and its athletes, universities are able to increase revenue. Even though millions of dollars are generated by college sports, the student-athlete should not be paid. Student-athletes receive a benefit, which comes in the form of a scholarship. A scholarship pays for tuition, room, board, textbooks, and meal plans. A scholarship to a university is a major benefit worth over $100,000 and because of that benefit a student-athlete should not be paid.
There are many reasons why college athletes should not be paid.
“The primary function of academic institutions is to educate, and not to hire student-athletes for their contributions on the basketball court or football field (Meshefejian)”. Students go to college to earn degrees not to earn playing time. The main purpose of a university is to prepare its students for the future job market. Student-athletes receive a greater benefit from an athletic scholarship. “This benefit comes in the form of a college degree,which gives students opportunities in the job market that they would otherwise not have had (Meshefejian).” By receiving a degree, a student-athlete can pursue their career interest. A scholarship is also more than paid tuition, it is also offers money to pay for room, board, meal plans, and textbooks. By paying student-athletes the problem of gender equality could become a reality. “Paying male student-athletes more than female student-athletes could possibly be construed as discrimination (Meshefejian).” Because most of the money generated in college sports comes from football and men's basketball, those male athletes will want to be paid more. This will create a question of gender
equality.
In conclusion, student-athletes should not be paid in the way of earning a salary. Student-athletes receive compensation with the privilege and honor of receiving a college degree. The lifetime benefits and rewards of a college education are priceless. That is worth playing the game.