Should college athletes be getting paid?

We’ve all heard this question asked numerous times. But my question is: why should they?

Most college athletes are already getting their tuition and/or room and board discounted with scholarships, if not fully covered. Why would colleges need to go out and do any more than that?

­­The best thing about college athletes in the first place is that they play because of their love for the game and wanting to go pro. If colleges start paying their athletes, the whole dynamic behind the game will end up changing.

Turning these student-athletes into “professionals” so early will end up changing college sports and could cause the athletes to run into trouble as the NCAA president, Mark Emmert, has already been on record as saying it would be a bad idea.

We can all thank Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel for bringing this heated topic to the surface once again. Whether you’re a fan of Manziel or not, we can all agree that the guy definitely has talent. However, despite his talents, the outspoken Manziel hasn’t exactly been low-key on how he feels about the topic. (He’s in favor.)

I think most of these athletes forget that they are getting paid through scholarships to further their education. It should not be about the money.

The athletes that have the talent and work ethic will most likely go on to become professionals, who eventually will go on to make millions.

Historically, student athletes have only ever gotten “paid” through scholarships. Why do they suddenly feel the need to make more than that? The money made through athletics should not go to individual athletes. It should be invested back to the school.

Despite the efforts of trying to get student-athletes paid, the movement may have fallen short yet again. These schools cannot fairly draw the line on which athletes get paid or not. Not every college will be able to afford to pay every single athlete.

All I know is that if I was getting paid to get an education and play a sport I was passionate about, I would not be whining about not making some extra money on the side. These student-athletes need to take a step back and realize what they’re really there for.

elsuch@mavs.coloradomesa.edu