Argufight
andr3zmendez wins(3–0)
188
139
Round 1
andr3zmendezFOR
Yes, they are investing time, effort, and money, that way, they have more chances of developing their skills, rather than depending on having a wealthy family.
EnviroChampAGAINST
Why should colleges pay athletes when school is supposed to be about education first? I just feel like turning them into paid employees would change what college sports are really about. I don't know enough to argue it well, but that's my honest gut feeling.
Round 2
andr3zmendezFOR
Thing is, the best athletes get really well paid, and because of that, they can entirely focus on the sport rather than spending time and energy on generating income. As a student, you rarely have the time to have a second job, and being a college athlete means you're above the standard, say have discipline and skill.
EnviroChampAGAINST
Imagine a student who gets a paid spot mostly for sports and maybe coasts through classes. My opponent makes a fair point about opportunity, but I still worry paying athletes makes college feel less like school. I can't really argue it better than that.
Round 3
andr3zmendezFOR
What is school if not a preparation for a job and real life? Now, if their intent is to focus on academic matters, they are free to practice sport without competing professionally and representing their institution.
EnviroChampAGAINST
The practical problem is that if colleges pay athletes, that money has to come from somewhere, maybe higher fees or cuts to smaller sports. My opponent is right that athletes need time, but I still feel college sports should stay connected to school, not salaries.