The idea of paying college athletes has been at the forefront of college athletics for many years. However, the issue really came to light after Ed O’Bannon, a former NCAA player turned lawyer, filed a lawsuit in 2015 which challenged the NCAA’s use of names, images and likenesses of players. A United States district court judge, Claudia Wilkin, ruled against the NCAA and caused a settlement that gave money to the former players. The lawsuit also established that athletes are amateurs and are not allowed to profit off their own name.
Now, people are arguing that the NCAA should allow college athletes to profit from their likenesses. For example, this would allow a college athlete to sign autographs for money or make money off advertisements like Lebron James’s shoe deal with Nike.
Companies like Gatorade or restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings could pay college athletes to appear in commercials or on billboards. This could also restart the popular Electronic Arts game, a sports gaming company that develops games like Madden NFL Football, WWE, and NHL games.
One billion dollars is how much money the NCAA makes just on broadcast fees for its men’s basketball tournament in March. However, all college athletes have been given new benefits from the case, Alston vs NCAA, which allowed schools to offer educational compensation in scholarships. This could mean books, computers, and materials. These costs are still minuscule to the NCAAs profit of broadcast deals, sponsorships, and paid advertisements. The scale has been tipped very far in the favor of NCAA profits.
Many politicians have argued that the players should be able to benefit off their own name. Drew Stokesbary, a representative from Washington and Duke graduate, created the Washington House Bill 1084, which would force Washington State schools to allow athletes to collect endorsement money. Later, Stokesbary and Nancy Skinner, senator from California, created the now adopted Fair Pay to Play Act, which allows for college athletes to make money off their names, images, and likenesses. Skinner told SB Nation that “there has never been a more unified movement for change.”
Senator Mark Walker from North Carolina offers an example to illustrate: “I’m a 20 year old, and I am in the prime of my earning career. I have to sign a moratorium which says that I cannot make any profit for what I do best.” Many outside forces have begun to create change for the student athletes in hope for a new age of college sports.
The NCAA Board of Governors voted unanimously in October to allow student athletes to profit off their likeness. However, this act would not go into effect for a few years as the Fair Play act is set to begin in 2023.
Will Hobson of the “Washington Post” also writes that the ruling provided very little detail on how the benefits would work. Hobson quoted the executive director of the National College Players Association, who said, “This is a bit of smoke and mirrors which signals the NCAA is still going to oppose players profiting.”
Student-athletes at Saline High School believe this rule would be good for college athletes.
Senior golfer Josh Finn says, “This act would benefit the students whose families don’t have a lot of money and could start contributing to their families.” Finn also adds that for lesser known sports players like himself, “it would be an eye opener if they were to turn pro as to how to gain sponsorships.”
Junior George Van Haaften mentions how it would be “a great outlet for athletes to better their family’s situation.” This act would benefit the less wealthy families who need the money when their sons are in college.
However, many athletes believe that the Fair Play Act would take the amateurism out of college athletics. Soccer player and sophomore Charlie Schroeder says, “ It would take away the incentive for players to work to get to the professional leagues. If they are already making money, then the urge to get better would not be as strong.” He adds, “The players are also receiving scholarships that are a lot of money in itself.” Schroeder believes that the athletes are too young to be handling that type of money in a place of education. .
Many people are excited for the possible return of the popular EA game. ESPN worker Kirk Herbstreit Tweets, “Is there any chance for NCAA football video game return...Just asking for a few 100,000 people including former and current student athletes.”
The game is very popular among teenagers as the most recent game, NCAA 14, is still played today, even though the game is over 5 years old. Many students like sophomore Nate Hermanson would also be excited for the games possible return.
In summary, the Fair Play Act has more supporters than critics in Saline High School. While this legislation has its drawbacks, many people believe the pros outweigh the cons. NCAA athletes, while amateurs, work the hours of a full time job. The Fair Play Act will possibly give these players the compensation many students believe they deserve.
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