Pay for Play

Pay for Play- The Only Fair Solution

Many people would argue that college football players on scholarship shouldn’t get paid because they already get a free education. I disagree. I’m not saying athletes should pull down salaries like professional athletes who rake in signing bonuses, endorsement deals and lucrative contracts- I’m just saying that athletes should be able to negotiate for their services like any other student on campus. I believe free market principles should set the price for an athlete- not the NCAA that regulates and profits from college sports. Today I’m going to discuss the lucrative industry of college football, why the player should be paid and lastly, why players are winning the argument regarding pay for play.

The common argument heard in opposition of paying student athletes goes something like this: “But student athletes are already getting something in return for their efforts- they are getting an education.” I agree that getting your tuition, books, food and housing is a great benefit. However, if you examine NCAA D-1 football programs more closely, you will find that universities and corporations make billions of dollars from the efforts of players! For instance, take the University of Alabama, who are consistent bowl champions. Alabama’s head coach Nick Saban has a contract worth $6.9 million a year. With bonuses, donations and other forms of compensation, Saban can personally make what the top NFL coaches make! Last year Saban had a bonus of $700,000 and school boosters even paid off his mortgage according to sports website SBNation.

However, a 7 million dollar salary is inconsequential when you look at how profitable football is at a program like the University of Alabama who brought in $82 million dollars in 2012 (SB Nation). That means that 85 players are generating millions in revenue for the University that they will never see! Sadly, most players won’t reach the professional level due to injury or other...