Why College Athletes' Pay Should Be Out in the Open

College sports have changed a lot since 2019. The days when athletes played for free while schools and coaches got rich are over. Now, players can earn money from endorsements and even get paid directly by their schools. But there's a catch: no one knows how much these athletes are making. Public universities in Louisiana won't say how much they pay individual players. Some schools share the total amount they plan to give athletes, but they won't reveal who gets what. This means taxpayers don't know how much they're paying for their favorite players. It also means athletes can't shop around for the best deal. This situation is unfair. Athletes should know their worth and be able to negotiate for better pay. Taxpayers should also know where their money is going. After all, they're the ones funding these schools and supporting the sports programs. This secrecy also makes college athletes different from other public employees. The salaries of professors, administrators, and even part-time student workers are public records. But not the salaries of athletes. This doesn't make sense. If athletes are professionals, their pay should be treated like that of any other professional. It's time for change. Athletes should be able to see their value and negotiate their worth. Taxpayers should know how their money is being spent. And schools should be transparent about their spending. It's the only fair way to move forward.