There are several things that contribute to the college experience. It is a right of passage for young adults to leave home for the first time and enter the world of new friendships and academic challenges. But nothing compares to the experience of participating in college athletics. There is a level of exhilaration that is unmatched for the freshman student attending their first football game in the fall, avoiding homework while catching a volleyball game with roommates, or watching their basketball team play for a conference championship for a chance invitation to the “Big Dance.” These experiences last longer than the college years as they continue to support their teams as alumni and passionate fans. Providing these memorable experiences for college students are the athletes. These athletes love their sport and are willing to sacrifice their class schedules, social lives and time with family in order to play. When you consider the revenue that athletic programs bring to colleges and universities, many believe that student athletes should be paid for their sacrifices and contributions. While the hard work and determination is sure to be equal amoung student athletes, there is no other equality to be found. There is no way to fairly compensate athletes of both genders, in all sports, and in all divisions. Therefore, student …show more content…
The number of participants within the NCAA is staggering. There are 1,123 colleges and universities, 98 athletic conferences and 39 affiliated organizations. “Nearly half a million college athletes makeup up the 19,500 teams that send more than 54,000 participants to compete each year in the NCAA’s 90 championships in 24 sports across 3 divisions.” (NCAA) One thing that all of these numbers suggest is that there are dollar signs affiliated with these athletic