This topic states that tertiary level education athletes or sports enthusiasts should receive remuneration for their talent skill and hard work. Of course. They should. At this level the athlete has already been through rigorous training and many athletes are scouted for the sake of boosting the college's or university's reputation. Thus in terms of monetary value- these athletes have a direct correlation with enrollment and profit of the college and therefore in economic terms should receive remuneration for the value of their skills and its profit making potential.

Its termed as an "extra curricular" usually which means its outside of the actual core business of school. Also Sports historically especially football and other popular sports- have become the pinnacle of entertainment in many cultures. It is one of the biggest profit making sectors in society which is why some of the wealthiest people on earth are sports stars. For such a profit making sector- Asking college level students to receive some form of remuneration is very realistic and encouraged.

There is no clarity in your argument as to what the college would actually be losing. Also noting that most sports athletes still graduate with a degree or relevant qualification as that is how they are enrolled. Most colleges have thrived off of the stars who attend their facility for example Stellenbosch school in South Africa is known as a prestigious university- not for its degree offerings but its specialization in sports culture. Therefore the school benefits rather than loses from emphasizing sport talent and rewarding monetarily at college level.