plus free tutors and a whole host of other benefits that the average student doesn't get

so boo freaking hoo

and instead of wanting a race to the bottom like you're suggesting why not advocate expanding the benefits that supposedly only the student-athletes get to EVERY student? What you're saying is very similar to how right wingers criticize public sector unions.

those benefits are paid for by the athletic department, at least at the schools I've attended

I don't see colleges being able to afford the same things for non-athletes unless they're honor students, etc.

i think both sets of students get tutoring/academic assistance centers, in the athletic department they're known as "learning specialists".

at the schools I've attended

Check those titles in the lots where they park. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in vehicles that are loaned, sometimes for 2 or 3 years, and then sometimes replaced with newer models.

So take the title down to the quick loan place, get a loan against the new car, and when you return it to the donor with a lien thank them for contributing to your education in ways that they have yet to discover.

come on. This isn't the 60s.

What you are seeing is young men doing an important service. If a car sits too long, the battery can die. It is important to drive a car regularly to keep the engine in good shape. There are many rich people who simply have more cars than they are able to drive themselves. So they hire these young men to drive the cars for them to keep them in good working order. This is similar to the service they provide as house sitters. They aren't being paid money to play football, they are being paid for their time in providing these types of important services.

Once the pretense of being a student receiving an education, as the primary reason for being there is officially removed, the need to "earn their keep" will dominate the clubhouse culture. That's a lot of pressure for an 18 year-old.

to stay in school with grades that are barely passable. It robs the student of the skills they will need to succeed in life if they do not get a chance to play professional.


The player usually gets a free education and room and board, which is a really good deal for most of the successful teams. They earn millions of dollars from endorsements, broadcasting fees and packed stadiums. I think the players should get a share of the money they bring to the school. There should be some sort of fund established to be given to the student when she he leaves college.

They are part of a multi million dollar program and they should definitely be held to the same standards as their fellow students. However their skills have brought millions into the school and they should get a part of it when they leave school.

"There should be some sort of fund established to be given to the student when she he leaves college. "