If they're not considered amateurs and part of the student body, then whats the point? Why would I care about another semi-pro team in Nebraska? I'd like to see the think trend more towards how we can get back to a closer 50/50 ratio between student and athlete versus "F#%k it, just make them pros" attitude.
The chances of this happening are slim to none. The profits for the universities and the media revenues are so lucrative that, if anything, it's just going to get even more ridiculous with time. Everything about what these guys do screams professionalism, only they're hidden behind the "student athlete" moniker like that somehow changes the situation, like they're some amateurs. Do amateur athletes workout, study film and practice for 30-40 hours a week, or more? Do amateur athletes make constant media appearances? Do amateur athletes follow fairly strict diet regimens? Do amateur athletes constantly have their every move analyzed? Do amateur athletes have tens of thousands of Twitter followers?
I could go on, but, I'll spare you. The point is these athletes are not amateur. Yes, they do receive full ride scholarships, and I'm not suggesting someone like Kenny Bell should've been getting tens of thousands of dollars off jersey sales. But, I do think they're somewhat owed for their likeness generating tens of millions of dollars in revenues. Courts felt EA was doing it, and there's plenty of evidence to suggest universities are getting away with the same type of profiting.
It's like when people get mad at a player for transferring to another school for better opportunities. If you want to walk-on at Nebraska - fine. If you want to go to a lower division school so you can actually play and see the field - fine. Sometimes, you gotta look out for yourself.