This entire rant amuses me. How much money does just UT make off the football program each fall? $100m plus? Sure there are expenses that come out of it, but that's the revenue it generates. Do you know who generates that revenue? Those players. Schools need students and student athletes, period.
No. Absolutely NO. The school does "need" student athletes if they choose to have a program. They do not need "THOSE" players. If "those players" do not want the scholarship offer then there are literally 1000's who would love to have a free education while living the dream of playing at that level.
They aren't biting the hand that feeds them when they're controlling their own health concerns.
Yes they are and if they're concerned about their health then they should stop playing and find another path in life. The value of the FREE education and fame they get from playing isn't limited to 4 or 5 years. It gives them a lifetime earning potential of 2 or 3 times that of the average American. You DO REMEMBER that most other students PAY FOR THAT PRIVILEGE, right? I mean I really don't understand how folks like you can employ such perverse logic.... the athlete gets something for free (and then some) that the average kid borrows $100,000 plus to do.
Colleges want kids back in dorms because it would cut into their profits if they aren't.
Yes. Schools need revenue just like everything and everyone else. Whether kids are there or not, there are costs... including the teachers you probably think should get paid regardless, right?
Colleges are business entities, and students and student athletes are their consumers and revenue generators. Just because you're pissed that a bunch of young men and women would dare stand up for their actual rights and concerns doesn't make you anywhere close to correct.
Would I be "standing up for my rights" if you agreed to teach me your trade when you normally charged someone else to learn it... and I DEMANDED that you pay me... or else? No. You offered a great deal. I took it... and can walk away if I come to believe it is "unfair" or a threat to my health.
Greedy "elite" players aren't the only ones participating in this. Most of these players are well aware that they'll never go pro, but they don't want to suit up, get sick, and potentially die for the fans' entertainment, and in a sane world we wouldn't question that right.
They don't have to. They can stupidly believe a false narrative like you have. Around 30 Americans under 24 have died from Covid since February. In the same period, far more have died due to distraction in auto accidents... are they protesting having to ride in cars? More have died of the flu and do every year in that age group... where were the protests? More will actually die of falls... where are the protests?
It's ignorance at its highest level.
Indeed it is... a false narrative scares people. They accept it uncritically then overreact.... and point fingers at others for not being "reasonable".
Their lives don't belong to the University they play for. I would love to see college, high school, and athletics in general now as much as anyone, but I'd also like for them to be in the safest environment possible... for their actual futures, and not for my entertainment.
Who said they did? Seriously. Name the person who said they did. NO ONE believes that. The athlete has a CHOICE. He can take the scholarship offer and play or he can follow his convictions and walk away from it. There are LOTS of paths in life. Any of them can do as MY SONS did and join the military to pay for college. They can work a job and take about the same course load... and maybe even cut their work hours.
NO ONE has said that THESE particular players MUST play. They can walk away if they want.
