Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has stated that he believes college football players should be paid.
Peterson was questioned on the subject after it was suggested that basketball players stay in college for longer, but the 28-year-old has claimed that increased responsibilities for players mean that they should be rewarded if they are kept in school extensively.
He told reporters: "Johnny Manziel made Texas A&M so much money and when I was at Oklahoma, they made so much money. They're trying to make basketball players go two years in college? Wow. I wonder why?
"Think about it. Just imagine if LeBron James had been in college for two years. How much money would that college have made off of him? So much money. It's about the freedom to do as you want and make your own decisions.
"Also, nobody wants to live in the dorms for four years. You see the guys who are older, and they have responsibilities. I feel like, as much money as universities make, some of that should come down to the players, as well."
The former league MVP also argued that while he was in school, he became a father, which meant that he had responsibilities outside of simply "playing football and going to class".
The payment of college players is an ongoing issue, with the argument set to continue well past the next football year.
Joe McPhee
