Amateurism In College Athletes

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Introduction

A lot of NCAA division 1 athletes come from poor backgrounds. In fact over 85 percent of college athletes live below the poverty line. Playing a sport in college is appealing to underprivileged athletes because it provides them with the opportunity to receive a scholarship for an education that they otherwise would not have be able to afford (Hayes). However, although they are getting a scholarship, it is very hard for many of these athletes to afford things other than the necessities that are provided to them by their school (Hartnett). One solution is to get a job. Though, finding time for a job between class, practice, studying, traveling and competing can prove to be very difficult. Another option for athletes is to earn money by using their image and athletic ability for profit. However, the NCAA has rules that control many financial actions of student athletes and strictly prohibit them using their image and athleticism for money(NCAA). They justify this control by arguing that these rules protect the idea of amateurism. Amateurism is when an activity is done as a hobby and not a profession. The National College Athletic Association “NCAA” believes that amateurism in college athletics is beneficial and thinks that student athletes should not receive any type of payment for being a college athlete (National Collegiate). Ever since its inception, the NCAA has enforced rules that protect amateurism (Treadway). Currently, these rules are causing a lot of controversy. Some people believe that the NCAA is limiting the actions of players so much that it is illegal. Others believe that NCAA rules are just and necessary for maintaining the best academic environment for student athletes.
Ed O’Bannon experienced what ...

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...ht up in the case and convince jurors to decide in their favor (Differences). Once the jurors have seen the evidence and heard the arguments they will deliberate. This is when they come together and discuss the trial. They then must decide whether to find for the defendant or plaintiff (American). If the losing side believes that the case was not conducted correctly they have the right to appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals (Federal).
The O'Bannon lawsuit is a civil case in United States District Court in the Northern District of California. So far, the case is still in the pretrial stage. Judge Claudia Wilken, the District Court judge for the Northern District of California, certified this case as a class action suit after a motion from O’Bannon (McCann). This allows more than one plaintiff to sue the same plaintiff (Roos). The hearing is scheduled for July 2014.

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