Commercialization of Athletes: It's all about the
Subtitle: (but not for the athletes)
Money rules, not just in professional sports but also throughout amateur athletics. Stadiums and arenas are named for corporations and feature high-priced luxury suites for the most generous contributors. Colleges, vendors, manufacturers and retailers rake in millions through the sales of tickets, concessions, licensed insignia apparel and other merchandise.
The only people not sharing in the windfall (at least openly) are the athletes. "Yeah, but they're getting an education," many respond.
But are they really -- and do they deserve more? Is someone getting the shaft here?
Case in point: Jim Thorpe
This Olympic legend had his medals stripped from him when it was revealed that he had made a few bucks playing semi-pro baseball.
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Amateur Athletics Articles
- Hundred-dollar handshake: Reigning in the Boosters
- The phrase student-athlete: Is it a misnomer?
- Watch Out for the Sports Agents