Last week, two S.C lawmakers announced their plan to propose a bill that would allow college athletes to be paid (in January, when the General Assembly reconvenes) – following the lead of California, who just became the first state to pass a “Fair Pay to Play” bill (but is still waiting on a final approval or veto). The new law would allow schools to put money into a trust fund for players of “profitable sports” (like football and basketball) to collect after they graduate + make them eligible to earn money via sponsorships + autograph sales (it is unclear if the players would be able to pocket these profits immediately or post-graduation).

What does the NCAA say about college athletes being compensated?

Here’s a summary of the NCAA eligibility regulations, which currently states players cannot be compensated for amatuer sports.* But earlier this year, the NCAA announced they would appoint a working group to look into athletes being compensated for name, image and likeness benefits – with their findings expected to be shared sometime in October.

Some people from South Carolina athletics have weighed in:

Coach Will Muschamp, the University of South Carolina’s head football coach is in favor of the bill, stating, “I’m absolutely in support of it.”

Connor Shaw, former Gamecock quarterback who would have profited from the bill,† has said “there’s a place for it,” but thinks it would never be equal.

Ray Tanner, UofSC’s athletics director is not necessarily in favor of the bill, stating that it gives him “angst.”

Coach Dabo Swinney, Clemson University’s head football coach (who is currently the highest paid college football coach in history) is against college athletes being paid, and has said he would “do something else” if a bill like this were passed.

We posted about the bill on our social media and asked our followers what they thought about it. Check out what they said and join the conversation on Facebook + Instagram.

In favor:

“The proposal would allow athletes to earn money from their own likeness. For example, an athlete could sign a sneaker contract or do a commercial for Gillette. It wouldn't cost the universities a penny. I'm all for it. Why prevent athletes from earning money? There is no such restriction on any other student on campus.” – Rob H.

“Absolutely in favor. They put their bodies on the line each week for others entertainment, they should absolutely be compensated” @i_am_april

“No one is proposing that universities pay student athletes a salary. They are proposing that student Athletes earn a stipend and have the opportunity to earn money from their name.

I don't understand how anyone could be against someone owning their own name” – Ben I.

“Unlike regular students, they're not allowed to work during the school year so they should get paid.” –@waccamatt

“I mean NCAA is a business. It’s not some happy, just some kids being in college idea that they market it as. They’re bringing in lots of money. I wish I wouldn’t have to be paying student loans for several years also but I also recognize I did not participate in an organization that brings in so much money. It doesn’t make sense for the several millions of dollars they’re bringing in to go to coaches and the NCAA and only now it’s being proposed to say ‘hey here’s $5k and you can actually make money from using your name’” – @pillsburydoeboi24

Not in favor:

“Nope your pay is FREE school!!!!!!” – @scmom2

“Terrible idea. Between the transfer portal and “sponsorships” it would create the same level of mediocrity we see in the NFL these days. Be careful what you wish for.” – Ryan W.

“I’m in the camp of, they already get paid! School ain’t cheap!” – @ahartin

“WHY would we EVER want to follow CA’s lead? No.” – Melissa D.

“They are paid every day with their full scholarships, which provide room and board, books, food, tutors and access to million dollar facilities. The requirements for college athletes are never what they are for regular students and if you think they are, you're fooling yourself. They already receive a stipend to live off campus if they choose to do so. That's a lot more than any other college student receives” – @4causeysandlilo

“What makes them any different than professional athletes at that point? The premise is absurd. Go play in a different arena then. No one is forcing you to play there. Never, ever.” – @real_chet_manley

Footnotes

*Some NCAA athletes, like tennis players, can currently accept up to $10,000 in prize money.

†There are currently 25 autographed jerseys from former Gamecock players available for sale on sportsmemorabilia.com – with values ranging from $137.99-$550.99.

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