One of the most popular, intriguing, and downright confusing topics of modern sports centers around one simple question: Are college athletes paid?
Historically, the answer has been an unequivocal no. Since the NCAA was founded in the early 20th century, college sports – including football – have largely operated on strict amateurism rules, meaning athletes are essentially forgoing their ability to make money and playing strictly for the love of the game. Their only compensation was scholarship money.
But as TV packages exploded into the range of tens of millions of dollars, it became more difficult for fans, players, and stakeholders everywhere to continue to pretend that this was all still a model centered around pure amateurism.'
The tension between 20th century idealism and 21st century reality eventually gave way to the current model.