[itvnetop]

Excellent read, SS. The one thing the NCAA "says" it looks out for is the student-athlete. I just don't believe it. There's really no black and white answer when it comes to these student-athlete's receiving some sort of compensation, beyond the scholarship. Let's be honest- most schools don't emphasize the academic portion when it comes to D1 football players.

OK, they give these students full rides whereby these athletes wouldn't normally receive an education in higher learning. But when you're being told football is a higher priority than all else, you're pretty much not going to use that education down the road (post-football). Of course there's always exceptions to the rule- Stanford and Notre Dame promote an even balance b/t successful classroom and field performance. But for every dollar a school spends on a football player, they're making a multiple of that in revenue (which provides for the other sports, as mentioned here already).

Remember that wide receiver out of Alabama, Prothro? Sure, the Tide loved when he was catching touchdowns. As soon as he destroyed his leg, I haven't heard from him. Injuries are part of the game... but the current structure promotes an unjust outcome in case it happens. At least injured players in the NFL received payment, beforehand. Taking out insurance doesn't tip the scales, either.