The current debate on whether or not college athletes should get paid is off-base. The bottom line is that college athletes already get paid--the problem is that most college athletes don't realize this.
Student-athletes are either given a scholarship (which for the most part means their entire college EDUCATION is free) or entry into a university largely based on their athletic talents. However, many of these student-athletes do not take advantage of the educational opportunities their school presents for them. This is evident in the numbers. According to the most recent Academic BCS (an academic specific ranking system of BCS eligible colleges) only 54% of student-athletes from the top 25 teams in the current BCS standings GRADUATE from college.
One of the most powerful tools any person can be armed with is an education and this is evident in annual earning power. High school graduates earn approximately $7,000 more annually than high school drop outs and college graduates earn approximately $26,000 more annually than high school drop outs (according to data from the 2000 Census). Furthermore, a college diploma is worth approximately $1 million more in lifetime earnings than a high school diploma. Clearly, a college diploma is crucial to monetary success. Moreover, an education can raise one's self esteem, and global and social consciousness.
I would argue that most of the blame should not be put on the student-athletes. I believe that this problem starts much earlier than college. It is the pervasive "pro-sports or bust" mentality at the youth sports level that is detrimental to a student-athlete's holistic development. It is the responsibility of adults and mentors, whether it be at home or in school, that must emphasize the importance of an education. The harsh reality is that most collegeiate student-athletes will not make the pros. For the elite few that do, it is truly an amazing accomplishment. But, for those that don't, they must be prepared for life after sports. This preparation begins at the youth sports level where parents, coaches and teachers must make apparent the importance of a college education.
How do college student-athletes get paid? The payment for collegiate student-athletes is twofold, 1) Free or reduced college tuition (yes, it is not ALL free...books, off-campus housing and what not cost money) and 2) a college level education/diploma.
Don't underestimate the power or the VALUE, both monetarily and holistically, of an education. College student-athletes DO get paid, they just need to start cashing in on it in the classroom.
Sources:
http://www.census.gov/prod/2002pubs/p23-210.pdf
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