The Ohio State University football program is the latest athletic department who has been found to have broken NCAA rules and regulations. This incident involves current players selling items given to them by the university from participating in a 2009 bowl game. If those items sold were gifts, wouldn’t the players have the freedom to do as they please with these items?
We are not that far removed from the UNC, Alabama, USC and Georgia football program suspensions as a result of inappropriate contact with sports agents by current players (The Georgia incident involved a player selling a bowl game jersey).
Are the current amateur athlete rules and regulations fair to the players? Everyone gets paid on game day but the players (Athletic Departments, Coaches-including assistants, Licensees, etc…). Coaches have bonus clauses written into employment contracts for various achievements (COY awards, # of games won, conference championships, APR Rate, Equipment Contracts, etc..). The universities also receive a portion of television revenues, where these contracts were negotiated by the NCAA. Next, the NCAA receives licensing revenue for player likenesses on video games (Ex. EA Sports) and jerseys.
The counter argument is that the athletes receive a “free education” where the athletic department pays for room/board and tuition. However, these agreements are one-year renewable and not guaranteed for 4 years as most in the general public assumes. The TSR staff members are very serious advocators in regards to student-athlete education. The truth, ”most” but not all of these student-athletes leave these universities with degrees that make them unmarketable and unable to compete in this economy. Deciding on a major is the choice of the athlete, but there are stories stating that coaches push toward certain majors for the sake of eligibility.
Again the question, should student-athletes be compensated? TSR staff members think they should. The amount can be minimal, $300-$500 per month. The money can be used for travel, laundry and leisure. However, will there be a dilemma as to which “sport” athletes should receive a stipend. Athletic department Equipment Contracts with NIKE, ADIDAS and Under Armour makes it clear as to the revenue generating sports (Football, Men’s/Women’s basketball). Most of these contracts contain bonus clauses paid to the department whenever any of these teams reach certain post-season play accomplishments (NCAA tournament, Bowl and Conference Championship Games). Should the Track & Field, Soccer, Baseball, Swimming and other participating athletes be excluded? Probably not.
The debate on student-athlete compensation will continue long past this latest incident. Don’t be surprised if the final decision is decided in a court of law ( EA Sports lawsuit).
