Colleges Athletes should be Paid

Stadium lights illuminate more than just playing fields at American universities, as college athletics evolve from pastime to powerful economic engine. Despite the millions of dollars generated from ticket sales, merchandise, and broadcasting rights, the athletes themselves—who are the primary contributors to this revenue—receive no direct financial compensation. This essay argues that college athletes, who undergo rigorous schedules and considerable physical and mental stress, deserve to be financially compensated for their contributions to their institutions. By examining the demanding nature of their schedules, the psychological and physical toll of their commitments, and the substantial revenue they generate, it becomes evident that the current system is inequitable.

The Demanding Life of a College Athlete

College athletes dedicate the majority of their time to their sport and studies, often leaving minimal room for personal leisure or part-time employment. According to Trent A. Petrie and Eric L. Denson in "A Student Athlete’s Guide to College Success," student-athletes are frequently required to manage the equivalent of a full-time job while also maintaining their academic responsibilities. A typical day for a college athlete might include early morning classes, followed by team meetings, additional classes, sports-related activities, and late-night homework sessions. Marc Edelman, in his article "21 Reasons Why Student-Athletes Are Employees And Should Be Allowed To Unionize" on Forbes, states that a Division I college football player spends an average of 43.3 hours per week on their sport—exceeding the average American work week.

These athletes, despite their intense schedules, are not compensated for their time and effort. For example, a cashier at a fast-food restaurant working a 14-hour day would earn approximately $140, a stark contrast to the unpaid labor of college athletes. Interviews with athletes like Issaiah Johnson from the University of Arizona and Kevin Schmitt from Cal Poly reveal that their daily free time is limited to a few hours at most, often spent catching up on academics or recuperating from physical exertion. This demanding schedule leaves little opportunity for athletes to seek additional income or enjoy a typical college experience.

Psychological and Physical Stress

The life of a college athlete is fraught with psychological and physical stressors that extend beyond the typical student experience. Athletes face the dual pressures of maintaining academic performance and excelling in their sport, a balance that can lead to anxiety and depression. Ann Kearns Davoren and Seunghyun Hwang, in an article on the NCAA website, highlight that depression and anxiety are significant predictors of lower academic and athletic performance. These mental health challenges are compounded by the unique stressors athletes face, such as time demands, relationships with coaches, and the pressure to perform.

Physically, athletes push their bodies to the limits, often leading to injuries and long-term health issues. The rigorous training schedules, including weightlifting and practice sessions, place immense strain on their bodies, potentially leading to chronic pain and other health problems in the future. Despite these contributions, athletes are not compensated for the revenue they help generate for their institutions through their performances.

Revenue Generation and Economic Impact

The financial impact of college athletics on universities is substantial. Events like the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament generate millions in revenue, with even teams that do not advance far earning significant payouts. According to The Washington Post, a university could earn $1.67 million simply for participating, with earnings increasing substantially for teams that advance further. This revenue stems not only from ticket sales but also from broadcasting rights, merchandise, and sponsorships, all of which are driven by the athletes' performances.

Despite this substantial revenue generation, athletes are not allowed to profit from their own likeness or success. The case of A.J. Green, a football player from the University of Georgia, illustrates this issue. Green was suspended for selling his bowl jersey, a decision that not only affected his college career but also his future professional prospects. The irony is that while institutions can profit from an athlete's jersey sales, the athletes themselves cannot. This highlights a glaring inequity in how the profits of college sports are distributed.

The Argument for Compensation

While some argue that scholarships are adequate compensation for college athletes, this perspective fails to recognize the broader economic context. Scholarships cover tuition and housing but do not provide athletes with spending money for personal expenses, nor do they account for the potential long-term health implications of their sports involvement. Furthermore, not all athletes attend college with the primary goal of obtaining a degree; many, like Jahlil Okafor of Duke University, view college as a necessary step towards a professional career.

The NCAA's restrictions on athlete compensation place athletes in a monopolistic system where they must adhere to outdated rules that do not reflect the current economic realities of college sports. According to F.A. Hayek's principles of economic freedom, this lack of choice and negotiation power is inherently unfair. The Atlantic Magazine points out the absurdity of considering scholarships as complete compensation, comparing it to a worker receiving only medical coverage as payment for their labor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the current model of college athletics is one that prioritizes institutional profit over the fair compensation of athletes. These individuals dedicate their time, energy, and health to their sports, contributing substantially to the economic success of their universities. A fair compensation system would recognize the value of their contributions, providing them with the financial means to manage their expenses and future uncertainties. While the implementation of such a system requires careful consideration and planning, it is a necessary step toward a more equitable college sports industry. By addressing these inequities, we can ensure that college athletes are recognized and rewarded for their invaluable contributions to their institutions.

Did you like this example?

512

21