Monday, November 22nd, 2010 at 1:24 pm  |  24 responses

Warning: Controversial Matter

Candice Wiggins: On whether or not college athletes should get paid.

Stanford Basketball.

by Candice Wiggins | @candicewiggins

The Great Debate of the new decade in the sports world is: should college athletes get paid?

This was one of the many questions I recently attempted to address as a speaker on the Collegiate Athletics panel at the 2010 Ivy Sports Symposium at Princeton University. (by the way, Princeton, and all the Ivy League schools for that matter, are so dope. Such a distinguished atmosphere.)

So should they? Shouldn’t they? We all want answers and we all have an opinion. My name is Bennett, and I ain’t in it, but allow me to be the moderator as we discuss this controversial topic:

First off, why shouldn’t college athletes get paid?

Seeing as this is the current state of affairs, I’ll start with the argument that people make as to why college athletes should never be paid.

Basically, in the eyes of many, they already are paid, if you consider the fact that they are on a scholarship. The scholarship for the average school can be worth as much as $50,000. That’s $200,000 in four (or five) years in exchange for playing a sport at an institution of higher learning. So, the question in the minds of many then becomes, “Should college athletes be paid more than they already are?” That’s the real question for those who argue that the idea of college athletes getting paid is ridiculous.

Another point to keep in mind is the fact that the only two teams that bring in any revenue to schools are football and men’s basketball. In effect, those two sports are solely responsible for funding every other NCAA sport. So, if college athletes were to get paid, where would the money be coming from? Would it be coming from just what those two sports bring in? Paying players would hurt the school’s budgets drastically, if it was even feasible in the first place.

So, knowing all that, why should college athletes get paid?

This is the hot topic, “the 5th dimension,” so to speak. The reason why athletes should get paid— in the eyes of some—is simple: everyone else is profiting, why shouldn’t the athletes? If they bring in “X” amount of dollars to a school, why aren’t they entitled to any of it?

Some also find it unfair and inequitable that, while players receive nothing beyond scholarships, there’s no limitations as to how much coaches can earn. In addition, some see it as unfair because there’s only a small elite group that is in charge, and this groups sets a limit on the amount the athlete can get paid (through scholarships), but sets no limit on themselves. The result of that? The bad news? Something that’s being referred to as a “black market” in college sports is taking shape. If athletes got paid or compensated, would we have these same issues? In the minds of those who believe they should get paid, the answer is no.

Of course, there are many, many other issues involved in this debate, but I’ve done enough moderating for now….

Fair exchange, or armed robbery? What do YOU think? Let me know your thoughts on this highly controversial topic! I have my thoughts, but when it comes to this issue, I must say, it’s a pretty balanced war.

Up for debating this on Twitter? If you hit me on my Twitter page, I’ll fire back my opinions. Remember there’s only 140 characters or less, so only the minds up for that challenge need apply.

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  • http://slamonline.com Bryan Crawford

    I’m kind of on the fence. While I do believe that a scholarship, food, housing, room & board, free travel and free gear amount to compensation for student athletes, they should at least receive some sort of stipend or per-diem to have as pocket money. What college kid doesn’t need pocket money? It certainly beats credit cards that all freshman get, using that to survive on, and then having to worry about paying the bill every month when you have no income. As far the people who administrate the NCAA, Bob Knight said it best: None of these people were athletes. That said, they run it like a business and the bottom line is the only thing that matters… Free Cam Newton!!

  • http://members.cox.net/pilight/ pilight

    Few schools will be able to afford to pay players. Cal, a BCS school, cut five teams a few months ago due to budget issues. How many more teams would they have to cut if they had to pay football and basketball players?

  • http://bulls.com airs

    yes, they should.

  • http://www.edthesportsfan.com Ed The Sports Fan

    Nice read Candice, and I agree with you. Folks who bring in revenue should get a piece of the cut. Continue to do work sister.

  • Overtime

    Must agree with Bryan I think. My view would be, just what is the money they bring in used on? It should be put back into the schools, back into their teams etc. Obviously salaries need to be paid too, but there is no limit as mentioned in the article.
    So some (though it is important to note not all) ‘suits’ are getting paid huge amounts of the money made, when they dont deserve that much of a percentage.
    Good read either way

  • http://slamonline.com Ben Osborne

    Candice is awesome. And yes, pay the revenue producers!

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  • andreanglais

    NO. There is a problem with the college sports system, but its not players being ripped off. College is supposed to be about education. I like the European system – if you’re that good, take it to the pros. Top flight college athletes (foot- and basket- ballers) sure as hell aren’t getting much of an education while they’re at college for 1 year anyway (generally speaking, I know thats not always the case). Let them learn on the job if they want $.

  • Stephanie

    I lean toward paying the athletes personally. No one knows like the parent of an elite athlete how much a college student athlete gives of themselves to participate in their sport, that alone should warrant being paid, but even with that…as Candice stated…the bread and butter is paid for by the football and the basketball teams, if everyone else is being paid off of their hard work and sweat, then its only fair that those doing all the hard work and sweating get paid something as well….its been said time and time again that the football world functions like a master with slaves….someone should tell the colleges that slavery is over PAY UP!

    signed
    the mother of an elite athlete
    and personal friend of an awesome Candice Wiggins!!

  • Saku 39

    @kokopuffs. Pretty much what I was going to ask; what comes with an athletic scholarship? I could be wrong but I think it’s tuition, room & board, books, and a living expenses stipend. Sounds like a good deal.

  • http://members.cox.net/pilight/ pilight

    If the only athletes getting paid are football and men’s basketball players, there will be legal issues regarding Title IX. If non-revenue sports athletes start getting paid, there could be an outcry from students on academic or debate or whatever scholarships demanding pay as well.

  • http://www.need4sheed.com Tarzan Cooper

    No, they should def NOT get paid cash. Tuition, room n board, books etc sounds like a square deal to me. And u know boosters and alumni help out too. Going to college for free to play a sport is a priviledge. Really, the athletes get a couple years of free training and networking before going pro. It helps them very much too. The elite ones arent going for a degree anyhow. Sure coaches get paid alot, and ncaa is really a business. They get paid, and students get all kinds of free stuff, including an education if they really want it. Some say its unfair that the ones producing the revenue dont get any. You know what, life aint fair. Anybody think ceos unfairly take a large amount of profits? Well thats real life. These athletes get plenty for their contribution to bringing in revenue. The ONLY thing id say the players have a legit beef with, is video games. Their likenesses are used, and they get nothing in return. Yes the names are changed, but its clear who each player is. Other than that, id say they have a pretty sweet deal.

  • wbbfab

    Absolutely NOT! The original intent of college athletics was and is to develop well-rounded students, not be farm systems for the pros. The two sports that have “bastardized”, if you will, this to the utmost are football and men’s basketball.

    Not so coincidentally, these are the two pro sports that don’t have farm systems. The NFL and NBA don’t have to-they just let the colleges foot the bill for developing their future pro players.

    Instead of paying players, make the NFL and NBA start farm systems and take those players that are good enough to get drafted or jump after one yr. of college. Leave the college scholarships and money for those athletes who are really in school for an education, and not using the schools as a way to get themselves known to the pros.

  • http://bluefont.com Hisham

    I think they shouldn’t get paid by the NCAA to play sports. yes, the scholarship is a good enough compensation from the school and the association. BUT: these kids shouldn’t be prohibited to receive any money related to basketball as long as they play in college (or high school for that matter). I’m talking endorsements or even taking care of a poorer kid’s family while playing for your university. something alumni do lready. i know this can lead to VERY shady practices but isn’t that the case already?

  • The Philosopher

    I do not believe the kids should get paid.
    But, I do not have a problem with them getting paid.
    On the condition that they forfeit athletic scholarships.
    They shall pay for every expense on their own. They mess up, then they find out what the real world is about.

  • http://www.need4sheed.com Tarzan Cooper

    Phil, you might be on to something there. I think they would quickly backtrack once they FEEL the price of tuition, etc. I think since its free, its just a number, but if they had to pay it, they would see what a nice deal they have.

  • Cole

    I wouldn’t have a problem with it, but I don’t see how they would have the money for it. There is so many different sports in college that to pay every single athlete would be too much, but would it be right to only pay some of the higher profile sports? However, I do think that the students put in so much work to balance school, sports, travel and social life they deserve something, so I am completely in the middle on this subject.

  • r2j

    Yes, they should. Candace Wiggins will you marry me?!? I hope she reads this.

  • http://slamonline.com The Black Rick Kamla

    If we want to keep everything amateur around college sports why don’t we donate all the proceeds of college athletics to charity???

  • TXLA

    One athletes perspective.

    NOT everyone goes PRO. A very select few make it to the NFL, NBA. etc and getting there is only the beginning. The real challenge is staying, and contributing. And while a even fewer percentage leave early for the draft, most student athletes sacrifice their body and time while working very hard for their degrees. There is no tolerance for missing class, homework, or failing classes in the athletic department.

    Tuition and room and board are cool, but you can’t eat your books. I remember long timed runs in the sun, endless 5am sprints on the football field, extensive workouuts/training sessions that were always before 6am.

    Remember we are in class full time as well, sometimes with mandatory study hall. Free time doesn’t exist. Workout, class, practice, dinner, study hall, sleep. That is the schedule Monday-Friday.

    Did you all work(part time/full time) while in college? Div 1 athletes aren’t allowed to per NCAA rules. If not, you had a sweet scholarship or I assume your family aided you in whatever capacity they could, though you realize this can’t be the case for all. Everybody ain’t able. This is the real issue, becaue $225 a month is not enough to live on for anyone. Regardless if school and cafeteria food are paid for.

  • WangChung

    In economic terms, football and Men’s bball are earning assets. Most other sports are depreciating assets. Money talks and bullhocky walks. Should student-athletes (football/bball) be paid? There’s a business case for it. Should less popular sports/programs get the axe? There’s a business case for that too.

  • Scottie Pimpin

    Dam right they should get paid

    everyone and their ugly fat momma makes money off these kids. why cant they ? man college sports is one of the most corrupot instituions of all . not becuase of the gambling, and under the table money being passed around, but because they capitalize of the sweat of kids. not adults in the nba, or nfl, or whatever, but kids. its filthy man, its bout time somebody did something about it.

  • http://www.okaymentary.com the_capital_t

    This piece and many of the ensuing comments hit on the simple answer: pay college athletes who generate revenue.

    How that would be done would be not so simple.

    Perhaps some of the revenue generated by broadcasters and advertisers for football and basketball could be directed to a general fund that active athletes could draw from while they are taking classes.

    Or maybe sponsoring companies who provide services could comp athletes. Say United/Delta wants to sponsor a BCS Bowl game. Part of their sponsorship package could be to provide free travel for athletes and/or their families to/from the game.

    If the NCAA refuses to provide revenue-generating athletes with any compensation, the least they can do moving forward is to prohibit sales of official NCAA merchandise that identifies with a specific athlete. If Terrell Pryor can’t sell memorabilia he has earned, then Ohio State #2 jerseys should not be sold either.

  • bora

    yep

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