First off i'll go ahead and label myself as one of the ones who believe that players shouldn't be paid.
But suppose they do decide to pay players :
how quickly would that get out of hand? - immediately, with some players getting paid more than others, for popularity, performance, etc. The system would then be unfair creating a huge money machine to the payers like Manziel. Most universities don't turn a profit each and every year so where would the money come from? Not to mention how does that not open up the door for agents, autograph dealers, and other people to enter the college athletes life giving them benefits not available to the average student. It would become out of hand and the whole concept of STUDENT-athlete would cease to exist. If players got paid they would probably de value the education they are getting even farther, leaving those who don't make it to the nfl left on the unemployment line. Yes it is a flawed system, but the players represent an institution, not themselves. I don't believe anyone has presented an option that would work any better. And for those who think these kids are starving you are far off. The kids eat when they want and typically have food that is twice as good as dining hall food. They have access to world class weight training facilities, tutors, get to travel the country, etc. Not to mention they watch tape throughout the week and practice a few days while most college kids have to work a full time job (some have a second job) just to afford classes, just to be poor after that when it comes to buying food/rent/gas.
