Civic #1: Colleges Athletes being paid

My civic blog will be centered on college athletes. The topic I am most eager to dive into regards athletes being paid. This debate has been going on for a few years, as people brought up the idea of them getting money, and others supported it. Some current rules and regulations don’t allow for payments, but people have found ways around it, and now some college athletes make even more than professionals. 

This debate hit the mainstream around 2020 and led into 2021 when athletes were allowed to be paid in specific ways. It has come a long way, as only a few months ago, Forbes asked people about the subject and gathered data stating that “70% of U.S. adults said college athletes should be able to receive direct compensation from their school” (Forbes). 

These results shocked me. I remember that not long ago, everyone seemed to be against the idea of college athletes being paid. Many people think college sports will change greatly from it and will suffer significantly. It is evident that many minds have changed from information in the study and what I hear around campus. The rhetoric regarding them being paid has become more positive when asked the question.

People have started to agree with the decision and want even more money for these kids. What is allowing this change to happen is NIL deals. These are deals that companies make with a college athlete to pay them in exchange for promoting their brand. When writing on NIL deals, Business Insider states, “​​Name, image, and likeness, or NIL, has redefined college athletics in the past two years. Student-athlete influencers have become key parts of marketing strategies” (BI).

Most athletes don’t bring in too much money, but a significant amount, while others are set for life. It is most likely to be a football player making in the millions, but some athletes in other sports, such as Lebron James’ son in basketball and Livvy Dunne in gymnastics,

One big reason for this is the emergence and fame of TikTok. TikTok has caused a boom in the idea of products’ going viral’ and allowing people to make millions based on the content they post. Influencers have always been around, but it has brought them to the next level. Kids are making much more money than a high-level doctor would, which has angered some people.

While that has angered many, it has worked in college athletes’ favor. Athletes began using their talent to make a platform that people would become interested in. They gained lots of followers, getting the attention of brands. Another prominent factor is how good they are at their sport. Brands use the kids for publicity and to attend events with fans, and the athletes get paid.

It seems to be a win-win, but not everyone sees it that way. It has been argued that paying college kids is unfair and will ruin the sports. It is also argued if it is fair to pay them, it is unfair that only some get paid. The Supreme Court ruled in 2023 in favor of athletes being paid, but only some of them are actually seeing any money. 

On the flip side, the favorable argument seems to be that some athletes bring in vast amounts of money for the school they play for and should be compensated or get some of the money in return. People believe that student-athletes receiving scholarships fairly compensate the players, but others think they make an unfair profit. 

It is also argued that athletes risk injury and their future to play for the college, which is a job that deserves a wage. Some think they are just college kids and should take advantage of the education, not just focus on the sport, and most do not go pro.

Many of these arguments have been generated by the media and what people see online. People form opinions based on who they see and want to agree with. If your favorite influencer uses rhetoric in a negative light, you will think of something negative and vice-versa. This has come into play with this subject and many others. 

People may also be affected by the communication they have with athletes in college or on the campus they attend. It is a tricky subject, as both arguments seem relevant and worth looking at. The idea of college kids being paid simply for playing a sport can sound perplexing, but isn’t that how professional sports work? It can also sound perplexing that these kids work so hard and receive money for it, but they often go to the institution for free, which most other kids cannot do.

These students making money can make sense in most eyes, but the amount is a different story. Athletes were being paid a lot when it was just NIL deals, but with the NCAA changing their guidelines, there have been continuously growing numbers. The highest-paid college athlete is Bronny James. While his dad is already a millionaire and one of the most famous names in sports, he also makes over $6 million in college (One37pm).

How can this be possible? It is understandable if he is bringing in a lot of money, but this seems like more. His name alone has to allow for lots of publicity for the school, which is essential now more than ever, as schools compete through social media as much as anything else. 

In closure, the debate about college athletes being paid is still ongoing, but the favor is growing. There is rhetoric surrounding the media and brands, which sparked interest and led to significant changes in college sports. Many find the idea unfair, but others think that is what the kids deserve in the grand scheme of everything. Athletes will continue to work with brands and be paid as long as they have support and keep up their exceptional talent on the field. As civic issues arise around the world, this will continue to be one in the U.S. for years to come.

Links:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicolekraft/2023/08/21/why-the-public-strongly-supports-paying-college-athletes/?sh=2a23c4aa1b08

https://www.businessinsider.com/how-college-athletes-are-getting-paid-from-nil-endorsement-deals

https://www.one37pm.com/sports/highest-paid-college-athletes