It is hard to understand how such a big industry can make such huge profits without giving any financial benefits to the athletes who help them succeed. As a college athlete, I have personally faced the difficulties of balancing schoolwork with practice and games all week. Trying to work on top of this busy schedule is unthinkable. College athletes find it difficult to get extra money for basic enjoyments like having pizza or watching a movie, which is especially tough for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
40% of Division athletes come from single parent households, relying on athletics as their sole opportunity for a prosperous future. These students encounter challenges in securing employment due to their demanding schedules. For example, division I football teams have two practice sessions each day. A typical day for a division football player might consist of a 6 a.m. practice session, classes at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., followed by another practice session at 2 p.m. Once they finish their second practice, their day is essentially concluded, leaving them with the need to have dinner and potentially complete homework assignments.
The lack of time available for I sports prevents athletes from finding part-time jobs and raises questions about how they acquire additional spending money. For athletes like Johnny Magazine, who comes from a wealthy oil family, money is readily available and not a concern. However, for those less fortunate, such as those from single-parent or impoverished households, money is not easily obtained. Therefore, when a coach offers to buy lunch, many kids accept without hesitation, unaware that this violates NCAA rules. If discovered, an investigation can occur that may lead to suspension.
College athletes often notice their classmates wearing expensive jerseys with their own name and number while they move around campus or participate in sports. These jerseys can be quite pricey, ranging from $50 to $70, as charged by the schools. However, the money collected from these jersey sales does not benefit the athlete whose name is displayed on the jersey; instead, it goes straight to the school. This means that despite seeing their own jersey being worn all over campus, college athletes do not receive any financial compensation. In the early 90s, at the University of Michigan, Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson started a revolution in college basketball by forming Michigan’s first-ever starting lineup consisting solely of freshmen in a college basketball game.
The five individuals, dressed in baggy shorts and black socks, gained nationwide popularity and sparked a high demand for Michigan merchandise. Despite their significant contributions, none of the FAA Five received any financial compensation. This realization prompted them to question the reasons behind this lack of dividends. The documentary film “The FAA Five” delves into their collective bewilderment regarding the absence of monetary benefits from merchandise sales. Galen Rose, hailing from a tough neighborhood in Detroit and being one of the struggling college athletes, openly admits in the film that he sometimes accepted money to buy pizza.
ARIN Foster, the Houston Texans running back, admitted to receiving extra funds while studying at the University of Tennessee. In a 2013 article from Sports Illustrated, Foster revealed, “I am uncertain if this will lead to an NCAA investigation, but I did receive additional money during my senior year.” He also shared his financial struggles by stating, “I had minimal funds. I had to choose between paying rent or purchasing food. I recall being cautious about it, but morally speaking, I do not believe it is wrong and my opinion cannot be altered” (SSL, 2013).
Many college athletes who have been or currently are in a similar situation share this sentiment. They may be uncertain about their next meal or how they will afford their car payment. Some may accept money without hesitation, fully aware that what they are doing is unethical and could have consequences for both themselves and their school. However, the potential rewards outweigh the risks they are taking. There are numerous similar cases occurring nationwide that go unnoticed. It’s intriguing how Foster openly expressed his belief that it wasn’t a significant matter and that he did not perceive any wrongdoing in his actions.
College athletes often believe they are treated unjustly because they do not receive any financial compensation for the revenue they generate. Some individuals oppose paying college athletes, contending that their primary role should be as students rather than athletes. Nevertheless, others note that college athletes already obtain a valuable education from a renowned institution without incurring expenses. A full scholarship encompasses all essential costs for student-athletes, such as tuition, housing, books, medical expenses, and meals.
For instance, Duke University has a cost of $57,180 to attend (Bleacher Report, 2013). Individuals who are on an athletic scholarship at Duke are obtaining a high-quality education and essentially not paying anything for it. This is the primary argument presented by individuals who oppose the idea of paying student-athletes. The majority of college athletes will not pursue a professional career and will therefore require the degree from the institution they attend in order to secure employment after completing their education. Some exceptionally talented individuals who have the opportunity to be selected for professional sports may decide to forego obtaining their degree in favor of the monetary rewards offered at the professional level.
The downside is that a sports injury can result in an early end to a student-athlete’s career, and those who haven’t earned a degree may face difficulties finding income after quitting or retiring from their sport. Another point is that some argue student-athletes only become valuable once they go pro (Bleacher Report, 2013). Supporters of this view believe that if a student-athlete has enough talent, they will eventually be rewarded. However, this perspective overlooks the dedication of athletes who compete throughout college but don’t reach the professional level.
Many other arguments exist surrounding the topic, but a common one is that paying college athletes will not eradicate scandals. College sports have a history of scandals, particularly point shaving scandals, and some believe that even if college athletes are paid, these scandals will persist. The debate on paying college athletes is intense and is expected to continue in the future. Both sides present strong arguments; however, it is essential that college athletes receive some form of compensation.
