re: student athletes

Student athletes are either (a) professional athletes in all but name, enrolled in college just to be super-studs on the field in preparation for being super-studs on bigger NFL fields - in the process, they need to navigate a pervasive and corrupt system that is much bigger than themselves, and for the pursuit of their own success, must be allowed to have agents, make pay-for-play deals, accept Cadillacs, cheat on exams, take steroids, and whatever else - in turn, they are expected to play well; or (b) college students not even old enough to vote who are playing very intense extracurriculars, who are out there fighting their hearts out for a pure love of the game, and should be unconditionally supported (not criticized) for their play. 

I don't care which one you (NCAA, ESPN, schools, coaches, fans) choose - well, maybe I do care, seeing as how I prefer college football for a reason - but you gotta choose one.  If they're professional athletes getting paid to play football, then don't get all "I'm A Man I'm 40" when people criticize the player. If they're amateur children doin' everything right, they should not be getting paid.  It's seriously as simple as that.