A Masters Degree Is A Solution To Compensation Of Student-Athletes
Feb 27, 2019, 10:19 AM
Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts after a play against the Clemson Tigers during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Salt Lake City, Utah – The age-old argument of paying college athletes was re-awakened when Zion Williamson blew through his Nike shoe. Jason Buck and Scott Mitchell, former student-athletes, said student-athletes need to be compensated.
Williamson, a Duke Blue Devil, is the projected to be the number one pick in the upcoming NBA draft, but has missed two games after blowing out of his sneaker. He will likely miss more with a grade one sprain of his right knee.
There is no time table on his recovery, according to Duke head coach, Mike Krzyzewski.
Some, including Isaiah Thomas, a high profile NBA player, think Williamson should sit for the rest of the season and prepare for the draft.
Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz star, took to Twitter to express his frustration with the situation. He tweeted, “Again let’s remember all the money that went into this game…. and these players get none of it…. and now Zion gets hurt… something has to change,” directed at the NCAA.
Again let’s remember all the money that went into this game…. and these players get none of it…. and now Zion gets hurt… something has to change @NCAA
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) February 21, 2019
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Athletes are not “normal” students
On Rivals Podcast, Scott Mitchell, former Utah and NFL quarterback and Jason Buck, former BYU defensive end, gave their solutions to the argument of compensating college athletes.
Mitchell and Buck agree that athletes who play sports, like basketball and football, that make universities money should be compensated.
“Athletes are not normal college students,” Mitchell led his argument.
Mitchell argued that student-athletes in football and basketball generate “millions upon millions” of dollars for their universities.
It is typical of colleges to ask for large donations from former athletes after they graduate. Mitchell pointed out just how ironic this is.
“It’s like why…I’ve made you millions of dollars and now you want more?” said Mitchell on Rivals Podcast.
Athletes Generate Revenue Post-Graduation
Buck pointed out that’s not the only way they make money from former student-athletes. Universities use the name and brand of the former athlete to continue generating revenue long after they are gone.
“The colleges get a huge benefit, especially when they get some superstars who go on to play professionally,” said Buck.
Hear Scott Mitchell explain why student-athletes are not “normal” students
The Solution
Buck said he understands the players don’t need to be paid like professionals in the NBA or NFL but he believes there should be more provided for these college athletes who do so much for their alma maters.
Allowing players to go back to school after they retire and get their masters degree, for free, is one of Buck’s solutions. Mitchell loved this proposal.
“That’s the least they could do,” said Buck.
If you enjoyed this analysis and conversation subscribe to Rivals podcast wherever you get your podcasts or on the KSL Sports app.
Watch the full episode below.
