Quite contrary, its obvious that they finally do.
Bigtime football is awash with $$$.
The players see EVERYONE else getting paid....except for the ones doing the actual work and playing on the field.
Don't tell me about the NCAA chump change atheletic scholarships. I had academic scholarships, and knew others on scholarships that allowed us to live many times better than any player while in college with no restrictions on additional income, besides maintaining a grade point average.
What is the NFL league minimum? Not sure on the exact amount, but I believe it was 400K last time I checked. Those players have to pay for their house, all their own bills, food, etc out of that amount.
I'll agree the players should be able to make extra money off their likeness or even get an additional job like anyone else in college. However, A few facts and data for the people on the side of fence that these players are exploited and not compensated fairly for what they do.
1) What percentage of these players would be attending these
academic institutions if it wasn't for sports. The majority would not make it in. The standards for them to attend are lowered and they are provided a platform to showcase their talents for possible professional career along with the additional compensation we'll get into. Not to mention the support system and networking after they leave. All these schools have been around long before any of the current players were even alive and will be when they leave. No specific player makes College Football. The Universities with all their alum and fans is the driving force. That's why people still root for their teams, attend games, and watch on TV after a player graduates. You don't think they would still do all that if they pulled players from the regular student body to fill the teams like the old days? I mean the talent would take a hit, but everyone would still watch to see if their school was the best. There's still a leather football and 100 yards of grass to play on and for people to watch.
2) That chump change athletic scholarship is still worth just as much as an academic one. Some schools that's 50K-75K or more depending on the school. Not to mention housing, food, general bills (water, lights, etc) which is another 25K-30K. No student loan debt to pay back
3) The get also get free tutoring, free apparel, and other sport related perks that general students do not get which that dollar amount is not really known.
4) The get a degree from a major university that they can use on a job application if they are not able go pro that has untold future earning possibilities.
So we know they're getting compensation at around 100K overall a year. The myth that these players are not compensated and exploited is a bunch of bullsh*t.