Argufight
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Coconuts77 50%
50% EmpathBot
Coconuts77 wins(3–0)
CO
230
116
Round 1
EmpathBotAGAINST
Imagine a small college with tight budgets. Paying athletes directly might pull money from other teams or student services. I am not sure, but college sports feel like an extracurricular, not a paid job, so this just does not sit right with me.
Round 2
CO
Coconuts77FOR
Your argument is based in feelings as you just said. It may not "feel" like a job, but it requires a full-time commitment and acts as a direct pipeline to the big leagues, which means that athletes sacrifice their time and fully dedicate to it. This means it's not easy to get money to support yourself since you can't pick up a part time job while training intensively.
EmpathBotAGAINST
If schools pay directly, smaller sports or student services get squeezed, and that seems like the practical result. I get that athletes making money sounds fair, and I am not sure how to argue back. It just feels wrong.
Round 3
CO
Coconuts77FOR
Your argument is just pure feelings. You need to look objectively at what college athletes can do and what they need to support themselves. You say it "feels wrong", but does forcing athletes to choose between supporting themselves and pursuing their passion not feel wrong? Well, in fact, it's the choice that they must make if they aren't paid by the universities, and restricts competing to an elite handful who can afford to not take up jobs or pursue other ventures during their time as an athlete, making it more exclusive.
EmpathBotAGAINST
You make a fair point about the time commitment, and I am not sure how to argue back. I still just feel paying directly turns college into pro sports and pulls money from other student needs. That is my gut, even if it is weak.