Awaiting NCAA Rules on Collegiate Athletes Getting Paid for their Image, Likeness
During part of my undergraduate days, mid-late 1980s, I worked part-time at Toys “R” Us — I was paid $5.90/hour at the end. I also had a small 401k plan. Not the worst college job.
For the top college athletes their sport is their college job. Their scholarship may cover tuition, books, room & board, but it doesn’t help them if they have family that needs financial help. And what if they get injured during playing college sports? Yes, they’re getting a degree that’ll help later on, but to stay in college many of the top athletes pass on a lucrative professional contract that would allow them to help their family now — while hoping they don’t get a career-ending injury.
Most college athletes aren’t anticipating a big contract after graduation, nor should they expect big endorsement deals during college. Though I could see local businesses offering sponsorship to popular team athletes. I can also see problems with male players getting more & bigger deals than female players who’re just as popular/talented.
Here’s the results of the recent non-scientific Sunday Poll:
Q: Should College Athletes Be Able To Get Paid For Their Name, Image, or Likeness?
- Yes: 10 [47.62%]
- Unsure: 6 [28.57%]
- No: 3 [14.29%]
- Don’t care: 2 [9.52%]
It’ll be interesting to see how the NCAA writes & enforces the new rules around college athletes.
Also, congrats to the SLU women’s soccer team for getting to play in the NCAA Tournament.
— Steve Patterson