Ep 6. End of Amateurism

In season 5 episode 6 of the show Vice, titled "End of Amateurism," the focus is on college sports and the debate surrounding student-athletes being compensated for their talents.

The episode starts by presenting the current state of college sports, specifically focusing on the immense amounts of money generated by the NCAA and its member schools, as well as the revenue streams for college sports programs. It then highlights the popular belief that college athletes should be able to make money off their name, image, and likeness (NIL), just like professional athletes are able to do.

To provide context, the episode also features a brief history of college sports and the evolution of the NCAA. It delves into the concept of amateurism, which has been the foundational principle of college sports for decades. The idea was that student-athletes should not be financially compensated for their athletic abilities, in order to maintain the “purity” of college sports. However, the episode argues that this concept is outdated and unfair.

The episode then takes viewers on a journey through the various perspectives on the issue. They interview current and former college athletes, who speak about the financial struggles they faced while in school and how they were limited in their ability to make money. They also highlight the disparity between the revenue generated by college sports programs and the lack of compensation for the athletes who generate that revenue.

The episode then turns to the NCAA and its stance on the issue of NIL. They feature conversations with NCAA officials and legal experts, who explain the rules that currently prohibit college athletes from making money off their NIL. They present the NCAA’s argument that allowing student-athletes to profit from their NIL would be a form of professionalism, which would destroy the “amateurism” of college sports.

However, the show also highlights the growing movement towards change. They feature interviews with politicians, who are advocating for laws that would allow college athletes to profit from their NIL. They also feature conversations with advocates for student-athletes’ rights, who explain how the current system is exploitative and unfair.

The episode ultimately comes to the conclusion that the current system is unsustainable and that change is necessary. They highlight the potential consequences if nothing is done, including the risk of lawsuits and the potential for the NCAA to lose its exemption from anti-trust laws.

Overall, Vice’s season 5 episode 6, “End of Amateurism” provides a thought-provoking exploration of the issue of college athlete compensation. It presents the various perspectives and arguments on the topic in a clear and engaging way, leaving viewers with a deeper understanding of the issue at hand and the potential consequences for all parties involved.