It is hard for me to read the article "Colter Takes Northwestern Player Union Case to Capitol Hill" without laughing. Not because it is poorly written or because it is actually intended to be funny, but because of the idea of a collegiate players union. The article speaks about a group of athletes trying to form a union for college athletes everywhere. Led by Kain Colter, Northwestern's former quarterback, the players are trying to argue that they are "employees" of the university. As "employees" they believe they deserve to, "form a union and bargain collectively."Some of the benefits these "employees" would like include health and safety benefits, health care after graduation, and a share in the millions of dollars the NCAA brings in. The article goes on to say that the idea of passing Congress seems unlikely, but if it does it will change college athletics, which is unfortunate because college athletics is what I like more than any other level of sports.One of the reasons I like college sports better than professional sports is because college athletes are competing the whole game for the love of the game while I'd be lucky to find half of the professional athletes doing the same. The reason is money. Professional athletes get paid regardless of whether they win or lose so they are not always giving everything they have. If college athletes start getting paid, they may not give their 100% as well. This brings me to my next point, college athletics is a privilege, not a job. Scholarshipstats.com says that 7.6% of all male high school athletes are lucky enough to play college sports. If a scholarship athlete still thinks they have it rough, then I am sure the other 92.4% would love to have their spot. Apparently going to school for free while representing your school is not enough. Tuition at Northwestern is a little over
$45,000 a year. If you happen to be a four year athlete who does not leave early to go pro then you will have received a free tuition that costs regular students $180,000. Tell me again why we should pay athletes more than they are already receiving in free education? Thousands of students would love to be able to afford to go to school at Northwestern. To think that the athletes that go there for free want more benefits and rewards is sickening and selfish. Paying players destroys competition. The day that college athletes are paid is the day I stop watching college athletics.
