Athletes are people with their best abilities in their favourite sport/game. They are very important part of their college, because they are representing their college inside and outside the college also.
According to my opinion college athletes should be paid for playing for their college.That does not mean to pay them cash rewards. Its mean college should paid them in the form of scholarship like some concession in their fee or might be full fee concession. college may gave them discount on their gym fee and also canteen discount. Therefore They can make their health well and join gym for good stamina and better performance. So they can perform outstanding in their sport. Because college student dont have enough pocket money to continue their sport. Cash rewsard can be given to those athletes who belong to poor family or those who deserved.
On the other of coin there are some people who says that college athletes should not be paid for playing, because they might be loss their concentration on their study and spend all time by playing.
Well in my opinion athletes should be appreciated and also be paid in the form of scholarship and cash rewards to those who deserved.