Super fun way to end it. A debate that will continue to go on. Funny how sports can connect people around the world. Especially through social media.

I understand this point. Football and basketball are the two main sports that bring in the most revenue, it makes sense that those athletes should get paid more than other sports. But, as someone who plays on a women's soccer team, who does not bring in nearly as much money as other sports, I believe I still deserve some type of compensation for the work I have to put in.

This would be absolutely game-changing. Athletes find it very difficult to find time to be prepared for all their classes when they have to devote so much time to their athletic teams. I would personally be less stressed if I had 8 years to finish my college degree instead of 4.

Bringing some thoughts of guilt into it for the universities.

This is another great way athletes could receive money. University athletic departments make millions of dollars off television networks and none of that money goes to paying it's players.

Interesting. Have been playing college sports for 3 years now and have never heard of this before now. Really does show how little power it has, but could potentially hold large amounts of power.

Possible downside to paying college athletes.

Preparing athletes for the future, especially if they wish to pursue a career in professional sports.

This could help athletes academically. Making students stay in school long enough so that they graduate with a degree, would help them in the long run. No one wants to talk about it, but every athlete could have that career ending injury that ruins everything. If they athlete signed a contract to stay in school and get his degree, they have a back-up plan if sports do not work out.

This would really change the recruiting game for numerous universities. Previously offering players money outside of the scholarship is against NCAA rules, and coaches and teams recently have been getting in trouble for doing this. If teams were just allowed to pay athletes all of this sketchy rule breaking and going behind the NCAA's back would disappear. And it really would make the athlete's decision easier. Whatever school would offer more money, would usually get the top player.

If I made this much money a year... I would be unbelievably happy. It would make me want to go to practice and would really make playing soccer worth it. Especially when things get really busy and time consuming, knowing you would receive this salary would make feelings much better.

The data shows how much these coaches make... a ridiculous amount. Using a salary cap would allow for these players to get paid.

Love this idea and think it would be really motivating for student athletes. Let them know how their hard work was paying off.

This is a critical point. The amount of money that coaches and athletic directors make at universities are insanely large amounts. Instead of paying the coaches and directors that much, why can't these universities give some of that money to the athletes. The people on the field actually doing the work so that they coach and team can win. Yes, coaching is a critical part to being successful, but the players are the ones on the field putting in all the work.

I understand how amazing and awesome it is to receive a scholarship and be granted free education to great universities. But, I do not think the athletic directors and coaches take into account the toll the lifestyle of a college athletes puts on their players. The coaches do not have to deal with the physical burden that their players do. Or deal with the time management that they play constantly have to figure out. Athletic directors would rather spend money elsewhere than pay their athletic teams salaries.

This idea of paying college athletes has been around for many many years. A reoccurring theme.

What most people assume would be most difficult part of paying athletes. Especially when you have numerous different levels of money at different athletic departments. Schools in the Power 5 conferences, (Big 10, Big 12, ACC, SEC, PAC 12) tend to bring in more revenue than the smaller conferences around the country. So how can these smaller conference schools, like Western Kentucky, find ways to pay their athletes without losing large amounts of money in their athletic department and budget?

I don't think society and people realize the amount of time and energy college athletes actually dedicate their lives too. Being a college athlete I understand how my sport is basically like a job. I dedicate 20 hours a week to practices, and soccer related activities plus the 20 hours a week dedicated to school. Working a 40 hour week, I should get compensated. We do all the hard work and bring the fans.. so why don't we get salaries?

Things to note- date: written in 2016, so pretty modern for the most part. Not much has changed in the opinions of college athletes getting paid in the last couple of years. If anything the desire for college athletes to get paid has increased.

One day I hope to work in a collegiate athletic department. I have a huge passion for sports and one day wish to help student athletes achieve their goals and become successful. I believe that this field of work is something I will love to do everyday, regardless of the salary or benefits I receive. I agree with this statement the author makes because there does seem to be a clear divide between those that love their jobs and those that do not.