Yes, injuries happen — especially in football. My brother blew out his knee and his promising soccer career... his junior year of high school. Injuries can happen anywhere and at any time. I do know several former college players (and have talked with a couple former NFL players). Some still have pains. Injuries happen and healthcare should be covered, but the purpose of college sports was originally for fun competition between schools, then to raise the profile of the schools, then to raise funds via donors.... it is now something completely different.

Education/Networking value: One former BYU/NFL player that I know personally was hired for his current non-sports job ONLY because BYU networking. Every player's playing days end. Everyone needs a back up. Please enlighten us with how playing football in college prevents professional advancement. It is time consuming, but so is working 20 hours a week in the Cougar Eat or as a janitor. My sister was a tutor for a couple athletes to help them with their work – free for the athletes.

The "cool with charity" is the most laughable of the points. Do players get free room and board? Yes. Free daily buffets of food? Yes. Free education/tutoring? Yes. Free gear (and lots of it)? Yes. Free training? Yes. Fame and the ability to build a network or make money off of their name? Yes. Charity isn't part of the equation. They are already paid to play.

It's good that players receive compensation, but the free-for-all, no rules... is ruining the actual college football entity. It's becoming more and more of a mess.

Careful with your LOLs when your opinion isn't thought out.