This is a topic that has ravaged the sports world over the past couple decades: should college athletes be paid? In the video above (mind you it is older) a panel of CNN experts in conjunction with basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar discuss this issue. I do not think the issue is as simple as some may make it out to be. This video really highlights the plethora of angles and problems that come with paying and not paying collegiate athletes for their athletic abilities and services.

Let’s get into the crux of the debate here. The NCAA is a committee that decides the rules and regulations for collegiate athletics. The NCAA has deemed that collegiate athletes can’t be paid in order to promote the idea of amateurism. Many people have a problem with this statement when colleges and universities are making billions of dollars from merchandise and tv deals that are only possible because of the services these collegiate athletes are providing. As someone who works with athletes quite frequently, I know this is a hot topic and most athletes are of the mindset that they should be paid for their services. People who oppose this notion say that they are receiving and education that is worth thousands of dollars. Both sides have valid points, which is what makes this debate so hard to settle.

The NCAA just recently in a settlement with the athletes, has allowed athletes to receive profits off their likeness. This is only a temporary fix, many are still dissatisfied with the fact that they are not getting a cut of the billions of dollars of revenue generated for collegiate athletics. It is harder to find a solution that one may think. I have always been in favor of empowering athletes at all levels and allowing them to use their voice to enact change. There is one major issue that I see towards finding a solution. Some sport programs make far more money at some universities than others. For example, a basketball team at a university could make millions of dollars in revenue while there swim team makes only a fraction of that amount. Should the swimmers still be paid? Would the swimmers be ok with only making a fraction of the basketball player’s money? Do they not work as hard or dedicate as much of their time towards their respective sport? That is one thing that many people do not consider when it comes to paying athletes. I am in favor of it, however, there are some specifics that would need to be worked out.

I would recommend that the NCAA try to implement a rule that college athletic programs must pay their athletes, but there is a maximum amount that they could be paid. While some athletes may bring more fans, all athletes would have to be paid the same. This is to avoid any potential unrest or even claims of discrimination against some students or favoritism toward others. This is not completely “fair” but nothing in life is. I would have to think a free education (should you choose to use it), the ability to make money off your likeness, and a set amount of money you can make would have to help alleviate this issue without causing unrest within your team. That is only my recommendation anyway.

I know this is a hot issue in sports. I would love to hear your take on it. Please comment and tell me what you think. Do you agree with me? Or am I completely off on this take?

Don’t forget, if you have any questions or want to debate about my takes shoot me an email. Stay safe, Merry Christmas everyone.