Why not change that so that the big money-making sports (i.e., football and basketball) players are actually paid a wage and not expected to attend college? I can’t be the first person to come up with that idea, especially since I’m not at all into sports.
Better yet, make the NBA and NFL foot the bill for their own farm team program, rather than the taxpayers, via public institutions of higher learning.
I have thought along those lines too, but fear it would ultimately force out the legitimate sports and students (There are some). And what would be the point of it all? The pretense that it is a team of the school’s students is what attracts alumni interest and money — even if we all know it’s a scam. Why not go back to low-budget amateur teams with real students? No reduced admissions requirements or scholarships for athletes.
Years ago I followed some pro and college sports, but got disgusted with the hype, delusions, and complete lack of standards.