Athletes Should Not Be Paid

1018 Words3 Pages

Aaron Harrison, guard for the University of Kentucky, made a contested 3 pointer with only 2.6 seconds left in the game to beat the #2 seed Michigan. The unexpected 75-72 victory took the Kentucky Wildcats, #8 seed, to the final four and was a victory en route to the national championship game that they ended up losing. For Harrison’s game-winner, Kentucky Athletic Director and basketball coaching staff made $329,166 in bonuses. This money is only a fraction of the revenue that was created for University of Kentucky throughout the tournament. These schools generate millions of dollars yearly, because they are playing in front of filled arenas on national television. The world of sports is very marketable and profitable, with some schools making more revenues than even professional teams.
Though it may appear that Harrison individually made over $300,000, he did not single handedly win the game. His shot was combined with long hours invested by everyone involved with the Kentucky athletics program. College athletes should not be paid, because they are simply exchanging their talents for a free college education. Essentially they are already being paid because they get everything provided for them. The experience of a college athlete is similar to that of an internship with no expense to the athlete. They attend school at no cost, while simultaneously being afforded with the best accommodations at their respective schools, and hone their skills with the assistance of coaches. College athletes also are awarded many material benefits, such as shoes and clothing. Following these students’ athletic careers, they are then able to play their respective sports professionally, continue their education or join the working force...

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