Thank you all that have taken the time to explain, it really is appreciated.
To recap: Until recently all college sports were deemed to be amateur, so no athlete was allowed to benefit. (it was fine for everyone else to reap millions)
Recently athletes can benefit from their image rights.
Some of you mention a free education and I can see where you're coming from, but it seems that the same applies to students NOT on an athletic scholarship. (Nor does it apply to no athletic activities such as Art or English)
BTW. A few have mentioned 'Stupid Boy' which I have read. It was this and others that prompted my questions.
Cheers