Should college athletes get paid?

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

As the NCAA continues to investigate Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel for allegedly violating NCAA rules by being paid to sign autographs, the notion of paying college athletes continues to be tossed around.

This is not the first time players have been suspended for receiving improper benefits, and until a final decision is made, providing college athletes with financial assistance will continue to be a spirited debate.

The NCAA recently stopped selling team T-shirts on its online web store to go against contradicting its own rules and policies.

Eventually, I think college athletes will receive some type of stipend for playing, especially at large, money-making schools. After all, it’s the athletics that bring in a majority of the schools’ revenues.

But, what do you think? What do high school student-athletes think about getting paid? Many of them weighed in on this week’s Twitter-rant, and many of them are college-bound to play sports.

With the Johnny Manziel news circulating the sports world, here's today's Twitter-rant: Should college athletes get paid? Why? Why not?

Join the discussion by tweeting to @aobrien7 ...

@aobrien7 No, they are basically being paid to attend the school. Hence the term STUDENT-athlete. They are a student first in college.
— Nick Monsanto (@nickmonsanto) August 14, 2013

@aobrien7 Yes. Many people profit off them. Go to the Olympic model. Schools don't pay them, but they can sign endorsement deals.
— Matt Mencarini (@MattMencarini) August 14, 2013

@aobrien7 my grandad had a full ride to Tennessee for football but had to quit because he had ZERO money halfway through the season, so yes
— Blaine Trowell (@BlaineTrowell) August 14, 2013

@aobrien7 selling your rings and Jerseys shouldn't be allowed, but if you want a job to make money then they should let you
— Jeremiah Wilson (@JayyD_05) August 14, 2013

@aobrien7 Yeah, some aren't even allowed to get jobs. So I think there should be a line drawn on where your income is coming from.
— Jeremiah Wilson (@JayyD_05) August 14, 2013

@aobrien7 Absolutely not. Dividing among every athlete in every sport would be difficult.
— Gavin Ewbank (@GavinEwbank2013) August 14, 2013

@aobrien7 And who are you going to pay? Every athlete? Just those in sports which earn $? What about those not medically cleared to play?
— Jason Wheeler (@jwheeler715) August 14, 2013

@aobrien7 No. Meals, housing, medical, books, tuition: all covered. Plus, many qualify and get Pell Grants.
— Jason Wheeler (@jwheeler715) August 14, 2013

@aobrien7 no, they're getting paid in education. should they be good enough to make it to the professional level, that's when they get paid
— Kevin Dale (@KDNeverStops) August 14, 2013

@aobrien7 No. Colleges should cover the cost of attending the school over four years but nothing extra. Actual pay is for professional teams
— Olga Nushtayeva (@olgan04) August 14, 2013

@aobrien7 no, they're getting paid in scholarships, they're getting to go there for free or moderately free, that's their reward.
— Olivia (@Longoliviaa) August 14, 2013

@aobrien7 yes! For those who can't afford college, they have the will to study and balance out sports and school.
— Gabriella Paiz (@GabbiPaiz) August 14, 2013

@aobrien7 yes because athletes bring in most if the schools money due to the sporting events, so they should receive a cut.
— Troy Magnuson (@Troy_Magnuson) August 14, 2013

@aobrien7 No, because they are there for schooling. Their payment is scholarships and they aren't professionals.
— Bugsy Ward (@BugsyWard) August 14, 2013