Jim Boeheim totally against pay-for-play
By Corey Leahy
The head coach of the Syracuse men’s basketball team, Jim Boeheim, has publicly shown his views on pay-for-play, and is not supportive of it. Here’s his opinion of the idea when he spoke at an Associated Press meeting Wednesday morning in New York.
"That’s really the most idiotic suggestion of all time. I don’t believe players should be paid. I believe they are getting a tremendous opportunity."
Boeheim’s argument is that even though a player doesn’t earn money or jersey sales or “on-the side” deals, the full education scholarship pays for itself. In most cases, those players who do end up with full ride scholarships move on to the NBA or other professional leagues and obviously have potential to make more than what college costs.
It was also mentioned by Boeheim that players who do have more financial needs are allowed to apply for and receive Pell grants, which can be between $6,000 and $7,000 to be used along side the free things they get with their scholarship. So basically, the potential to get a Pell grant on top of a free ride should be more than enough to make a student-athlete not want more money in their pockets.
It’s obviously a controversial topic, as it’s been talked about for years and years. But what are your views on pay-for-play? Are you in agreement with Jim Boeheim, or do you have a different opinion?