Former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones recently went off on Twitter against the NCAA, the governing body of collegiate sports.
I'm so happy to be done with the @NCAA and their rules & regulation. They do any & everything to exploited collegiate athletes.
— Cardale Jones (@CJ12_) April 11, 2016
It's deeper than athletes thinking we should get paid. The @NCAA control our lives with insane and unfair rules.
— Cardale Jones (@CJ12_) April 11, 2016
Why shouldn't a collegiate athlete be able to use their OWN likeness/brand to benefit themselves but yet the @NCAA can sell there jerseys?
— Cardale Jones (@CJ12_) April 11, 2016
That's my 2cent on the @NCAA .It's not like that's going to change how the athletes are exploited, even tho 98% of people feel the same way
— Cardale Jones (@CJ12_) April 11, 2016
You may wonder why he is complaining. He’s embarking on an NFL career, with an opportunity to make millions. There isn’t a college football fan in the country that does not know his name. He is close to getting a degree from a excellent university. But like many athletes, Jones recognizes and seemingly resents the exploitation of athletes and the inequality in college sports.
While the OSU football team made millions upon millions for the school during his tenure there, the East Cleveland native could not so much as sign an autograph for profit. The amount of money he made for the school was completely disproportionate to the scholarship and benefits given to him in exchange. However, it's the NCAA’s most recent decision that may have been a tipping point for Jones.
Last week the Division 1 Council decided to ban satellite camps. That means schools can’t hold camps outside of their own facility. Jones is among the student-athletes that couldn’t afford to travel the country looking at schools and marketing his talent. Satellite camps give prospective student-athletes a chance to meet coaches from other areas of the country and get exposure. Student athletes are only allowed five official visits, which is where the school pays for the prospect’s trip, to Division 1 and Division 2 schools. Thanks to the ban on satellite camps prospective student-athletes from lower income families are now further limited in their chances of receiving a scholarship as well thoroughly exploring their options.
Jones, who missed out on many opportunities to profit from his own success, image and hard work, is speaking up for the next athletes in line. The NCAA claims to have the best interest of the student-athlete. However, specifically limiting access and opportunity to lower income prospects in order to appease coaches and administrators who prioritize wins in games, further proves that the NCAA doesn't care if its past, present or future athletes lose in life.
