Greed

Greed is reaching new levels in college athletics these days. Does it make sense for an academic institution to run a multimillion-dollar entertainment business? Does it make sense for these institutions to pay the student-athletes who participate in these programs? Universities make huge profits from their athletics and now many people are advocating players getting paid as well. The reality is that college sports programs, namely the "big name" programs such as football and basketball programs at marquee schools, are businesses that stand to make a large amount of money for their respective schools. The student-athletes who participate in these programs are part of the reason why these schools stand to make such handsome profits: through ticket sales, endorsement deals, broadcasting deals, and jersey sales. The goal for most entering the college scene is to prepare him or her self for the world, and to gather an education that will help them to find a niche in that world. The question regarding playing a collegiate sport has now become, "What can I get out of being a collegiate athlete?" The simple answer is an education, a chance to better your future, a chance to compete, and become part of a "family." This is the foundation that the colleges should have as a backbone to hold itself up; however, they are under pressure and changing times.

College athletes in most sports, both major and minor, receive a full scholarship that provides them with a top-notch college education. This scholarship usually provides the athlete with everything they need to have a successful four to five years in college. There is no reason for them to receive more. Giving college athletes additional spending money can also lead to other problems. Some athletes may already struggle with dealing with their success and fame, and providing them with extra money can often lead to trouble. Having that extra money at their disposal can or will occasionally lead some athletes into situations that can put their career at risk as well as the reputation of the school. While giving the athletes the money can occasionally be a problem, the bigger issue involves the schools themselves. The biggest problem with paying athletes involves the budget of the schools. Most schools have a tight budget for their athletic programs and cannot afford to expand the amount of money spent.