Just prior to
every college football season the debate on whether college
athletes should be paid or not arises and draws various
reactions.
“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>Just prior to every college
football season the debate on whether college athletes should be
paid or not arises and draws various reactions.
Numerous figures state their opinions but only a few actually
present suffice points to support their stance on the controversial
issue.
“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>I feel that student-athletes
should be provided with a salary from the NCAA each semester that
begins at $1200 for freshman and increases by $200 for each
academic year completed. The salary will cover the
living expenses of each of the student-athletes while providing an
incentive for remaining in college.
“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>The most recent NBA
collective bargaining agreement took place during 2005-06
season. Unlike previous years when high school
players could go straight to the NBA, the deal held that players
must be 19 years of age during the calendar year of the draft and
have been one year removed from high school to become eligible for
the draft. The NFL requires that a player be three
years removed from high school to be deemed eligible.
“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>The NCAA obviously viewed the
growing trend of high school players making the leap from the high
school ranks to the pros as a problem. Their concern
is understandable when you consider the numerous players who tried,
but demonstrated that they were not ready for the professional
ranks. Many of the unsuccessful NBA players who made
the transition would have benefited if they had harnessed their
abilities at the collegiate level.
“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>A simple $1200 salary to
college athletes would guarantee a change in the trend of players
going pro early. Many of the players who do decide to
go pro after their first year with the program base their decision
mainly on the financial need. The concept is
simple. If you give the student-athletes enough money
to maintain a financially adequate lifestyle, the financial
motivation for going pro will evaporate. The $200
raise per academic school year incentive will not only encourage
players to remain in college, but will also influence
student-athletes to pursue the academics phase as
well. Athletes who do not apply themselves
academically have scholarships revoked and lose eligibility,
subsequently losing their salaries.
“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>Take into consideration
Denver Broncos running back Willis McGahee’s story.
While playing football at the University of Miami McGahee sustained
a knee injury in which he tore his ACL, MCL, and PCL.
McGahee, a college football phenom, was forced to recreate himself
as a football player and change from an elusive speedster to a
powerful short yardage back. Though he was arguably
one of the most dominant running backs in college football at that
time, he was drafted late in the first round because of the serious
knee injury. There was a good chance that McGahee might not have
ever been paid to play football after the injury.
“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>Many of the players take into
consideration the possibility of an injury eliminating any
opportunity to make money in the future when making the stay or go
decision. Student-athletes should be compensated for
the revenue they bring their respected schools and the risk of
injury they face. When it concerns a professional
career, it would be foolish and unwise for a player projected to
come off the draft boards early to return for another
season. The risk of injury will always make players
lean toward going pro early. The $1200 salary will
help players understand that their contributions are appreciated
and that they are not putting their physical health on the line for
nothing.
“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>McGahee, amongst other
players, filled the University of Miami’s stadium every Saturday
and had one of the highest selling jersey numbers, making the
university a great deal of revenue. If McGahee had
never been able to suit up again he would have made Miami a fortune
and would not have made one penny. The principal of a
significant injury risk with no possibility for a monetary reward
for athletes is evidence that the NCAA’s business practices are
corrupt, but on the other hand the NCAA has no risk along with a
guarantee of reward.
“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>Another problem brewing in
the college ranks that has heated in the past few years is
student-athletes taking improper benefits from boosters, agents,
and outside influences.
“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>Recently, former Ohio State
quarterback Tyrelle Pryor was reportedly involved with the selling
of memorabilia and the exchange of autographs for money and
tattoos. Jim Tressel, Ohio State’s “prestigious”
coach during the incident supposedly knew of the illegal
transactions but covered up for the star quarterback
Pryor. That story was the hot topic for an entire two
month period. Pryor and Tressel eventually made
decisions that landed them both outside of Columbus and were both
scrutinized by the NCAA and the entire Ohio State
body.
“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>Situation’s like Pryor’s have
become a part of the culture of college sports over the past few
years. A few notable athletes in similar situations are the
University of Southern California’s Reggie Bush, Ohio State’s
Maurice Clarrett, and Auburn’s Cam Newton.
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players for not playing by the “rules.” The truth is that many
student-athletes feel that because of their contributions to the
program they are entitled to the money and privileges they bring in
from improper benefits. What young adult
wouldn’t?
“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>If the NCAA would give
student-athletes salaries, I would be in favor of making stricter
rules for players who take impermissible benefits.
But until then I cannot place the entire blame on the
student-athlete for these reoccurring incidents.
Though he was wrong for the breaking the NCAA rules, Tyrelle Pryor
rightfully deserved every dime that he got from the whole
situation. Pryor boosted the Ohio State brand at a
very high level from the second he signed his letter of
intent. Pryor was used as a tool to win football
games and produce revenue for the university.
Reportedly, Pryor posted a dismal score of 7 on the NFL’s Wonderlic
Test, proving that Pryor never developed the mental acumen to
process information efficiently. A score of 7 on the Wonderlic Test
is far below average for any position player, let alone a
quarterback. It should be understood that his intellectual progress
was not on the minds of the coaching staff at Ohio
State.
“font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;”>Now is the time for people to
take notice and change the way which student-athletes are taken
advantage of. The student-athletes produce billions
in revenue for universities across America each year, not to
mention the NCAA contracts that exceed $20 billion for just
football and basketball alone. The NCAA is engaging
in unethical and immoral business practices by allowing players to
“eat the crumbs” allowing them to be supplied with just a
scholarship and no living expenses. One must keep in
mind that a student-athlete is incapable of working a full-time job
and a part-time job would be a great challenge. A small $1200
back-loaded contract format with the purpose of providing living
expenses to student-athletes can only benefit the student-athletes
and the NCAA.
- Kalyn Hoyle, Contributor