Is the trade off "fair"/equivalent? (Money side of College Football)

That is an outstanding point!!!

Forbes rated the most valuable college football programs in America, and the Crimson Tide ranked seventh, at $70 million. Forbes wrote “Alabama may be re-building on the field, but is still in a strong position off of it.”

You know, we often see the argument about teachers/prof's don't make as much money as the staff on football teams. That is even greater point of argument when people discuss the impact they potentially have when society is concerned. That statement in itself proves that people talking about all of this are ignorant of human nature. In a perfect world, we'd see the charities, aid projects, research areas, etc. as the #1 groups raking in donations, on the forefront of each and every American.

But, that isn't the case. The fact is that we, as football fans, spend our money on tickets, pay-per-view, merchandise, etc. before we decide which charitable org's we may give some money to. The coaches that are paid these 6-7 figures per year aren't the ones that created this situation, they are the ones reaping the benefits.

Which, leads me to this question.

IF you have a program that is making this 70 million figure that's been thrown out there. And, you decide to pay a coaching staff monies in the millions to maintain that cash flow, isn't that just plain ole' common business sense?

 

I'm not suggesting that it actually be done because due to creating a true unfair advantage to smaller market schools it can't. I'm just putting a spotlight on how much guaranteed money these kids put in the pockets of a lot of employees and making many of them financially secure the rest of their lives yet the student's so called "benefits" have so many built in uncertainties and contegancies.

I'm just saying it would be nice if the students had a little more true guarantees built into their end of the equation. I was suggesting a way to do it if it would be allowed. Playing pretend in other words. Sorry if I wasn't clear.

 

OK.

Just for the sake of an ironic observation.

If you look at the coaches and Ath. Dept. Directors around the SEC you'll find the majority of those people left their collegiate career under the same circumstances. A future full of uncertainty with a lot of contingencies that were unknown at that time and place in their lives.

And, if I may add, the millions generated by the Athletic Dept's isn't all coming from those games these kids participate in. Heck, you'd have to go back a century+ with credits to fully recognize why the programs are so successful financially.

Brandon Brooks is a player that comes to mind right now. He wasn't a "big-time" contributor to the program, but, just the point of him being a player on our squad opened a door for him in the financial district with a job in ATL. It wasn't just his name, but the effort he excerted when he was in school combined with who he was and his reputation.

Last, but not least, I have to wonder just how many of the players we are talking about would even be in college if it the opportunity to play football/athletics didn't even exist.

 

Some have taken issue with my comments regarding the value of promotional time and the potential future income.


Even if you look at this on a probability basis, with an expected payout for each player, I would still find that the opportunity exceeds much of what is available to regular students. No other graduate - or dropout - can make millions their first year out. Not every athlete does, but the possibility not only exists, but typically occurs with each class. What percentage of grads from each respective department or college become millionaires? In my view, it is a fair tradeoff. For those who don't become millionaire professionals, they can still leverage their collegiate notoriety later in life. Do not overlook the value of an established reputation. Further, what is the value of the experience alone?

If the student athlete blows his or her opportunity for an education, that is their problem. More than a few stellar athletes have shown you can do both. It is tough, for sure, but they are given additional help. What is the value of all the academic assistance?

 

To echo that statement a bit...

How many times have you seen job opportunities advertised with the phrase "sports minded people wanted?"

 

How many politicians or professionals leverage their college career?

We all know of some doctor, lawyer, or financial services rep who plays up their college athletic experience. Even if they never went pro, it helps them generate momentum. If nothing else, it is a name you recognize, and allows them a foot in the door or aids in starting a conversation. For someone in business, those 10 seconds are priceless.

I am not saying that this alone guarantees success. It most certainly has value, however, that can't be ignored.

As well, let's try this in reverse. Imagine if one could buy their way onto a team. What do you think the going price would be for starting QB? How about just a place on the team. I suggest the price would exceed the face value of a full scholarship.

 

Most people leave college with these uncertainties. I know I did. But most people (including me) in college are not directly involved and are not a primary component of a mega revenue center that brings millions upon millions of dollars to the university. Enabling coaches to sign contracts that get into the seven figure variety. Enabling assistant coaches to draw six figures salaries and so on. A LOT of people connected to the university enjoy very wealthy lifestyles that are directly because of the money coming from football.

It would be interesting to see the effect on the university if the revenue from football operations wasn't there.

 

It depends on the education the student-athelete receives. If you're getting a first rate education at ND, which will prepare you for the rest of your life, then I think its a fair trade. But, too many college players go to schools with a second rate education, where they don't even receive a second rate education. Instead, they're shuttled into majors which they have no interest or utility because those majors have been designated athlete friendly.

 

:dis:
Just when I think you became a better poster you prove me wrong.