Greg BellNovember 26, 2013Ms. MyszkowskiEnglish 1101Paying Players Shouldn't Be in the PlaybookIn recent years, the argument over whether or not to pay college athletes has become a topic of national debate. Currently, the ruling is that college athletes cannot be paid. It is a position that must be maintained. Paying athletes to compete at the collegiate level is unfeasible because it would cost colleges too much, influence students' educational decisions, and create an unfair financial climate between athletes and non-athletes. Paying college athletes is a bad idea because of the cost associated with it. Under the NCAA's equal rights policies and other rules, colleges are required to compensate all athletes, regardless of gender, sport played, college advertising in the sport, or proficiency in the sport. That means colleges like the University of Tennessee, which has more than 500 student-athletes, would have to devote a large portion of their athletic budget to paying student-athletes. According to Jim Walker, these massive costs could lead universities to close less profitable activities like tennis or golf, in an effort to save money for big money-making sports like football and basketball (1) . Women's sports would also be targeted, as they generally operate at a higher cost than they generate revenue (Walker 1). For colleges operating on lower budgets, having athletic programs can become completely impossible. As sportswriter Al Dunning said: “Where are athletes going to play – and receive scholarships – when all but the richest schools go bankrupt?” (1) The promise of a salary could certainly be a deciding factor in students' growing college decisions. A quarterback with the... middle of paper...... his problem will argue vehemently for their case. Each time, the decision must go against paying players. As NCAA Director Mark Emmert said, “This is our direction. We cannot hesitate. We cannot go back. (1). Work cited by Al Dunning, Sports E. "Paying Athletes Would Bankrupt Most Colleges." The Commercial Call: 0. January 9, 1995. ProQuest.Web. November 26, 2013. Emmert, Mark. “Paying college athletes is a terrible idea.” Wall Street Journal January 11, 2012. ProQuest. Internet. November 26, 2013. Lewis, Jason. “Paying college athletes is not the answer.” Sentinel: April 2, 2011. ProQuest. Internet. November 26, 2013. Plaschke, Bill. “PAYING COLLEGE ATHLETES AN UNEDUCATED DECISION.” Pittsburgh Post - Gazette November 21, 2010. ProQuest.Web. November 26, 2013. Walker, Jim. “The debate over paying college athletes continues.” McClatchy - Tribune Business News June 8, 2011. ProQuest. Internet. November 26. 2013 .