(U-WIRE) LAS VEGAS - I would like to start out by quoting the great Vince Lombardi, who once said, "To achieve success, whatever the job we have, we must pay a price for success. It's like anything worthwhile. It has a price. You have to pay the price to win and you have to pay the price to get to the point where success is possible. Most important, you must pay the price to stay there."

One of the fundamental tenets of intercollegiate athletics, existing since college sports began more than a century ago, is that they are amateur sports. Today, they continue to be seen as an alternative to professional sports.

A significant portion of the cost of a student athlete's college education is paid for through full or partial scholarships. They receive other benefits such as free books, fees, tuition, room and board, medical, dental and anything else relating to their respective sport. These are things they are entitled to after signing their letters of intent.

Student athletes come here and play, doing what they love, and in turn are provided with a college education. In addition, the student athlete develops their dormant potential. By developing this dormant potential and capability the student athlete will become prepared for life experiences after college.

Intercollegiate athletes should receive some form of payment other than a scholarship. An athlete is nothing more than an entertainer comparable to the days of the ancient Roman Empire. Roman gladiators of the Roman circus entertained the people like the modern student athlete.

It is tough to make the grade and make the play. When athletes are not properly compensated, it is nothing but exploitation. Many people feel that athletes should not get more because they are lucky to be getting what they have. But what would we do without them?

History, the best teacher, has proven that it is essential for great civilizations to revere and honor images of success. America also thrives on image. The bottom line is that there are millions of dollars on the line on the images coming from college athletics. Many alumni donate big bucks to schools for superior athletic programs and a lot of money comes to universities from TV and merchandise sales. I feel that some of it should trickle down to the student athlete.

There is a major equity issue that exists. One issue is that while under scholarship a student athlete cannot work like regular students. They have extensive practice sessions and weight room time. To get by they must rely on stipends that only provide for living expenses.

The thing that kills me is that nobody can even buy a train ticket for an athlete. Big brother is watching and will force that student to sit out if they take such a gift.

The issue that typically leads to discussion about pay for play is the notion that all colleges and universities are making millions in profit from their athletics programs. The NCAA reports that only about 60 schools take in more revenue than they have in expenses. Almost no sports realize significant revenues beyond men's basketball and football.

I once thought that free sneakers and a meal card were absolutely the greatest thing, but then I grew up. I began to see the money made off these athletes and what lengths an institution of higher learning would go to in order to get a prime-time athlete.

I feel that the NCAA should act on pay for play starting with NCAA Division I tournament play in all sports. The schools that make the postseason will benefit from this and so will the student athlete. Right now they play for recognition and a ring. There should be more incentives besides this so that student athletes can stay in school to finish their degrees.

This is an issue about which people are likely to disagree. I understand the position that higher education has on the issue of pay for play and how they feel it is inappropriate for college sports. However, times are changing and some of that money should and could to the student athlete. NCAA Division I athletes should be treated fairly and be legitimately monetarily rewarded so that they are not economically forced to go pro before they finish college.