The discussion about whether or not the NCAA should pay elite college athletes has been a discussion that has soldiered on for years. And in the wake of the Yahoo! report that alleged many high-level college students — including some that currently play in the NBA — took money while in school, the conversation has only intensified.
Taking money is technically illegal while part of a collegiate program, no matter the circumstances surrounding the payments. But in reality, many of these college athletes come from bad neighborhoods and are sometimes in poverty, which is why a full ride to a university is so important to them.
Take into account that a majority of these players are black, and you have a recipe for a larger problem. But there may be a solution, per Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated.
Elite high school stars should just become a professional out of high school by joining the G League. Yes, the highest salary of $25,000 isn’t exactly hitting the lottery and G League is not as glamorous as playing for Duke or Kentucky. But a player could accept money from an agent or endorsement money from a shoe company legally and put effort into getting ready for the NBA in an NBA-sanctioned league.
This solution feels as common sense as the Earth being round, right? But there are some issues, the main one being the money. At only $25,000 for a maximum salary in the G League, there could be a feeling that the amount may not be nearly enough to get a player and his family out of their situation.
Also, the G League still has a negative connotation associated with it, and there would be more notoriety and attention if elite players go to a big college.
But the G League is officially affiliated with the NBA, which could provide a genuine opportunity at that level versus trying to get drafted by a team.
Follow Us
Subscribe