Source Argument
When looking for information about the atrocity that is college athletes being suspended for signing autographs, I found several articles from well-known sports authorities. One stood out as very strong and used some very valid points on why athletes should be allowed to receive money for signing their own names and property. The article was written in August of 2013, and was in response to allegations that Johnny Manziel had received payment for signing his own sports memorabilia. It begins by comparing the former Texas A&M quarterback to Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. The Olsen twins had clothing brands, makeup lines, and a movie all produced by the twins while in college at New York Universities. The author is essential describing all of the endorsements and money making opportunities that are available to any student in college, except for college athletes. Article also draws a comparison between Manziel and South Carolina Defensive End, Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney would go onto become the first overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft. The article mainly focuses an autograph authentication firm that has supposedly validated numerous Clowney autographs, yet no sanctions have been imposed on him. Joe Orlando, who owns the authentication firm states that it is extremely rare that athletes do these singings and not get paid in some way for them. My one concern is that the article is slightly slanted towards defending Manziel, specifically. I want to use this source as a way to defend any athlete who is able to profit from their name.
This article does a good job of pointing out the inconsistencies that have occurred with different athlete allegations as well as making points about how other celebrity college students receive money for their own names. I plan to use this source to show that people have different ways of making money in college. While the vast majorities get jobs on or near campus, some are or become celebrities that can profit from their own name. The fact that actresses in school can sell their name while athletes who come from completely different backgrounds cannot is a disgrace. This article provides a nice piece of factual information about how athletes are held to a higher standard than other college students.
eli6363 