Because of these limitations, some athletes are forced to live near poverty. I remember hearing about a football player who did not even own a shirt and tie to wear to his team's athletic banquet. This is only one example of many instances where these athletes are forced to live a sub standard lifestyle. Too many athletes are going through school without financial support. Some athletes become very desperate during these financially difficult times, which may even lead an athlete to criminal activities such as stealing in order to get what they need to survive. People should consider these issues before condemning college athletes.
Not only are many athletes living in poverty, many are also having to find a way to pay for school. Apparently, it is perceived that all collegiate athletes have full scholarships. While this may be true for some athletes, it is not the case for all of them. For example the men's baseball team at Mississippi State University (MSU) gets eleven and a half scholarships a year. They have thirty-five players on their team. This means that some of these athletes may only receive scholarships for as little as their books. In this case, the athlete is now responsible for paying tuition and all the other expenses of college. Mathematically speaking, this type of scholarship means that some kids are rewarded about two and half-dollars for every hour of practice they attend. Raising tuition money is a major reason why many athletes have to live in poverty. An athlete gives a lot of time to their team, but in return, some of these athletes receive little or nothing in terms of scholarships or financial support from their school. When one considers an athlete's situation, it is quite conceivable why taking a new pair of shoes from an alumnus doesn't sound bad at all.
Not only do athletes struggle financially, many are forced to live in an extreme poverty of time.
