the 1980’s University of Miami’s football team and how they’re success increased enrollment, brought attention, and popularity to the city of Miami. In addition, the football players were so prominent from their accomplishment on the field that NFL players were looking to the young players to get them into exclusive entertainment spots. The documentary made it evident that even back in the 80’s, Universities were making a killing off their sports programs. Even then, players were complaining about the compensation they were not receiving. I believe it was Michael Irving that broke down how much money the football program brought to the University and players were not seeing even a dime of it. As of today, nothing has change; according to Nation Blue who analyzed a break down of SEC football financial information did by Forbes. Many universities are generated millions of dollars and sometimes I can't help but wonder, "can the players just get a little piece of the pie?"

I am not, and I repeat, am not an advocate for players breaking any rules of the NCAA. However, while pursing my undergraduate studies I know the struggles of a college student. Not having enough money to purchase food, clothes, or even to go to the movies with friends-picture this type of lifestyle for four years! Some of these athletes decide not to live like that; behind the scene there are players who have children and family members riding on their opportunity of making it to the league. These are the situation many athletes are in, some play sports for a big time school to be exposed to a different type of environment. However, the fact reminds that they have other expenses and no matter how many examples of the repercussion have been before them (Michigan's Fab FIVE story); players are still going to participate in the illegal act. I am not saying pay the players the same as professional; however, the league should invest more time in figuring out ways to reduce the enticement of players seeking outside sources.  

-The Sportsnista '95

Photo:

Mr. Ringleader. (2011). Right decision, wrong decision road sign. Retrieved May 8, 2011 from http://hrringleader.com/2010/05/28/right-and-wrong-what-do-you-think/right-decision-wrong-decision-road-sign-3/