[ASOC]

Players getting sh!t on and have only one real recourse, STRIKE! (insert logo of raised fist here)

In reality, these students are as close to serfs as any group these days. I have some sympathy for them.

But ya, you take the money (or scholarship) you got to work for the Man, that’s life. Hope they get it all sorted out.

[C. Edmund Wright]

Absurd dude....totally absurd.
The easiest thing in the world to do is not be a college athlete. If you don’t want the gig, don’t take it. But don’t take it and then bitch about it....

[Sideshow Bob]

"In reality, these students are as close to serfs as any group these days. I have some sympathy for them. But ya, you take the money (or scholarship) you got to work for the Man, that’s life. Hope they get it all sorted out.

Yes, these "students" have it so hard. It's horrible that...

...they are on a partial or full scholarship that is paying for their college education, room & board for 4+ years which could have a value of $180,000.
...their academic progress is supported with extra free tutoring if they give a damn about their education.
...their academic progress is optional or waived entirely if they don't give a damn about their education.
...they are forced to be on a premium food plan that is not available to ordinary students.
...they are receiving free athletic shoes and clothing.
...they don't get to choose the university employee supervising their team (don't they choose their own professors?).
...they are forced to ride a bus paid for by the university to an extracurricular athletic event instead of attending class.

Yep, I sure feel sorry for these oppressed individuals - serfdom, indeed.

[zeestephen]

I don’t disagree with your basic thesis, that college football players should draw a paycheck on top of room, board, tuition.

I’m amused by the idea that virtually all other college sports teams - men and women - would have to find some other way to support themselves, besides getting subsidies from the football and basketball programs.

One other point.....

It’s still a pretty good deal for future NFL players, though.

The NCAA is like a minor league where young elite players develop physically and showcase their skills against other young elite players for 4 or 5 years.

Also, the coaching and the training facilities are the best in the world, and, completely “free.”

All in all, if I made it the the NFL, even for one year, I can’t imagine why I would criticize my college.

For those who have no shot at pro ball, well, they have a legitimate complaint about the money.

Maybe college teams should ask the NFL to pay the kids a salary?