So, Bob. You like the status quo. We get that. I even applaud that you have a point of view. But, change should occur in the arena of college sports and I think that taking away the scholarship status accomplishes more good than bad. First, it allows the college athlete to negotiate. When a student has classes to take and needs flexibility in the schedule to accomplish the necessary study to deeply understand a subject, you can not get that with the current situation. With information doubling every 9 months in most fields, how can a student develop full understanding if they can not participate in that knowledge creation? If they are in the weight room, in the video room, in meetings, on the practice field and conducting self drills, where does the student gain advanced study time. Yes, the student gets basic study in and can meet the grades, but where does advanced study come in under this scenario? It simply can not.
By moving to a pay for play model, the student can spend money independently and spend time more freely if given the opportunity for flexible scheduling.
Since I will always advocate for academics over sports, I would suggest the following.
All athletes need to try out for the team from the existing student body.
All students can compete or tryout for the paid job of representing the school.
Recruiting be banned.
Students get recruited for scheduling, ticket taking, and everything related to the management of the sport, including coaching and training.
Pay for full workers compensation.
If the television contract goes away as a result, no loss function.
