In recent news, many of us have heard the same question: should college athletes be compensated? I strongly believe they should!
College sports are a multi-billion dollar business, and generate an abundance of revenue from fans.
While universities and the NCAA profit from these young adults, the athletes don’t make any money at all. Players dedicate their entire lives improving their skills as a player, only to earn nothing from their college sports.
College basketball star, Zion Williamson of the Duke Blue Devils, almost had a devastating knee injury in a rivalry game against North Carolina in February. Many analysts and peers questioned whether or not Williamson should “shut it down for the season.”
Predicted to be the first pick in the NBA draft, an injury like this would definitely cause Williamson lose tons of money in the future. This would have had a big effect on his career, as well. Unfortunately, this occurs in college sports way too often, and athletes lose millions of dollars.
Many people would say that college athletes receive a free education in return for their athletic abilities. However, that doesn’t account for how much money and attention these players bring to their school.
Now, you might wonder why paying college athletes isn’t already being done, but this is because it tampers with the product.
Universities and the NCAA are selling the product of amateurism, and if players are compensated, then the value diminishes. These big corporations make less money, and people would rather watch professional sports.
On a trip to Cornell University last week, I asked Phazione McClurge, cornerback of the school’s football team, his opinion. He stated, “I believe we deserve to get paid, we work hard every single day both in the classroom and on the field. Now, we don’t generate as much money as Bama (Alabama Crimson Tide football team) but all us Division One athletes deserve to get a piece of the pie.”
It is very easy for us to make a judgement of these athletes that want to be compensated, but put yourselves in their shoes. Would you want to be exploited for your talents?
