Athletic directors open up about paying athletes

The topic of paying student-athletes seems to be an annual debate that goes nowhere productive.

Some believe that the student-athletes, who generate so much money for the school, deserve to be paid, while others believe that the athletes already receive a free education along with the many other perks that come with being a collegiate athlete.

People are divided about this topic across the country, the Pac-12 and even in the state of Arizona where the athletic directors at the University of Arizona and Arizona State University stand on opposite sides of the fence when it comes to paying student-athletes.

UA Athletic Director Greg Byrne has made it perfectly clear that he supports the current rules.

“The rules are the rules,” Byrne said at a luncheon in Phoenix on Tuesday. “We want to be vigilant.”

Byrne is so obsessed with being vigilant and complying with all the rules that he emailed UA boosters, students and fans and told them to report any violations if they see them.

While it is unclear as to how many people actually would provide information indicting one of their favorite athletes, it is certainly a noble action and gesture that indicates UA is committed to doing things the right way.

ASU athletic director Lisa Love did not say players should be paid, she did say that it should be addressed.
“I think it’s a healthy conversation,” Love said.

Although it is unlikely players will be paid at any point in the near future, it is interesting to note that some athletic directors are open to at least discussing the idea and listening to the student-athletes.

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