So the Wall Street Journal just released an
article stating that the Ohio State University football program is valued at $1.1
billion. Yes, a college football team is valued at just over a billion dollars.
Now this proposes the age old question: Should college athletes get a piece of
that pie?
I
know a lot of the athletes on that field or court have their education paid for
them via athletic scholarships. But when players are making the university
millions of dollars and not having food to eat (Shabazz Napier) it makes you think Are these kids getting a fair shake? Just
look at the endorsements for the uniforms, the television ad revenue, the “angel
donors”, and so much more that’s raking in so much money, but your athletes are
struggling to make it to appearances/practices due to their beat up cars word
to Maurice Clarett.
Would
paying college athletes get kids to stay in school longer instead of being one
and done? Just look at how many NBA players/prospects do the one and done, or
go to play Euroball after high school. This would make for a stronger draft
class for the NBA. The one and done guys are still developing their collegiate
game while in the league and showing their potential 2-3yrs later…word to A.D.
of the N.O. Pelicans. And Kobe hit the nail on the head about AAU’s but that's another story. Getting
paid might turn some athletic teams around and help with recruiting. Just
look at how Oregon turned their football program around mainly due to Nike
taking over the branding of the university. Who knew
having several different alternate jerseys and exclusive kicks from Nike and
Jordan Brand would elevate the ducks?!
Cash is king.
Now
you’re asking, “How would you pay these Athletes?” Many have proposed paying
the players like employees bi-weekly. I’ve seen articles that said that they
should be paid anywhere between $500-$2,000 bi-weekly. If it was as high as $2k
every two weeks then you would have the McDonald’s workers picketing outside of
stadiums because taking the fries out the deep fryer and putting salt on them
is the same as running 4.2 40yd dash and pancaking a 350lb defensive line man
so your tailback can plow throw that hole for 6. Personally, I would like to
see the colleges put up some sort of trust fund for the athletes and once they
graduate they will have access to that fund. That fund would include a
percentage of the revenue generated from that team during the duration of that
athletes college career. And if the athlete doesn’t graduate and still wants to
access the fund he/she would suffer a harsh penalty up to 40% of the fund. I
believe that this would help those athletes step away with a degree while also
honing their skills in the athletic field and making them more valuable if they
chose to pursue going to the league.
What are your thoughts and opinions? Comment below.
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