I know that I'm probably in the minority here, but I am of the opinion that college athletes have always been "paid." I personally consider a full ride scholarship, with tuition, fees, books, room, and board completely covered, to be rather significant payment, especially given the fact that for some schools this benefit can reach well into six figures.
I do get the original spirit of the NIL: that if some car dealership, restaurant, video game company, etc. wants to use a collegiate athlete to advertise their business, the business should be allowed to, and the athlete should be compensated for it. But the NIL has opened up a huge can of worms that, like Dementia Joe, I worry is going to lead to several of the mid majors not having the resources to compete. If that happens they will have no choice but to drop athletics, which will cut the access to college for countless athletes. That, to me, would be a tragedy.
1075thefan.com
