March Madness is coming as the NCAA begin it’s selection of the participants in the Men’s Division 1 2011 Basketball Tournament, which begins on March 15.
This annual event brings out my annual declaration that, “College Athletes Should be Paid.” I think what triggers my annual tirade is knowing that the NCAA will rake in somewhere around $400 million during the tournament.
Now, I’m not calling for a weekly paycheck, but a scholarship and tutors are just not enough. Here are the two things which should be required by all college, junior colleges and universities.
Student athletes must be insured. 65% of all high school athletes will leave high school with chronic injuries while only 2% will go on to any kind of athletic career. 65% of all college athletes will leave with chronic injuries while only 2% will go on to any kind of athletic career. The number of athletes that succeed is extraordinarily small while the numbers who are injured are conversely very high. Every college athlete should be insured by the university to guarantee that their college scholastic career is paid for if they become injured.
Student athletes need to be encouraged to graduate. An annuity should be set-up that accumulates while in school, is increased with every season they participate and is paid out upon graduation.
Most people don’t realize how much work, training and preparation a student athlete must go through for each event. Most people don’t realize the danger of this commitment. Most people don’t realize how much money is being made by the coaches, schools, administrators and the NCAA itself.
I think it’s time to take care of the student athletes too.
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