College Football: Paying the Players is an Issue that will remain after the remaining Bowl Games are played

Remaining College Bowl Games:
Jan. 3 Sugar Bowl Michigan vs. Virginia Tech 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 4 Orange Bowl West Virginia vs. Clemson 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 6 Cotton Bowl Kansas State vs. Arkansas 5 p.m.
Jan. 7 BBVA Compass Bowl SMU vs. Pittsburgh 10 a.m.
Jan. 8 GoDaddy.com Arkansas St. vs. Northern Illinois  6 p.m.
Jan. 9 BCS National Championship LSU vs. Alabama  5:30 p.m.

In the meantime, as a follow-up to my post last August It’s not just about the U in which I discussed the University of Miami football program and issues arising from the Nevin Shapiro scandal (which now pales in comparison to the horrendous issues of Penn State), I concluded with the following question: "Why is it that everybody but the players is making big-time money off major college sports today?"

Now in a thoughtful article in the New York Times, Joe Nocera answers that question with a proposal well worth the time to read in full for anyone having an interest in major college football or basketball. Let’s Start Paying College Athletes - NYTimes.com: ". . . The hypocrisy that permeates big-money college sports takes your breath away. College football and men’s basketball have become such huge commercial enterprises that together they generate more than $6 billion in annual revenue, more than the National Basketball Association. A top college coach can make as much or more than a professional coach; Ohio State just agreed to pay Urban Meyer $24 million over six years. Powerful conferences like the S.E.C. and the Pac 12 have signed lucrative TV deals, while the Big 10 and the University of Texas have created their own sports networks. . . . College sports will become more honest once players are paid, and more honorable. Fans will be able to enjoy football and men’s basketball without having to avert their eyes from the scandals and the hypocrisy. . . " 

Tweet    Follow @johnmpoole