re: What would you choose, 50K and pay taxes or 250K and pay no taxes?

quote:

---

Most public schools wouldn't be that high, though, I wouldn't think.

---

The average SEC cost (out of state) for tuition and fees is $29k. Factor in $10k for living expenses and you are right around the $40k # you mentioned.

Then, you have to account for quality of living and other amenities and perks that student-athletes receive over your typical student: health services, tutoring/academic assistance, food/supplements, personal trainers, priority classes, better dorms, etc. These all add to the value of their scholarships. Plus, stipends they receive for other living expenses

Plus, we are neglecting the fact that the NCAA, conferences, coaches and schools add to the value of a "person's individual likeness." It is essentially a unique promotional package for the "player" that includes a varied degree of exposure and opportunity. How does that factor into the value of a college athletes likeness, do they need to pay their cut on that promotion?

I am for the players being able to profit more as individuals, but do not like the condition it creates for exploitation, gray area and abuse. There are reasons the current rules exist, and yes, the rules do need to evolve. Hell, athletic scholarships led to the first real reform in college athletics, as many institutions thought that was "pay for play" and diluted the student-athlete design.

I'd rather see percentages of revenue distributed on the backend of their college years or perhaps even annually... based on merchandise sales and other marketing items directly reflecting an individuals likeness; plus, an equal distribution by sport based on revenue generated.

If the player was popular and talented enough in school, they will still have a market after school for other efforts. But, keeping the $100 dollar handshakes under the table is prefferred to guarantees of $1000s in potential endorsement deals if a player attends a certain boosters prefferred school, which is directly where this will lead. HS kids will need agents to consult with before national signing day, as it literally becomes a business decision.