College Athletes Getting Paid

College athletes being paid has been the subject of debate for years now. We’ve seen not only players, but schools and teams be penalized for individuals receiving money. The question is, why should college athletes be paid? Well, this comes down to one word, “time.”

The average college athlete devotes 43 hours a week to their sport. This involves a morning workout before classes then practice in the evening, not to mention the time they spend in class and doing homework. Obviously, this type of schedule leaves them no time for any type of job, which most regular college students have. During the season athletes occasionally miss class due to road games and even games during the week, leaving them to spend extra time on class work that they must make up.

Now, imagine when these guys want a break to go see a movie or out to eat, should they have to depend on their families for money as adults? It’s been reported that many college athletes go to bed at night starving because they have no money for food. Many of these athletes are struggling while the NCAA is producing $11 billion in annual revenue from college sports. Some of this money is given to schools for education but most of it ends up in the pockets of administrators, athletic directors, and coaches. Last year, the average salary for a college football coach was $2.05 million, so why aren’t athletes seeing any of this money when they’re the main reason it’s being made? Now, in no way do I think these athletes should be paid millions, but at least an amount such as minimum wage which is enough to live off while in school. I believe that if all players were paid a set amount this would prevent some of the incidents where athletes receive money or gifts.

For example, Todd Gurley from the University of Georgia, recently admitted to signing

autographs for money, which led to suspension. Also, one of the most famous cases of this was Reggie Bush from USC who was given money and gifts from agents, which led to very harsh penalties towards not only him, but the school. As a result, USC was given four years of probation and forced to vacate its last two wins of the 2004 season, including it’s 2005 Orange Bowl win, as well as all of its wins in the 2005 season. The Trojans were banned from bowl games in 2010 and 2011 and will lose 30 scholarships over three years. USC was forced to permanently disassociate itself from Bush, taking down all pictures and jerseys throughout the school displayed in his honor, and the school and Bush were forced to return their copies of the heisman trophy he won in 2005, which remains vacated with no winner that year. All of his stats have been erased and he’s never allowed back on the USC campus, basically never existing as a college athlete.

The reason for bringing up these sanctions is to show how serious the NCAA is about it’s athletes being paid in any way, no matter how over the top it may seem as in Bush’s case. If athletes were being paid a fixed amount I think they would most likely think twice if or when they’re offered money. They’d be living comfortably, with less stress and more focus on school and sports, while also being able to help out their families. Everyone has their own opinion when it comes to this debate but I know that many college and even pro athletes would agree with me. College athletes being paid won’t hurt anyone or anything, it would only help.

By Cody Williams