O.J. Mayo: NCAA Dropped The Ball

Amateur sports were designed to allow players to develop their skills, because they needed to get better before earning the title of a "professional." 

Instead, the NCAA, now a multi-billion dollar industry with its television and sponsorship deals, is turning into a money-making machine.  The problem is: these "amateurs" aren't seeing any of that money.

Personally, I don't give a damn if O.J. Mayo got paid upwards of $30,000 in cash and gifts from Rodney Guillory.  I think D-1 athletes, who are bringing in much more than $30,000 in revenue, deserve a piece of the net gain.

I would have no problem with players not being paid, as long as they are given the choice the jump straight to the pros.  O.J. Mayo, former USC guard, has allegedly been receiving gifts since he was a freshman in high school.  Although it is illegal for amateur athletes to be paid, I think Mayo and others deserve full right to accept benefits.

The term "improper benefits" is ridiculous. 

So, the billion-dollar TV contract that the NCAA signed with CBS isn't "improper?"  Saying that these kids are playing college ball to get an education is rediculous.  Are you serious?  Open your eyes, and it's awfully clear that these kids are merely going to school because they HAVE to.

I am by no means saying that Mayo is not interested in school, as he is reported as being an honors student (even though some of my Huntington High acquaintances tell me otherwise).  But in the long run, no matter how much of an academic prowess a five-star recruit has, the money and glamour of the NBA shines much brighter.  

Why doesn't the NCAA pay its players and solve the problem that way?  Beats me.  Some people may argue that they are already getting scholarships, and free housing and several other amenities.  But ever since David Stern stopped letting high school kids jump the league, the temptation to accept gifts early is growing.

I see nothing wrong with paying players.  It will most assuredly keep them from worrying about if they can go out to dinner with someone, or attend an NBA game gratis.

It is simply a fact in society: major athletes will be treated much better than any other student-athlete on campus.  That case is even seen in high schools, as many high-level athletes have very high GPAs and astronomically low SAT and ACT scores. 

Wonder why?  Well, the NCAA has devised a plan to allow athletes to score lower on their ACT/SAT if they have a high GPA, thus creating the impetus to give athletes high marks in class. 

Let's be honest: Vince Young would not have made it into any half-legitimate university, let alone Texas-Austin, without his football skills.

Sure Mayo's attitude might turn people away.  He even went as far as to tell coach Tim Floyd that he would be doing recruiting for Floyd, so Floyd not worry about it. 

Sure Mayo is a scumbag, but he has been hanging around NBA players and agents since he was 12. A kid living such a lifestyle is bound to get spoiled, that's just life.

Two of Mayo's childhood friends lived in my corridor at college this past year. From the beginning of the year, they talked about how Mayo had been receiving these gifts.  So, even if they had reasonably close ties with Mayo, there is no way that this was some sort of secret. 

I'm pretty sure Floyd and the USC athletic department knew what was going on.  Hell, there are pictures of Mayo and Carmelo Anthony partying together on Facebook.  Coincidence?  I think not. 

Anthony is represented by who?  Bill Duffy Associates.  Mayo signed with...Oh that's right, BDA.

These players are going to be raking in millions within a short time, so what is the huge fuss about these athletes collecting a couple extra thousand before they head to the big show.  

Let's stop being so politically correct and realize the world we live in today.  Life in America in 2008 is about how to weasel your way into the most profitable situation, and Mayo was just going along with the flow.

NCAA, pay your players and you won't have to deal with any of this. The media and general public needs to stop getting all over Mayo for doing this. 

I'd like to see you being put in the same situation: being hounded by agents flaunting thousands of dollars in your face since the age of 12.  What would you do?  Don't kid yourself.  You would take the money and run off to the NBA.