Because the scholarship is the big benefit for 99% of the student athletes. The vast majority of them aren’t going pro but are expected to train like pros while they’re on the team.
Making billions of these kids’ labor and then saying “sorry! Sucks for you!” if they get hurt or can’t cut it is exploitative and unethical imo
Personally I’d require them to take just 1 or 2 classes a semester while playing and guarantee them a 3 to 4 year scholarship after they’re done playing but that’s just me
I’ve been a professor at two Big 12 schools. The student athletes work their asses off, but let’s be honest, they have to prioritize football or whatever their sport is. You can’t exactly major in a complicated subject while putting 8 hours a day into your sport unless you are a true Superman/Superwoman
I think it’s unethical to make a ton of money off of them and not allow them to take full advantage of their educational opportunities