Manziel’s Dilemma

Once again, the NCAA is investigating another player, Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M for off the field violations. To be specific, the NCAA is trying to nab another student-athlete for what he “allegedly did”–receiving payment for something he owns–his autograph during his time at the BCS Championship.

I understand their are rules and laws provided by governing agencies and rules should be followed. However, there are times when rules need to be changed. If the NCAA wants to be a more effective and relevant organization, it should really consider changing its rules and regulations regarding student-athletes and what financial funds they may have.

It does not make sense why student-athletes cannot be paid. Some may say paying student-athletes is not amateurism. I would like to know why not. Why is it that if a student does not pay college athletics he or she can work? Why is it that the non student-athlete can receive a free meal from a professor or coach even if he is receiving an academic scholarship? That student isn’t penalized, so stop penalizing student-athletes.

The NCAA, sports conferences, universities, sponsors are all making hundreds of millions of dollars on these amateur athletes. College sports is big business. Various sports organizations and sponsors are making major money off the likeness of players, their autographs, apparel, and so forth. It is time for the student-athletes to get their piece of the pie.

And please no crying Mr. or Ms. university administrator or sponsor or NCAA about the complexities especially with Title IX; you are highly educated, and hopefully, bright individuals who should be able to sit down and figure it out. If there were no college athletes, you would hurry to figure out as your coffers started to dry up. Now, please pay the student-athletes their due and leave them alone about what they do with things that they themselves own or have earned.