Should Collegiate Athletes Be paid?

Throughout the past couple decades, one question remains a constant in collegiate sports; should athletes be paid? This question has spurred multiple discussions about the benefits and downfalls in paying athletes. Fans fear that if basketball and football players are paid, then collegiate sports become too much of a business. Many believe the free education is compensation enough. On the other hand, sports broadcasters think that since universities are making money off of players names, those players should receive revenue.  

Aaron Sabato, a freshman on the baseball team, Matthew Flint, a sophomore on the football team, and Nina Smoor, a sophomore former rower, know what its like to not receive compensation after all the work they put in. The surprising thing is not all of them agree on paying athletes.

When talking to athletes they have mixed views and opinions which might come as a surprise to people. The reason that I choose to interview three athletes was because their opinions all differed. The public consensus is that all athletes want to and should be paid.

“I think it would be hard to implement who gets what certain amount of money…not getting paid is equal and fair,” said Sabato. 

On the other hand, Matthew Flint, a sophomore linebacker on the football team, feels athletes should be paid. Feeling pay should not be equal. Flint believes that compensation should vary based on revenue and impact on the given team.

 Nina Smoor, a sophomore former rower, strongly feels that if money where brought into the equation then equality would go out the window. All athletes work extremely hard to play at a Division One school. Early mornings, long days, a commitment to their team and school are common traits in every one of these student athletes.

As shown in the infographic, this inconsistency has been going on for over six decades. Olympic Athletes can recieve income during the Olympics but its “illegal” if a collegiate athlete receives a free meal. The NCAA did not even define a student athlete until they were brought to court in 1955.

One thing that all three athletes can agree on is that their schedules are extremely grueling.  Players are caught for selling their own gear, but the university can sell items with the players names legally. While they do in fact receive scholarships, on top of games and practice, watching film and traveling there is no time for student athletes to get a job or receive outside income.

U.S. Represenative Mark Walker has introduced the Student-Athlete Equity Act. This act would amend what the NCAA qualifies as eligible to play in college. It would remove the restrictions around outside payment and allow athletes to recieive compensation for their “name, image and likeness.”

“I think whatever happens happens and I’m just going to have to go a long with it,” said Sabato. 

Although Aaron, Nina, and Matthew all weighted in on the debate, money is not the main reason they compete. All three compete because playing a sport is something that they cherish and love. They have created friendships that will last a lifetime and even though the athletes might have grueling days, playing a sport they love makes it all worth it. The topic of collegiate compensation should still be discussed so the NCAA can take a consistent stand and end the unresolved debate.