Imagine being in college as an athlete, trying to make a living off of nothing. It is nearly impossible. As most 18 year olds are starting college, they haven’t quite grasped the idea of living on their own and making money for themselves. Being a student-athlete is a full time job as it is. There is practice, studying, school, homework, sleep, and repeat. No time for actual jobs to be taken up.
For those people out there who do not understand the dedication the student-athletes put into their sport, they have little knowledge. There are people out there who believe the athletes shouldn’t be paid because it is simply a disgrace to the university. To all those people, put yourself in the athletes’ shoes, imagine being the star player on the team. The fans love you, as well as scouts and coaches. They all want you to become a professional. Then you are handed a sheet of paper to become an instant millionaire, would you take it? I believe everyone would. So, who would pass on money to stay in college? You would be able to get free meals, classes, rooms, and more.
The athletic department at each university makes several billion dollars. Many top colleges, such as the University of Alabama, make several millions of dollars annually. While the programs of each university generate tons of money, college athletes don’t see a penny. These students work about 60 hours a week and they still aren’t depicted as employees for the school in which they attend. The real question is how can the NCAA fix this issue? The simple answer is to pay these students for their service to the school and community. I believe this can fix a great amount of issues that are found in the depths of college athletics.
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There are many people who seem to disagree with this pitch. They may believe these students are being paid in scholarships is good enough and obtaining a college degree for free without the hassle of paying is an advantage. Yes, it is an advantage but it doesn’t technically equal the correct “payment.”
In a 2010 survey, it was shown that 32% of Division I-A football players and 24% of Division I men’s basketball players didn’t take the degree or major they wanted because of their athletics (Post Gazette). Since the demands to be a college athlete were so high, they shaped their lives around the sport they love the most.
The schedules of athletes are so complex. About 10 hours each day is dedicated to school and their sport. This leaves time for studying, sleeping, and eating. There is no time for a job or internship. With the time slot available, the athletes may not get everything done in a day. Many athletes who come from poor backgrounds may need that money to continue to go to the university of their choosing. The extra money could be useful; however, time doesn’t allow for this.
Football and men’s basketball players are the top two sports with the most revenue (Gaines). These players make money based on their efforts and dedication to the university and their sport. The more talented players earn more money for the university each year. This can be better to the university, but not so great for their fellow teammates who don’t get to share the same spotlight.
The NCAA Division I and II schools award about $2.9 billion in athletic scholarships to 150,000 students. Division III doesn’t offer such rewards. However, a small percentage of the total revenue which is now $995.9 million. (Coleman, NCAA) Why are the scholarships such a small amount?
My solutions come in a package that I think are reasonable for all people to understand. The first step includes taking away scholarships completely for athletic departments. If there is a scholarship offered it should be capped at a certain amount so it is equal for everyone. Scholarships now do not cover much of college expenses. With a reasonable amount, athletes should be able to buy books, supplies, and enroll in classes. With a larger scholarship, there will be more spending money in the student’s pocket to get the things they need to continue their education (Johnson). While this may be an unpopular decision, it is for the college athletes’ best interest to start fresh and earn the money they work for. This may not be a permanent solution but it is a lead in the right direction, considering the athletes are starting out with basically nothing in their pockets.
Following this plan, the NCAA should create a way to pay the athletes for their service to the community and university. The best way to accomplish this goal is by creating an account where the NCAA would pay athletes after all four years at one school. This amount may be different because of the size of the university. If a student is at a bigger school, then they will receive the bigger amount of money at the end of the four years. This number may also vary considering how much money the student brought in for the university.
I believe this plan is a start of something that can affect the way college athletes play. These athletes deserve to be rewarded for their time and effort put into the sport they love. This plan is a new beginning to the way college athletes are praised. Not only does it pay them but producing a new, equal way to pay athletes may encourage viewers to love college sports just the same as professional sports. By taking action, we can start making the athletes a little more confident in themselves each day as they step on the field or court.
