Better solutions

The topic of California’s new bill, the Fair Pay to Play bill, was bound to create disagreements. Some say it is the perfect solution to the collegiate sports dilemma. I personally think that the bill is a little too extreme. The average annual tuition cost was $13,947 for the 2017-2018 school year. This amounts to just under $56,000. The idea of giving that amount and a substantial amount of pay is outrageous.

Also, since not all states have passed a similar bill, it will entice athletes to play for California schools — the start of a bidding war of sorts in college sports. Student athletes don’t only get a free education but also get a potential pathway to play their sport professionally. Not to mention the access to training facilities they receive.

I am an avid athlete myself, and don’t think it is right to pay athletes any substantial amount. I think that if colleges just paid for their athletes essentials like food, housing, and utility and phone bills. Then possibly a bit more to pay for any additional spending the athlete may want.

Another possible solution could be to pay athletes minimum wage for their services in addition to the education they are receiving. This would stop bigger schools from having a monopoly on college skill. I think California’s bill was rushed and that there is a better solution to the problem.

Ben Shannon

Spokane