Global Issues/Unit 1- Contreversy and Complexity (NCAA Contreversy)
The Epitome of Exploitation (NCAA)
The NCAA has a very strict rule which basically says, any student athlete that profits from team merchandise,autograph signings or accepting any money for exploitation will be PUNISHED.
That would be some what fair for most athletes and coaches, if only the organization itself did not break this rule for years. This controversy over paying athletes has been an idea for some time now, but the NCAA, at this point have no attention of doing so. at the same time, any college football fan can go to Foot Locker,Finish Line or Champs sports and buy several different collegiate team wear. Many also can go buy a team jersey with that players name on it, not one percent goes to these students.
(Former Michigan State quarterback, Dernard Robinson.) The NCAA does not stop at selling shirts,jerseys and stadium seats. No, they even have their very own video game. This franchise has a tremendous fan base, making it a very successful sports game right next to the Madden series. this game sells millions every year and features every single school and player associated with the NCAA. That's over a thousand student athletes, not receiving a dime for one of the biggest entertainment media outlet since the television.
Below is a small exert from WDSU News on this popular debate. in this video they ask several current college students "the question", "should they get paid for playing?".
Recently one player has brought this topic to life again with his recent actions. Reigning Heisman trophy winner and star quarterback, Texas A&M's own Johnny Manziel. in a recent incident, Manziel was accused of signing several merchandise in return for money. Now this is a direct violation of the NCAA's big rule. Not to long after, ESPN analyst, Jay Bilas tweeted a picture showing "Manziel" jerseys sold on the NCAA website.
If this isn't the biggest act of hypocrisy, then i don't know what is. Later that very week, the NCAA took down the ability to purchase those replica jerseys. Just another incident where the NCAA gets away with exploitation of student athletes. Below is a segment from ESPN's First Take on the controversy over Johnny Manziel's allegations.
College football isn't the only victim of exploitation, another sport is college basketball. Yes, the NCAA does not stop at football, basketball has to be the second most popular sport at the collegiate level. Fans can also buy replica basketball jerseys and school team wear, and just like football, those schools and student do not see a dime. (former Kentucky Wildcat Center Nerlens Noel)
Every March, the NCAA holds "March Madness", a huge basketball tournament for the best schools. which eventually leads to the very famous "Final Four". This is viewed by millions either in stadium or on television, putting these student on stage for the world to see. These tickets aren't cheap either, as these fans pay hundreds, these students their watching do not even get a little percent of compensation. Not too ago, college basketball ALSO had its very own video game, exposing these students to the same exploitation of there fellow student football players.
(former Oklahoma State Forward Blake Griffin)
Both these video games are made by the same company, EA Sports, although they have discontinued the NCAA Basketball series, they still make football games. Along with the NCAA getting a portion of proceeds, EA Sports receives a very large portion too. Two major organizations getting paid, for what the students do, in the NBA and NFL this would never happen.
Several people have debated this for years and this topic is still relevant to many, especially the students themselves. Below is a short video from RecruitingNation, asking student athletes at the college level, "how do they feel about being paid to play?".
Many of the students agree with the idea of getting paid or receiving compensation for playing sports. which is a very fair opinion, seeing that these are the people playing their heart out on the field or court. But, like one student in the video above, some people view that if these students are getting a free 4 year education, then why question the idea of getting paid. This is also a very valid point, if your student of no athletic ability, most schools will not offer you a full scholarship. Not every student sees dollar signs for their talent, some are just gracious to have a free education and a huge opportunity in life.
Although the NCAA clearly generates millions off the talent of student athletes and their school, without them these students wouldn't have an athletic outlet after high school. This is still a very controversial topic, and is brought up to the NCAA every year. The NCAA bylaw 12.5.2.1, which states "Accepting money for promoting and advertising the commercial sale of a product or service will result in punishment for that student ." That is very ironic in the sense that the NCAA makes around $687 million dollars a year doing that very bylaw. The future can only tell if this act of hypocrisy will ever end, or if students will actually get paid to play the sport they love. All we can do is continue to debate this topic and allow the NCAA to compensate what these incredible athletes actually do for their organization. It's also important that the student athletes realize the opportunity that is presented to them.
Below are some very interesting articles that continue this debate very well.
The Epitome of Exploitation (NCAA)
The NCAA does not stop at selling shirts,jerseys and stadium seats. No, they even have their very own video game. This franchise has a tremendous fan base, making it a very successful sports game right next to the Madden series. this game sells millions every year and features every single school and player associated with the NCAA. That's over a thousand student athletes, not receiving a dime for one of the biggest entertainment media outlet since the television.
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