Over the years, college student athletes have gained somewhat of a celebrity status. Student athletes are seen as stars and hold the weight of the world on their shoulder. Often people lose the origination of the name student athlete. A student athlete is first a student and then an athlete. The student athlete is there to receive an education while playing a sport. They are privileged to play and be a role model to others. These athletes are given a higher education degree in return for using their talent and playing their favorite sport. If the students were given a paycheck, it would change the integrity of the game in college sports. Paying student athletes would change the focus of the game. Student athletes need to remain focused on being a student who is also an athlete, not a professional athlete who attends school. .
The opportunity to play at a prestigious university, or at any university, should be looked at as a privilege and honor to that athlete. Through many years of hard work and dedication, a student athlete can be offered the deal of a lifetime: to play for their favorite college team. Many young kids spend years working hard and dreaming of becoming a college athlete, but so few ever make it. From a young age, children play their hearts out for the love of the game. These student athletes are role models and inspiration to young children. Those children just starting out want to be just like them. They have the ability to show these children the importance of getting a college education and playing because you love the sport. By giving these athletes a paycheck, the game these athletes play for pleasure becomes a job.
Student athletes are not just left to fend for themselves financially. A number of college athletes receive full ride scholarships. The scholarship covers tuition, housing, a food allowance, and other college expenses. Without the financial support of a college scholarship, many of these students would never have the opportunity to earn a degree.