Reflecting on the Shame of College Sports: Should NCAA Div 1 Basketball and Football Players get Paid?

The ongoing argument of whether or not collegiate athletes should be paid has been a topic of debate for years. While there are various aspects to consider, the pro's and con's of this particular topic have caused a seemingly large amount of controversy that has effected universities, coaches and even players themselves. 

Many people are FOR the paying of collegiate student athletes because "Student-athletes generate billions of dollars for universities and private companies while earning nothing for themselves" (Branch, 2011). Student athletes whom have earned full ride scholarships have surely benefitted from the University's generosity to pay for their schooling and living expenses. Unfortunately, while these student athletes are forced to prioritize their academics and athletics to remain in good standing with their scholarships, they have given up other opportunities like jobs, social participation in society, and even friendships. "According to various reports, the football teams at Texas, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, and Penn State—to name just a few big-revenue football schools—each earn between $40 million and $80 million in profits a year, even after paying coaches multimillion-dollar salaries" (Branch, 2011). The NCAA is a multimillion dollar industry that has money to compensate players for their devotion and sacrifices of the normal college student. However, many will argue that collegiate student athletes should not be paid. In the New York Times article by Laura Pappano, the economy and sports effects on economic status is discussed. People are worried that in paying student athletes, the money that is given will go to substance abuse and to unnecessary materialistic wants. 




Personally, I do think collegiate student athletes should be compensated for their work. Participating in a Division 1 sport is a job. Period. It has it's benefit of compensating for school and living expenses, but living a college life is far more than just school and a house to sleep in. While football and school do make up a majority of a division one athletes life, there has to be an opportunity for an athlete to buy himself a shirt or go to a movie. The argument that college sports should not be commercialized like professional sports is understood, but these athletes are juggling a lot more than just football. Paying collegiate athletes should be included with scholarship.

References:

Branch, T.(2011) The Shame of College Sports. The Atlantic.