It is time for basketball and the players are getting ready to master their game. After putting so much time into practice, they do not have time to work. Many complain that scholarships do not compensate for the time and effort they put into a good game.
Most basketball players said they feel they should receive some sort of stipend while playing basketball in college. Their schedules are strict and leave very little time to hold a job.
“We needed money for personal items and we had no choice but to turn else where to get it,” said Pierre Gibson, former basketball player from Florida State University.
Some coaches agree with this suggestion too.
“I believe that they should receive a little something. It is hard enough for the player to become a complete all around athlete with practice and school as it is,” said Debra Clark, FAMU’s women’s basketball coach.
“They help the school bring in money, so why not. After all the scholarship money can only cover up to a certain amount of their expenses.”
According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, all basketball teams are required to practice 20 hours a week. But the average player individually practices six hours a day. Players also must be full time students to receive a scholarship.
“After practicing and studying I barely have time for myself, so I definitely do not have any time to work,” said Charon Williams, 20, a FAMU women’s basketball player from Winston Salem, N.C.
The Review of the University of Delaware stated that during March Madness the NCAA made nearly 92 percent of the total revenue. And more than $ 6 billion was paid by advertisers and CBS television to sponsor the “Big Dance.”
However, the NCAA is still opposed to stipends.
Coach Clark understands the situation. “In my opinion I believe that NCAA opposed stipends because every university might not have the resource to comply with the stipends and if all the schools are not able to participate, then it would not be fair.”