College Athletes Getting Paid in California 
Lauren Render 

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    In California, a new bill being passed in 2023 will allow college athletes to get paid. This new bill will have many different opinions that could cause problems between colleges and even the athletes. Some may say that the athletes deserve it, but others say it could cause problems. This bill is a huge step in college sports. A lot will change after this bill is passed in California because eventually it could spread to other states. Athletes getting paid will prepare them for the next step of their lives, if it is playing at the next level, or with academics.  

    Coach Milam, the head coach of the varsity girls' basketball team, shared a little about her thoughts on this bill: “Um I think it is right because, universities are making millions of dollars and everyone is benefiting from it except for the athletes, and they are the ones doing most of the work.” If she lived in California, she would still believe that this bill is for the right: “I would be fine with it, as long as it is in proper balance.” College athletes getting paid will motivate them to play harder: “A lot of them recognize that that is the end of their career and they are getting ready to go into a none athletic career or they are still trying to make it to the next level and they cannot be satisfied with what their dream is.” There can be negatives in this bill, the fans, coaches, and players could make it into a whole different level than what it is: “The worst scenario is that it becomes more like pro sports, which I think will be bad.” 

    Gabby Ramey, a student at Hillgrove High School, talked about how she feels and why it was placed in California: “Probably because, I think some of their sports teams are really good and also it is California, so they have a lot of money and a lot of people live there.” Getting paid can also be positive to the athletes, “You are going to get paid if they play, and it can help you support your family, and college funds.” Of course, there are negatives, “Um, I think it is probably going to make the colleges go down in money because I think they are not going to lose money, but they are not going to be getting as much.” 

    Getting paid in college is a change that might be needed, but it will never be known until it happens. This bill could be the best for everyone or the worst. It benefits players in many ways that could help others. It could also hurt the players and make them focus on the money.

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