The main argument for paying:
—They bring the schools millions of dollars and deserve something, especially when many are broke. Look at the kid from OSU who was suspended for two games for borrowing and paying back money to fly his girlfriend out to the bowl game.
The main argument for NOT paying:
—They’re getting a totally FREE education, which can often be a six figure deal. No student loans for the next 20 years (mine are $962 per month, with hundreds of dollars a month going to interest) is a pretty big deal. Yes, some of these athletes are going to go on to become professional athletes, but most NCAA student athletes don’t end up getting paid as a pro, so the idea of getting a free ride with zero student debt is more appealing than some realize. It’s not like they’re getting nothing in return. 25 grand a year that goes toward school is fairly significant for teenagers/early twenties.
Personally, I can see both sides, but ultimately feel as though they should receive some type of monthly stipend in addition to the free education.