To sell or not to sell? That was a question Miami Dolphins Linebacker Channing Crowder probably asked himself a lot in college. While a Gator at the University of Florida Channing says he did not sell jerseys. This was days after he had made remarks that seemed to hint at selling jerseys in college. When it all comes down to it, this is an issue that is getting more an more press lately across the country from Ohio down to Florida and across to USC. The question really should be, whats the big deal. Instead it seems like the next big sports issue that will find its way into the legal system and perhaps congress are issues just like these including NCAA student athletes getting funds.

Crowder did say that players should be able to sell their jerseys for profit. It is, honestly, impossible to really argue this statement though. First of all, think of how much money these colleges make from the players they put on the field every Saturday. Revenue in amounts unspeakable to the public are gathered up by these universities everyday, yet every year tuition prices soar higher and higher. Sure some players get full rides to colleges for sports, but that is certainly a much smaller percentage.

Many players have to struggle through college as the rest of us do or did living off of pizza, chinese, and Bud Light. During this time they have to pay towards making sure they get a degree if sports does not pan out on top of their living expenses. Given their academics and time spent on the football field, they are  left with little time for a job. If they do get one it is going to be for minimum wage most often and part-time. Company this with the fact that these students have to pay for credits for classes not even remotely related to their major. Then add on overpriced books that they can sell back after the term for just peanuts, and you get yourself alot of exploited college athletes who need to try and get by. Selling this merchandise provides an easy outlet to do so where noone gets hurt.

In the end, maybe Crowder sold jerseys and maybe he did not. Either way, he, nor any other NCAA athlete, should be looked down on for this. They especially should not be looked down upon from the NCAA who makes it possible and even needed. This is the same association who will not even reformat their BCS into a playoff system, which is directly and completely related to money. Hopefully, this issue will not be the next big political front in sports. With all the publicity the subject has gotten from USC being stripped of titles and a good Ohio State football team losing their longtime coach and star quarterback, it seems that the momentum is moving more and more towards government intervention. What they need to intervene on is tuition and book prices in colleges across the country.