The Houston Texans locked up running back Arian Foster, who came into the league as an undrafted free agent, with a five-year, $43.5 million deal. He is considered one of the top running backs in the NFL and finished the 2011 season with 1,224 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns as well as 617 receiving yards and two more touchdowns. He helped lead the Texans to their first ever playoff appearance as they won the AFC South.
Recently, Foster was asked about his feelings on NCAA football. In that interview, which was conducted NFLDraft365, he stated that he doesn't really care for the NCAA and the reason is because of money.
"I have a thing against the NCAA, man. I don't really like the NCAA. I don't believe that the system they have in place is fair. College football is a billion dollar business. And they equate the billions of dollars they make to a bachelor's degree.
"Why is the NCAA have this umbrella over students-athletes that they are amateurs. How am I an amateur player and my coach is making $4 million a year? Is he an amateur coach?"
"Whatever brings in revenue, pay accordingly. It's just that simple. If you go to a regular business, you pay your employees what their worth is.
"A lot of people say that you get a free education. ... But it's not really free."
Despite the fact that NCAA football is as popular as ever, there has been a recent outcry that college athletes should get paid for what they do, mostly based on the fact that schools make millions upon millions for what their athletes do. The issue has become so popular that South Park tackled the issue in an episode named "Crack Baby Athletic Association."
Foster isn't alone when it comes to his thoughts on paying athletes for what they do, however, there is also a large amount of people that feel that a free college education is more than enough compensation for what they do on the field or court. This issue is likely far from coming to a head, but as time goes by, the debate about compensation for college athletes could blow up.
For more on the Texans, head to Battle Red Blog.
