Letter to the NCAA

To: The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) 700 Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206

Subject: A Call for Responsible Reform in Athlete Compensation

Dear Sir/Madam,

As both a sales manager and a dedicated sports fan, I regularly share insights on enhancing productivity in the workplace. However, I feel compelled to address a growing concern that affects the integrity of college athletics. Like many others, I believe the issue of compensating student-athletes requires careful consideration, and I must express my disagreement with the current methods being employed.

While I agree that talented student-athletes deserve to be compensated for their skills and contributions, I strongly believe the manner in which they are being paid is flawed and potentially harmful to both their academic and professional futures.

Student-athletes, just like any other students attending higher education institutions, are there to learn. Their primary purpose is to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to secure a successful career in their chosen field. Paid Athletes ate attending college to learn the skills required to become professional athletes.

Here are a few suggestions for reform:

1. Athletic Focus: If an athlete is being compensated, their academic schedule t be optional. They should be allowed to attend class and pursue an academic degree if they so desire. However, they should have to pay for that degree just like everyone else. The amount of compensation can then be adjusted accordingly.
2. Deferring Payments: Any compensation awarded to student-athletes should be deferred until graduation. The full amount should then be paid out annually over the course of their working years, with the final payment occurring when they turn 65, adjusted annually for inflation. This ensures that the athletes are incentivized to complete their education and develop life skills that will serve them long after their athletic careers have ended.
3. Equity for All Students: Traditional students who pay to attend college do not begin earning income from their profession until graduation. They also bear the cost of their education. Similarly, athletes who are paid to learn their sport should wait until they have graduated to receive their full compensation, with the exception being in cases of career-ending injuries, where payment could be made upon the graduation date of their senior class.
4. Financial Responsibility: Putting millions of dollars into the hands of teenagers is not only irresponsible, it is also unfair to the other students who are required to focus on their academics and earn their way into the workforce after graduation. It creates an inequitable situation where some students are compensated before they have earned their degrees, while others must wait.
5. Encouraging Professional Career Paths: If a student-athlete believes this approach is unfair, they are free to pursue a professional career in their sport directly out of high school. However, if they choose to attend college, they should accept the terms of deferral. Should they not transition to a professional career, they can use their deferred payments to contribute toward their education, much like the majority of their peers.

In conclusion, my intent is not to diminish the importance of college athletics, but rather to restore a sense of fairness and integrity to both the academic and athletic experiences at our universities. I urge you to reconsider the current system and implement reforms that support both the educational and professional growth of student-athletes.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your consideration of these suggestions.

Sincerely, [Your Name] A College-Educated Fan