The reason not to pay players is because it is an absolute privilege and joy to have the opportunity to play for your college and especially to get free room and board. No student loans and a chance to play football on TV. If that is not enough then try riding the bench and/or sweating student loan payments for 20…

It's stupid to pay them because the probably the second and most definately third string players, who were also stars in high school and great athletes, will almost certainly play for free just for the opportunity and the fun of it. That is why you don't pay first stringers.