College programs use players for their name, brand, and image so should athletes be paid? Schools use star studded athletes to increase revenue. But don’t benefit the players. This is a huge issue in society. This is an issue because athletes work and kill their bodies to become professionals. Some athletes come from low income households and can’t afford special college treatments. This could be a huge reason why athletes turn pro after one year. Most athletes only spend one year in college because they know they will make millions next year. Depending on draft position they could go from broke to rich overnight.
Being a college student athlete is a full-time job, bouncing between the weight room, the court, field, classes, and film sessions. College athletics are extracurricular activities, but the schedules of the NCAA tournaments require an extended period in which the student-athletes must miss school. Not only do they miss class, but they are absent for nationally televised games that make a lot of money and receive millions of viewers. Student-athletes are the ones working hard out on the court and field. Coaches might have a big effect on a team, but it is up to the athletes to perform and get it done. Coaches receive bonuses for breaking records and winning the big games; the athletes receive none of it. According to (Collegeexpress.com) most profits from college athletics do not go toward academics. Instead, they go to the coaches, athletic directors, and some administrators.
To solve this issue athletes should receive some type of benefits. They are the ones grinding and putting in the work. So they should be paid. Student athletes do not need to receive huge salaries like their coaches. But, they could still be paid a reasonable amount relative to how much the program makes. Scholarships often cover most of the student athletes’ books and room expenses, but even a few extra hundred dollars per year could compensate for the lack of time these students have to earn spending money at a regular part-time job. It’s also important to note that college student-athletes are not only a part of a sports team; they are a part of the college or university’s advertising team.
I believe student athletes should be paid. These schools are making money and becoming household names because of these players. I believe that if student athletes were paid they would stay in college longer. Institutions usually have players still in college for one year then turn pro. If they were paid they would have more time to focus on their degree. Colleges and universities use their athletic success to promote their school and entice potential applicants.
Would athletes be paid differently depending on the sport they play? How do you quantify the true worth of a college sports team, especially if it’s making the school much more popular overall and bringing in lots of students? Where would the money come from? Do you believe that if student athletes were paid they’ll stay longer? Do you think in the future student athletes will get paid? Please let me know what you think.