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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Can the younger athletes still compete in college if they have had Olympic endorsements?[/quote]

I don't believe they can be paid.

http://www.ncaa.org/about/frequently-asked-questions-about-ncaa[/quote]

They can't be paid, which creates a difficult dilemma for the few athletes with serious earning potential.  For example, Missy Franklin chose not to go professional after the 2012 games when she had great earning potential, and instead swam for Cal for two years.  After two years, she went professional (hence the ads for Minute Maid, etc. that ran before the Olympics).  Missy still has two years of college left, but will no longer be allowed to swim for her school.

Katie Ledecky is now in the same situation as Missy.  She could go professional and make some good money on endorsements.  But, if she does that, she wouldn't be able to swim for Stanford where she's starting in the fall.  In another post, someone mentioned Schooling (the swimmer who beat Phelps in teh 100 fly) potentially getting endorsement deals.  Of course, if he does that, his swimming career at UT will be over.

Simone Biles had committed to UCLA, but then decided to go pro giving up her NCAA eligibility.  Madison Kocian has not gone pro, so she will be on the UCLA team starting this fall.  Aly and Gabby both turned pro after 2012, I think.  Laurie Hernandez may be facing this decision soon.

IMO, these athletes should not have to choose.  If they turn pro to make $, I understand having to give up a scholarship.  But I think it's unfair that they are then forbidden from participating in college sports.  This is particularly problematic with respect to sports like football and basketball, where schools are making tons of cash off these athletes, yet the athletes can't take any money if they want to keep playing.   [/quote]

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