Analysis: Should College Athletes Be Paid

Should college athletes be paid paid?

College sports are a significant part of American entertainment. A lot of money is put in the games and even broadcasted across the nation. As of 2017, there were more than two dozens schools that generated upwards of $100 million in annual revenue through their athletic programs. (Cockrell) Despite the amount of money the schools make during the sports games and sports championships, college athletes aren't earning any of it. College athletes deserve to get paid due to the amount of work and time that is being put into the sport.

College athletes should be paid for being in any sports while being an active student due to the amount of money that the school gets during tournaments for example (“March Madness”)

Coaches might have a big effect on the team, but it's up to the players to get the work done. Coaches would receive bonus for breaking records, reaching offseason, etc; college athletes receive none of it. Most profits from college athletes do not go towards academics. Instead that money revenue being created and earned as a reward is given to the coaches, athletic directors, and some administrators (Madisen). Scholarships often cover most of the students-athletes books and room expenses, but even few extra hundred dollars per year could compensate for the lack of time the students have to earn spending money at a full part time

Depending on the students athletes income, those taxes could be high enough to reduce what they earn until they can barely cover tuition. Cash or salaries could be spent on desires more than necessities, leading athletes into a debt that they wouldn't have without the benefit of a scholarship. Furthermore, those who debate about paying student-athletes say it would change the environment of college athletics. If payments were involved, College athletes would commit to the college or university with the highest offer. The year after, they may transfer to another school with an even higher offer. (madisen) These college sports would be known as “business” instead of an extracurricular activity. This business could also lead to a downfall in other college programs.

Finally, although these student-athletes are playing at an advanced level, they aren't playing professionally. It is not their job to play sports; it is an extracurricular activity that is pursued while pursuing a higher level of education. Student-athletes are going to school to learn, and many are lucky enough to do so at a reduced cost, given the often generous athletic scholarships. These Student-athletes are still in college-Which is a privilege in itself-While pursuing their dreams of playing a