College Athletes A Small Monthly Stipend example essay topic

Dear NCAA Executive Committee, My name is David Brown and I am the starting quarterback for the Nittany Lions here a Penn State University. I am writing to you on behalf of my fellow intercollegiate athletes, because I feel as though we are being used. Each year my Penn State teammates and I, as well as other high-profile college teams generate millions of dollars in revenue, yet we do not get paid for our services. Millions of dollars are made every year from food, drinks, tickets, and merchandise sales because of our strenuous work, not to mention the billions of dollars made from selling TV rights to our games to major networks.

Intercollegiate sports are a big business in which the players are "slave laborers". I am not suggesting that we be given an annual salary, but I feel that we should be given stipend or some financial assistance in addition to scholarship money. For the past few years many have argued that student-athletes should be thankful for their educational opportunities in college, including the cost of tuition, books, room and board (which would be around $17,000 here at Penn State). Many also argue that if we are paid for our performances, other college talents should be paid for their contributions to their schools.

However, when one looks at the vast difference in the amounts of money that different groups bring in, it makes sense why we are resentful at the millions of dollars being made off of our sweat and tears. For instance my former teammate Larry Johnson put his heart and soul into playing for the past four years. His jerseys were sold for $50 each all year around, and he never saw a dime of that money. This is just one of the many examples of unfair compensation.

Each year we are under enormous pressure to perform well in the classroom and in sports and I feel that if we were given a stipend it would help alleviate some of stress we go through. As college athletes we give up many freedoms. Going to parties, hanging out with friends, or relaxing is just a few of the activities that we are unable to take part in. One of the biggest freedoms we give up is being able to hold a part time job.

Although the NCAA recently lifted the rule that stated "players are not allowed to hold jobs during their playing season", it is nearly impossible for us to work. Virtually all of our time is divided between practice and academics and we don't have the energy told hold a part time job. How do you expect us to have money for everyday expenditures? My mother is a single parent nurse with two boys and two girls and it is very difficult for her to send me money to take care of my needs. I know there are many other athletes out there that are in similar financial situations.

Since most of our time is taken up with practice, training, and games we should be given a sufficient amount of money to live on. Without a stipend it is very difficult to keep up with our many expenses such as phone bills, transportation, entertainment, laundry, toiletries, etc. All I am asking is that we are given money to subsidize, if not to cover our expenses. Another reason why we should be given further financial assistance is because each year there is a growing number of college athletes who turn pro. Many athletes turn pro before they have graduated because they are forced to financially.

In the last NBA draft this past June, the top ten picks alone were underclassmen (Sports Illustrated, 264). While the percentage of college athletes turning pro is currently at 3%, it will continue to grow as long as athletes are not given any incentive to stay. Many athletes, me included, come from families who do not have a lot of money and the deals offered by agents sound very appealing. Take Michael Vick of the Atlanta Falcons for example, he left Virginia Tech before completion and is now making millions as the youngest starting quarterback in the NFL. A multi-million dollar NFL career sounds much more enticing than a broke, financially unstable college career. By paying college athletes a small monthly stipend, more of the impressive college athletes who go on to become professional athletes will give more thought to waiting for their millions and finishing their college education.

As prominent intercollegiate athletes, we represent a small bulk of the population. Few people are aware of the hard work and dedication that we have given to our individual sports. We devote countless hours to the field, court, arena, and weight room. In addition to our sports we are expected to maintain good academic standing.

Every game we play we draw fans, play our best, and bring a good reputation to our schools. We feel that because of this commitment to our sport, and because of all the profits we bring into our schools, we should in return, be compensated greater than scholarship money. We are tired of feeling forced to take payments and gifts under the table, hiding from the NCAA. It is time that we stand up for ourselves, and in return, be paid for our services. Sincerely, David Brown