Big Ten Looking for a Competitive Advantage

[GoMuskies]

And they're wrapping it in the flag of welfare of their student athletes. How nice. This is dangerous ground for those not in "power" conferences.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=6564134

[muskiefan82]

Wow. Dangerous ground? I think it's far more than dangerous. I think this is the first step (perhaps the only one needed) to creating a power league that exists outside of current Division 1 NCAA teams. "If you can't afford it, then don't do it" is easily translated to "you will forever be relegated to subpar status and not be allowed to compete on our level"

This is a bad idea with bad intentions no matter how they sugarcoat it.

[Porkopolis]

Bad, bad idea. I do feel players should be allowed to receive a small stipend to assist with basic needs not met by a "full ride," but the amounts proposed are well beyond that.

[blobfan]

Bad, bad idea. I do feel players should be allowed to receive a small stipend to assist with basic needs not met by a "full ride," but the amounts proposed are well beyond that.

I agree. The answer: make it a need based stipend and consider taking it out of the NCAA moneys rather than individual schools. I see no problem with giving certain kids a little extra money. If you refuse to allow them to work and their family doesn't have money to buy them new clothes, what choices do they have? It should not be offered only to 'elite' teams or players, though. To even the playing field you'd have to make sure the stipend follows the student no matter what school they attend.

[STL_XUfan]

I agree. The answer: make it a need based stipend and consider taking it out of the NCAA moneys rather than individual schools. I see no problem with giving certain kids a little extra money. If you refuse to allow them to work and their family doesn't have money to buy them new clothes, what choices do they have? It should not be offered only to 'elite' teams or players, though. To even the playing field you'd have to make sure the stipend follows the student no matter what school they attend.

This already exists. It is called the Student Athlete Opportunity Fund. It was created as part of the NCAA tourney contract with CBS. Any student athlete can use the fund to buy essentials up to $500 (including clothing, interview clothing, toiletries, gas money for driving home, etc.) and in excess of $500 upon application (This is the policy at Mizzou, may vary for other institutions).