Word Meaning
An endorsement is when a company pays an athlete to promote or advertise their products, such as Nike paying a basketball player to wear their shoes.
What is the author's main claim about whether college athletes should be paid?
The author argues that college athletes should not be paid because it would create more problems than benefits, such as unfair advantages for wealthier schools and financial strain on smaller programs.
What evidence does the author use to support the argument that college athletes should be paid?
The author cites the NCAA's $1 billion revenue, the hardships of student-athletes, Zion Williamson’s injury, and how paying athletes could reduce recruitment scandals.
Which side believes that paying athletes would create an unfair advantage for wealthier schools?
The opponents of paying athletes.
hat professional sports model does the argument in favor of paying college athletes compare to?
The free-market system in professional sports, where athletes earn based on their market value.
Define "camaraderie" and explain why opponents of paying college athletes believe it could be harmed.
Camaraderie refers to the bond and friendship among teammates. Opponents argue that if athletes were paid different salaries, jealousy and competition could disrupt team unity.
How does the author structure the argument to present both sides of the debate?
The author first presents arguments in favor of paying athletes, then lists counterarguments, and finally concludes that the negatives outweigh the positives.
What evidence is given to argue against paying college athletes?
The article mentions that very few college athletic departments make a profit, that only a few sports generate revenue, and that scholarships already provide significant financial benefits.
Who argues that scholarships and perks are enough compensation for college athletes?
The opponents of paying athletes.
How is the Olympic model used as an argument in favor of paying athletes?
Like Olympians, college athletes could earn money through endorsements and control of their likeness.
What is a “bidding war,” and how might it impact college sports?
A bidding war is when different schools compete by offering more money to attract top athletes. This could make it so only wealthy schools can afford the best players, making college sports less competitive.
What role does the example of Zion Williamson play in the argument?
Zion Williamson’s injury is used as anecdotal evidence to support the idea that paying athletes might encourage them to stay in college longer instead of leaving early for professional leagues.
How does the statistic about a third of student-athletes considering staying longer if paid strengthen the pro-payment argument?
It suggests that financial incentives could keep talented athletes in college longer, benefiting both the athletes and their schools.
Which side believes that paying athletes would encourage them to stay in school longer?
The proponents of paying athletes.
Why is Nike mentioned in the argument for paying athletes?
Nike profits from college athletes’ performances and endorsements, yet those athletes receive none of the financial benefits.
The article describes recruitment scandals. What does “entice” mean in this context?
"Entice" means to lure or tempt someone with something desirable. In the article, schools used improper benefits like money and gifts to persuade athletes to join their teams.
How does the final paragraph serve to strengthen the author’s claim?
The final paragraph reinforces the idea that the current system benefits the most students and that introducing salaries would only help a few while harming the majority.
Identify one piece of anecdotal evidence and explain its effectiveness.
The Zion Williamson injury example is anecdotal evidence. It is effective because it provides a real-world case of how an unpaid athlete risked his future career without financial compensation.
Why do some argue that paying athletes could reduce recruitment scandals?
Because salaries would be openly regulated, reducing the need for under-the-table deals and unethical recruiting practices.
How might requiring college athletes to sign contracts impact their education and future careers?
It could encourage them to complete their degrees, but it could also limit their ability to turn professional when the opportunity arises.
: Define "non-profit organization" and explain why the NCAA considers itself one.
A non-profit organization reinvests its revenue into its mission rather than distributing profits to owners. The NCAA considers itself non-profit because it redistributes 95% of its earnings to schools, scholarships, and athletic programs.
The author uses multiple rhetorical questions. How do they impact the argument?
Rhetorical questions make the reader think critically about the consequences of paying athletes, subtly reinforcing the author's viewpoint without directly stating it.
The article states that fewer than a dozen of the 350 Division I athletic departments make a profit. How does this fact weaken the argument for paying athletes?
It suggests that most schools can’t afford to pay athletes, meaning that implementing salaries could lead to financial struggles and fewer opportunities for student-athletes overall.
Which side claims that NCAA revenue is mostly reinvested into scholarships and programs? How does this support their argument?
The opponents of paying athletes. This supports their argument by showing that reducing NCAA revenue to pay athletes would take away funding from other important educational and athletic programs.
How does the argument about small college programs suffering relate to real-world economic issues like wealth distribution?
It mirrors how economic inequality allows wealthier organizations (or schools) to dominate while smaller ones struggle to compete, creating an unfair playing field.