Analysis: Should College Athletes Get Paid

Should College Athletes Get Paid?

It is time we start paying our college athletes, especially in major sports like football and basketball. College sports are more popular than ever and a highly profitable business for many, from the television broadcasts stations, the NCAA, college towns, to the universities and the coaches. There needs to be a way for the needs of these athletes and their families to be met. Many college football and basketball players receive scholarships but they don’t have money for everyday expenses. Their parents can’t come to the out of state games because of lack of funds for traveling. Many of these athletes risk their professional careers because of injury, all for the glory of college sports. College sports are huge money makers for everyone, except the players. The definition of exploit is, to benefit unfairly from the work of (someone), typically by overworking or underpaying them. Given that definition, many college athletes are being exploited. With tuition costs rising, scholarships are the only way many families can afford a four year school (Gregory). Many of these players are living below the poverty level. They are economically dependent on their universities for food and shelter. (McCormick). Their names and identities are being used to make others rich. …show more content…
Some argue that a four year scholarship is enough, but as has been previously discussed it does not meet the needs of these students especially in comparison to the amount of revenue they generate for everyone else nor does it give sufficient time for them to complete a degree. Other arguments against paying athletes is that it would disrupt the competitive balance between schools. This is already the case. The larger schools with more money already have a greater advantage. Some even believe it would make a mockery of education even though it is known that the education these athletes receive is far inferior to their peers

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