For this assignment the subject matter is the controversial debate that continues to go on; which is the validity of college athletes getting paid. Should they or should they not? The thesis for this paper is that this author is taking the stance that they should definitely not be in a position of getting paid. The argument will be backed up with researched facts, but the simple response is that it is simply unfair. The fundamental reason behind this is because not all college athletes get paid. Only a handful amidst hundreds get paid while in college.
What is shocking is that of those currently getting paid, only a fraction ever actually make a difference while in the pro’s. A lot of times players like ex UCLA basketball star Ed O’Bannon get over hyped while playing college ball, so they go higher in the draft (Van Riper). Once in the NBA, he is a perfect example of why paying college athletes is not right. He did not perform anywhere near his college days, yet went very high in the NBA draft which meant huge signing bonuses and endorsement deals.
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"Argument Against College Athletes Getting Paid".
Backing up a bit now, this section in the essay will focus on the value alone in simply receiving a collegiate scholarship for athletics. In this day and age, Millennials and younger student entering into college can expect to walk away with a degree costing them close to sixty thousand dollars. This amount increases for graduate school students. Some students receive academic scholarships, however, the major Universities are more likely to dole out scholarships to big time athletes. This means that before any backdoor sponsorship deals are struck, or the notion of a salary is introduced, they are getting a free ride at a school. Athletes of course have to have extreme athletic prowess to even be scouted. It’s tough work. But no college athletic star is going to cure cancer, or improve science for humanity. They play sports. An activity that is enjoyed by millions and is an absolute cash cow for corporations paying to advertise during primetime events.
One student written article coming out of Texas State University (a direct competitor of the prestigious UT campus) makes a great point. In her article she states that athletes already getting a full ride complain about not being able to buy clothes, or go out to restaurants because of their busy athletic schedule(Block). This appears to be a very weak argument. When a student is getting a free ride to a college for athletics, then their academic results sometimes go by the wayside. If they are a star this occurs even more so. So now we see an athlete who gets to go to a major university for free, gets to slide in their academics (gross generalization) but then has the audacity to then state they should get paid because they can’t afford clothing? Maybe their family who is saving a lot of money by not having to fork over the bill of having their offspring go to college could chip in? It is an absurd argument.
In college athletics one star can cause a program to gain international fame. What this grants that school is typically more broadcasted games, which increases advertiser ratings. What having star players on your athletics programs allows is for a school to pick and choose at will who they want. If the school is already highly sought after and players start getting paid, this is going to create corporate empires. Think of it like the Yankees versus the reset of the league. It is not a fair playing field by any means. Yes the Yankees do not win the pennant every year, but since the inception of the MLB they have the most of any team. This would most certainly occur in collegiate play as well.
A Sports Illustrated article outlines this entire argument very nicely. One of the best quotes within his article is, “College is a privilege. It is earned, not bestowed.” (Daugherty) This is so true. College is not mandatory, just ask Bill Gates. It was founded for a place of higher education, with athletics there to support electives and as hobby. Yes there has always been a competitive nature between school, and things such as rivalry week are great fun. However, the level with which college athletics is being promoted is pure insanity. Also mentioned in the Sport’s Illustrated article is that college athletes have immense networking opportunities during their time spent at school. Even if they are riding the bench their whole career, they are constantly traveling, meeting people, staying at world class resorts or flying first class. If they go to a prestigious school like Duke or UT, then they are most certainly going to connect with other Alumnists. These kinds of perks are what people would dream of. How is that even remotely fair for say a student in school working on a degree off of student loans? They have two jobs, and have to intern their summers for free. Yes, they made the decision to go to college in the first place, and there are no guarantees, but nor are there any for the prospective athlete.
Why would schools be paying for anyone? Who other than the student would benefit from a salary while at school?
On the other side of this debate is those in favor. Research was done for those that support as well as those who oppose college athletes getting paid. Most results for those supporting were flimsy at best. One article supporting the position that college athletes get paid actually uses college coaches salaries as his entire base for his argument. In it the author proposes that because football and basketball are such undeniable powerhouses of big business, that schools have no choice but to pay students. His reasoning? To offset the unfathomable salaries being made by their coaches (Nocera).
In the end that Nocera’s proposition is ludicrous. With what he proposes, it would be better off for students and the integrity of the collegiate educational system as a whole to simply do away with college sports and make it a popular minor league of sorts. Unfortunately in this country money and corporations rule. So in all likelihood college athletes will probably start to get paid while at school. This author thinks this is just a waste of money, but we can only blame ourselves. Everytime we attend or tune in to a game, we are simply adding to the problem.
- “College Athletes Already Have Advantages and Shouldn’t Be Paid.” – Paul Daugherty. Web. 07 May 2014.
- “College Athletes Should Not Receive Payment for Playing.” The University Star. Web. 06 May 2014.
- Nocera, Joe. “Let’s Start Paying College Athletes.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 31 Dec. 2011. Web. 06 May 2014.
- Riper, Tom Van. “Sorry Time Magazine: Colleges Have No Reason To Pay Athletes.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 06 Sept. 2013. Web. 07 May 2014.
