College Athletes

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College athletes do a lot for their universities, but they do not seem to get much in return. They make millions for the NCAA and the university itself, but they do not get to keep any of the money they make. The best thing a student athlete can get is a full scholarship, which is great, but might not be enough. For many athletes, the ideal situation is to make it big and go professional after college, but that does not happen very often. Even the lucky few who make it, may end up getting screwed since they go from having no money to being rich. That sounds great, but how likely is it that they know how to manage their money so they can stay wealthy? Having an agent or financial advisor in their college days could help, but the NCAA forbids it. The NCAA is a growing program but is has to make some changes if it wants to be fair to the student athletes associated with them. These changes should include granting student athletes stipends, better rules for agents, and clearer scholarships.
“A scholarship doesn't equal cash in a player's pocket. Even with any type of scholarship, college athletes are typically dead broke” (Hartnett). Being an athlete in college is as demanding as a full time job. They also have to put the time in to be a full time student as well. That is a lot of time they have to commit for their university. Additionally if the student does not come from a wealthy family or a family willing to give them money, he or she may also have to add on a part time job on to that if they ever want to do something fun on a day off or get some food from somewhere other than the dining halls. Even when a student athlete has a job, it is almost impossible for them to keep it during the season because of their demanding schedule, ...

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...the NCAA, it would help to eliminate scandals that have to do with players receiving money or goods. A major problem in the NCAA right now is players talking to agents, which is not allowed. If players could hold regulated meetings with agents certified by the NCAA it would help eliminate more scandals and also protect the players from bad agents willing to break the law. Many people think the student athletes do not need money because they are given scholarships. Those scholarships are not enough because even if they are full rides they do not cover the entire cost of education. The NCAA must change its rules by paying athletes with stipends, making better system for agent-athlete interaction, and clearer and more stable scholarships. Doing so will help protect their student athletes, which is necessary if they want to keep growing and keep their prestigious image.

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