Don't cash in

Student-athletes already rewarded for their contributions

Actually, it would be an injustice if he or any other student-athlete were to receive money for playing a sport in an amateur league.

There is no doubt that student sports do generate money for the University. The simplest way to prove that is to stand outside of Beaver Stadium before a fall football home game.

However, in return, student-athletes receive substantial benefits for playing for the University that far outweigh the money student-athletes believe they deserve.

Student-athletes may receive full or partial scholarships to attend the University. Plus, they can apply for money from the Special Assistance Fund to provide them with necessities such as clothing and medical insurance.

Not only do some receive a free education and special funding, they receive their own fame for playing a sport for a Big Ten school. At the University, student-athletes have a showcase for their talent, the opportunity to learn from top-of-the-line coaches and the chance to greatly improve their skills.

It is true that the athletes can help improve the reputation of the school.

However, many other individuals also bring the University prestige. Tess Thompson brought recognition to the University last year for being named its first Rhodes Scholar. Thousands of prospective freshmen improve the University's reputation by showing how many people want to go here, as do students who make the dean's list. They pull up the overall grade point average for University students.

None of these students have a fund available to help them, although they do exacerbate the reputation of the University. And that is not an injustice.

Any student attending the University, including student-athletes, has the choice to drop out and get a high-paying job instead of paying a high tuition.