Should College Athletes Be Unionized

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One of the biggest issues with NCAA sports is should college athletes be able to unionize and play. According to their website, The NCAA is an organization that represents over 1,100 colleges and universities from the Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3 Level (ncaa.org). In addition, The NCAA doled out more than $2.7 billion in athletic scholarships along with other resources, student-athletes can utilize (ncaa.org). Although the NCAA generates mass revenue, only the top programs are usually profitable while most schools operate at the institution cost (Mitchell & Edelman, 2013). I believe college athletes should not be unionized or paid to play college sports. If colleges were to be unionized and paying student-athletes, the money to pay …show more content…

The argument made by these two professors state that Division 1 players qualify as employees under Federal Labor Laws. Since players are under this law, the McCormick’s feel players should get financially compensated due to the physical rigors and balance education simultaneously (Cooper, 2011). It’s unbelievable how this couple thinks Division 1 athletes should get paid. The privilege to attend a university that is costly on full scholarship should be more than enough. Furthermore, student-athletes received stipends as an allowance assist with their livelihood. When student-athletes received full scholarships, they should be privileged and thankful since the cost of higher education is very expensive. Student-athletes need to understand the circumstances and take of advantage of getting their degree from a well renowned university since the percentages are very slim to none on having a professional career in sports. The purpose of a student-athlete is to be a student first and then an athlete second. The main focus should be on earning a degree, and not worrying about when is the next game on the schedule. Many people are stating that college athletes should get paid, but how about the general student body that has little to nothing and working a job earning minimal pay. For, instance, if college athletes were to unionize and get paid, then all collegiate athletes would want the same compensation deal, although their sport doesn’t generate as much revenue as power and performance sports such as football and basketball. The ramifications can be serious if female student athletes mention Title IX, which is a gender equity law that prohibits sex discrimination in any federally funded program or activity. Since some women’s sports generate revenue,