On Deck: NCAA needs reform

On Deck: NCAA needs reform

By Justin Albright Posted December 14, 2011

FACTS
BCS Bowl Games= $7 million per team
Cotton Bowl= $3 million
Gator Bowl= $2.5 million
Capital One bowl=$4.5 million
GMAC Bowl=$750,000
PAC 12 tv deal=$250 million annually

Many people have referred to college sports as slavery, saying that it’s not right that these athletes play sports that threaten their lives without earning money. Numerous players have filed a petition asking the NCAA to set aside a specific amount of money that can be given to the athletes.

This is a good idea because universities rake in $784 million dollars in TV deals and bowl games. The NCAA players association wants to put money in a trust fund that will increase graduation rates and decrease violations. The players association is also trying to let injured players maintain their scholarships.

Players mainly want medical coverage to help them out if they suffer a devastating injury. The main argument opposing this decision is that people are questioning if the athletes are mature enough to handle large amounts of money.

This is a solid argument because athletes have caused trouble for universities by accepting money from boosters. Giving athletes money though can eliminate some of the trouble from boosters because they will already be receiving money from universities. For example, Miami and Ohio State have been in a heap of trouble because of players receiving benefits from local boosters. If these universities were to pay their athletes, there would be no need for these athletes to even talk to these boosters.

These players continuously risk their health in their respected sports while universities continue to rake in millions from these athletes’ hard work. The least these universities can do is to at least help these athletes by sharing the wealth instead of profiting from their sweat.

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