Dear Dr. Mark
A. Emmert,
As
you already know there is a huge debate on whether college athletes are
employees or not, and if they should be paid for the work they do. Within this
debate most people only see two sides, pay them or don’t pay them. However, as
I’m sure you also know, there are other solutions to this enormous issue. My
proposal to you is to allow these athletes to receive roughly a $2,000 stipend
per semester. Allowing the students this additional money will cover the costs
of living that these athletes miss out on the chance to pay for themselves,
without costing the universities too much and not elevating them to
professional status.
The
biggest problem with this proposed idea is that if the athletes are paid the idea
of a student-athlete would be compromised. Many people try to say that these
athletes are employees and should be paid a salary. I agree, kit is essential
to not compromise the student first attitude and by paying these students a
salary that completely ruins what college sports are really about. However the
stipend proposed would be a per semester type of allowance. Based on this
system the students would be paid not for how they play their games but on
whether or not they are completing all aspects of schooling. It would be more
of a rewards system which in turn may result in overall better play and
academics.
I believe that by
approving the proposed stipend idea everyone involved will be helped. The
athletes will be helped because as of right now these students have absolutely
no money. Their scholarships only really cover the basics so if they want to
see a movie, go out to dinner, buy groceries, take a friend out, or even have a
little money saved up it is out of the question. The counter argument would be
to allow these athletes to have a part time job. Even if the rules were changed
to allow this these students already have a busier schedule than almost all
other students. To add a job in with practices, study halls, classes, meetings,
and game would be ridiculous. The stipend would reward the athletes with a
little pocket money and encourage academics rather than taking away from them
even more. This would also help the NCAA, coaches, and universities. By
compromising a little bit it would take a lot of heat off of the debate and
calm the storm of angry critics.
All
of this sounds nice but the next question is where does this money come from?
As reported by the U.S. News the NCAA annually makes roughly six billion
dollars. Also when teams make a big tournament or have success the universities
and Athletic Conferences receive millions in pay outs. Couldn’t some of that
money be used to pay the athletes who are providing this huge business? The
stipend could be added to the scholarship. If it is added in then the stipend
would be a fixed amount with no room for any one too try and adjust the amount
for play or whatever other reasons. Obviously regulations would have to be made
so schools with more income can recruit better but the NCAA is a very prestigious
association and I believe this is a very manageable rule change.
Sincerely,
Tyler Steckbeck
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