College players are making it clear...it's about the money.
Before Florida beat up on Ohio State in the BCS Championship game...some of the players were reminded that this year's 30+ bowl games would generate more than $210 million for NCAA schools.
In the past six years alone, more than $900 million has poured in.
Phoenix hoped to rake in $350 million in tourism revenue and Fox promised $320 million for a four-year deal to broadcast Fiesta, Sugar, Orange Bowls and the Title game.
The NCAA has a limit of $500 in gifts for players - watches, first-class meals and VIP treatment at posh resorts.
One Ohio State guard echoed the sentiment of other players - ""We all deserve more money. We're the reason this money's coming in. We're the guys out there sacrificing our bodies. We're taking years off our lives out here hitting each other, and we're not being compensated for it."
Uh...last time I checked a four year scholarship - tuition, room and board, expenses - abt. $100K. Plust an education and a future. Not worth anything?
A Florida tackle - "I've got to admit, sometimes I look in my hand and look in their hand. I believe players should get a little bit more than what they're getting. I don't want to sound like I'm greedy. It's just reality. I believe players should be paid, because I'm broke."
How about a class in money management for free instead?
What, these kids play 12-14 games a year and they want more? Just because they see there is more to be had?
How about divving up the winnings and let ALL the students in these schools get a discount in their tuition? After all, it's the tuition payers whose money is divided up so the ballplayers can receive a scholarship.
Shouldn't the average student or average mom and dad paying the tuition costs get a refund on their investment?
Ohio State's head coach thinks the payoff is in the career down the road...for the 55% of his players that graduate. His payoff was more immediate....$200k for getting his team to the game on top of his $2.6 million contract.
College football...college sports - it's about the money.
What do you think?
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