Pay For Play Analysis
Matthew DelSanto
3/16/11
Analyzing a Text
Amateurs or Exploited Athletes? In the article titled “College players deserve pay for play,” Rod Gilmore makes his case clear; it’s time for a change in college football. Since college sports originated, the athletes have been considered amateurs that receive benefits through scholarships. Recently, college football has become a multi billion dollar industry, and controversy about whether or not players should get paid has risen from it. Through factually supported claims, clever attacks at the system in place, and intelligent and reasonable requests, Gilmore presents a convincing argument to persuade readers to support college football players being paid. The article begins by claiming that there is a need for change in college football. That change is players being paid for their contributions to the school. Gilmore goes on to discuss how certain schools tremendously profit from football every year, through numerous sources of revenue. The next topic discussed is the similar number of games college football players play compared to professionals, and the support college presidents give for this. Then Gilmore discusses the benefits that coaches and facilities gain from the games …show more content…
While discussing why players should feel exploited, Gilmore addresses the counterargument that players are student athletes that already receive benefits through scholarships. Gilmore uses quotations around the words “free” and “voluntary” to give readers the message that the athletes aren’t really getting a free education. For example, “Clearly, a significant number of football players aren't receiving the benefit of the bargain of this "free education." The mandatory and "voluntary" workouts are often at odds with obtaining that "free education.” This is an effective technique, which discredits the other
3/16/11
Analyzing a Text
Amateurs or Exploited Athletes? In the article titled “College players deserve pay for play,” Rod Gilmore makes his case clear; it’s time for a change in college football. Since college sports originated, the athletes have been considered amateurs that receive benefits through scholarships. Recently, college football has become a multi billion dollar industry, and controversy about whether or not players should get paid has risen from it. Through factually supported claims, clever attacks at the system in place, and intelligent and reasonable requests, Gilmore presents a convincing argument to persuade readers to support college football players being paid. The article begins by claiming that there is a need for change in college football. That change is players being paid for their contributions to the school. Gilmore goes on to discuss how certain schools tremendously profit from football every year, through numerous sources of revenue. The next topic discussed is the similar number of games college football players play compared to professionals, and the support college presidents give for this. Then Gilmore discusses the benefits that coaches and facilities gain from the games …show more content…
While discussing why players should feel exploited, Gilmore addresses the counterargument that players are student athletes that already receive benefits through scholarships. Gilmore uses quotations around the words “free” and “voluntary” to give readers the message that the athletes aren’t really getting a free education. For example, “Clearly, a significant number of football players aren't receiving the benefit of the bargain of this "free education." The mandatory and "voluntary" workouts are often at odds with obtaining that "free education.” This is an effective technique, which discredits the other