Student-athletes who play for big sports colleges scored major wins in two key developments last week. The result may be a more level playing field for the schools — and for the kids generating their profits.
First, the National Collegiate Athletic Association agreed to let its top five conferences offer players more generous scholarships. Grants might even cover medical expenses and the full cost of getting a degree.
Second, federal Judge Claudia Wilken ruled that the NCAA’s ban on letting athletes profit from the use of their likenesses is a violation of antitrust laws.
Ed O’Bannon, a former UCLA basketball star, had sued after seeing his image in video games years after he had graduated.
The NCAA vows to appeal. But its president, Mark Emmert, says the ruling could “fundamentally shift intercollegiate athletics.” He’s right — and even if it doesn’t, other pending and recent lawsuits will.
The sooner, the better.
After all, who can deny that the status quo is exploitative? While some colleges make millions off their sports programs, student athletes can be left high and dry.
Schools are more interested in kids’ athletic skills than their academic achievements. As a result, students — especially those who don’t go pro (i.e., most of them) — can be left not only with college bills, but no real education, either.
For too long, colleges have claimed their players are amateurs and fair compensation would ruin that. We’d say the big money that flows in from these programs undercut that claim long ago.
Now, players might soon be part of the game, too.