College athletes in California can now get paid. Yup, you read that right. California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday signed a bill into law that will enable college athletes who attend California schools to hire agents and sign endorsement deals. In other words, college athletes can get paid for their name, image and likeness and of course the NCAA isn't very happy with this move.
I'm not so sure how I feel about this either. Part of me says it is a great idea because a lot of people get paid off of these athletes, so they should get a piece of the pie too. But another part of me is afraid that athletes will start flocking to Cali to take advantage of this and their education may take a hit. I'm worried athletics may take over the purpose of going to college in the first place and that is to learn, not make money playing sports.
I think I'm leaning toward the latter because it is imperative that our athletes get an education so they are able to read the contracts they are signing, know what commitments they are making and be knowledgeable about the investments they will eventually have to make in themselves.
After all, athletics won't last always but knowledge is power and that is something nobody could ever take away from you. The new law takes effect in 2023.