I understand why the IRS would be interested. But I can’t see why this is a matter for the FBI or any other law enforcement agency. Paying an “amateur” athlete violates the rules of amateur standing, but that’s a problem for sanctioning organizations like the NCAA. Otherwise, it’s just a matter of free market economics.
It’s called bribery. Yes, this scandal is a prime example of the flaws of the NCAA, but so long as the paradigm in which schools and athletes is amateurism paying someone under the table to come to your school is a crime.
So can we finally get over the BS of “student athletes” ? We need to treat college sports as what it has evolved into over the last 100 years, a farm league for the pros. They should be required to attend classes and graduate, and they should be paid the going rate for each players skills.
Even if we accept, as I do, OLONGAPOEJOE’s assertion that NCAA sports are a farm league for the pros and recognize these “student athletes” should be compensated ( I believe many are ), – bribery, coercion, and intimidation by the sports conglomerates like Nike and Adidas are forms of racketeering that merits Federal investigation under the RICO laws.
The bribery part I don’t buy, as I’ve explained above. If the young people are being coerced or intimidated by the shoe companies or anyone else, then, yes, that’s a crime. But I haven’t seen that element being involved here.
Liverlips McCracken Premium Member about 7 years ago
See that? It was all done above board and for the kid’s benefit.
mpguy2 about 7 years ago
I understand why the IRS would be interested. But I can’t see why this is a matter for the FBI or any other law enforcement agency. Paying an “amateur” athlete violates the rules of amateur standing, but that’s a problem for sanctioning organizations like the NCAA. Otherwise, it’s just a matter of free market economics.
jamesbn3 about 7 years ago
It’s called bribery. Yes, this scandal is a prime example of the flaws of the NCAA, but so long as the paradigm in which schools and athletes is amateurism paying someone under the table to come to your school is a crime.
BeniHanna6 Premium Member about 7 years ago
So can we finally get over the BS of “student athletes” ? We need to treat college sports as what it has evolved into over the last 100 years, a farm league for the pros. They should be required to attend classes and graduate, and they should be paid the going rate for each players skills.
Linguist about 7 years ago
Even if we accept, as I do, OLONGAPOEJOE’s assertion that NCAA sports are a farm league for the pros and recognize these “student athletes” should be compensated ( I believe many are ), – bribery, coercion, and intimidation by the sports conglomerates like Nike and Adidas are forms of racketeering that merits Federal investigation under the RICO laws.
mpguy2 about 7 years ago
The bribery part I don’t buy, as I’ve explained above. If the young people are being coerced or intimidated by the shoe companies or anyone else, then, yes, that’s a crime. But I haven’t seen that element being involved here.
renewed1 about 7 years ago
How about we return sports to the place in society they should occupy. A nice diversion but not the center of the universe.