At the forefront of the minds of everyone who calls themselves college sports fans — and those who play said sports — is a question: Should student-athletes be paid?
The outside perception is that these players get benefits, experiences and privileges that other students do not. These benefits include free trips, including air fare, hotels and meals with their teammates during away games.
They also receive free clothes, and, the big one of course, a free education. Meanwhile, the rest of us are left to pile up student-loan debts and find our own way to live through the college years.
Athletes feel they’re being taken advantage of as universities make large dollar amounts off their image, and they are left out when that money-colored pie gets cut up and shared.
I believe most people get their point. You may or may not agree with it, but the idea is clear and understandable.
Think about it. Would you like your boss to pay you with trips, clothes, etc. and no cash? How would you pay for anything other than the most basic of living expenses?
Clearly this isn't an infallible example. Student-athletes are not employees (yet at least. The Northwestern football team is working on that). But the point remains the same.
Here’s my solution, and it involves a choice: An athlete can have tuition, books and housing paid for, along with the free trips, clothes and hotel stays athletes get for games. You know, just like it is now. Or they can pick a cash equivalent (made in payments) and they can pay for everything themselves, including their own airfare to away games.
Those who pick the second option much purchase the team-approved clothing (travel outfits, etc.) and pay to fly with those who chose No. 1. If they don't/can't, they won't play. Think about the financial and life lessons this will teach.
Easier said than done, I understand. But the principle this choice teaches is valuable and is more than equitable.
Clearly there is plenty more to be discussed on this matter. I simply offer these thoughts as my two cents and to generate discussion.
Thoughts?
but if a player chose option two, why would they pay for their own air-fare? do players in the NFL have to pay for their own way?
ReplyDelete(and they get free team gear, clothing, and hotel stay. right? heck, teams even offer food as well. is the only REAL difference is going to school? or am i off-base?)
CG, actually I think your idea is pretty interesting. The NFL is a profit building business so I don't think we should make a comparison in this situation to college football players. NFL players have a contract that includes free uniform, air-fare, hotel stays, etc. But college athletes are in a different situation. They are "paid" by the schools with a free education, and other benefits. If they don't like the current situation then maybe Chase's alternative is something to consider. Maybe the NFL should look at creating a minor league for those who don't like either alternative since College Football is driving this whole "pay for play" initiative. I will say that if this goes forward and select colleges and conferences decide to pay football players I think we will see the beginning of the end for D1 Football and ultimately only 4 to 5 major conferences will survive. I also see legal ramifications when college athletes in other sports decide they should be paid too. Most colleges will be unable to pay all athletes what they want. All that being said; there is no doubt that changes to NCAA rules are needed. For a Football player to go to bed hungry (at a major university) in this day and age is ludicrous.
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