[TreesAndBirds]

I agree that players should have full discretion to play where they want after they graduate. But I differ on whether the NCAA is "stealing their labor". I believe this is true if the athletes are not being provided a good education. But if they are, they are receiving the equivalent of $40-70K a year tax free ( plus great training, facilities, etc). Given that minor league baseball players typically make less than $40K/year, and D league basketball players even less, it seems like college football players are more well off. Now it is true that college football generates far more in revenues than these other minor leagues, but query whether that is because of the talent of the players, as opposed to the value of the school brand, etc. I personally doubt that a football minor league unconnected with colleges would be nearly as successful as NCAA football. I think the real key, and tragedy, is if the players are not given a good education.

[TreesAndBirds]

I agree that players should have full discretion to play where they want after they graduate. But I differ on whether the NCAA is "stealing their labor". I believe this is true if the athletes are not being provided a good education. But if they are, they are receiving the equivalent of $40-70K a year tax free ( plus great training, facilities, etc). Given that minor league baseball players typically make less than $40K/year, and D league basketball players even less, it seems like college football players are more well off. Now it is true that college football generates far more in revenues than these other minor leagues, but query whether that is because of the talent of the players, as opposed to the value of the school brand, etc. I personally doubt that a football minor league unconnected with colleges would be nearly as successful as NCAA football. I think the real key, and tragedy, is if the players are not given a good education.