NCAA Exception Allows Mo'ne Davis To Be Paid For Commercial

http://espn.go.com/espnw/news-commentary/article/11742373/mone-davis-appearance-commercial-compromise-ncaa-eligibility

ESPN- The spot, which was directed by Spike Lee, ended with the words "Chevrolet celebrates Mo'ne Davis and those who remind us that anything is possible."

Mo'ne Davis may be paid for appearing in the Chevy commercial without impacting her NCAA eligibility," NCAA spokeswoman Emily James said in a statement.

NCAA guidelines are extremely strict. You may question the rules, but not the ways in which they are implemented. Wait…except if it is a 13 year old girl playing a sport that is predominately male? Is that what is being pushed here? That Mo'ne Davis, a girl that reached fame by smoking heaters past a bunch of prepubescent boys, is above the rules? 

Johnny Manziel and Jameis Winston, two players that gained unprecedented Heisman prestige as Freshman, can't sign their own name on footballs and helmets for monetary benefit. Shabazz Napier, a national championship winning point guard, is deprived the nourishment to sustain his active lifestyle. However, Davis can appear in a commercial and get compensated for it? I don't mean to turn this into a gender issue. It kind of is though. Would a 13 year old boy who dominated the Little League World Series be above NCAA restrictions? Doubtful. 

I understand how important the ad is. I have no issue with female empowerment. It was a delight to watch Mo'ne dominate the male competition on the diamond. It is unlikely, but a female participating in a professional sport, such as baseball, would be a grandiose accomplishment. All the power to her. My issue is with the powers that be. The NCAA. Let these student athletes earn money. I take that back. Let them be compensated for all the money they already do earn. The money that lines the pockets of university officials. If there is a market out there for commercials, or memorabilia, or appearance fees then they should be subject to collecting, at the very least, a portion of that. College athletics is the only big business where the 'employees' aren't a major beneficiary of the work done.

I don't have an issue with Davis making some money. She created the public image she is prospering off of through hard work and commitment. I just don't understand why other athletes, at a much higher level than Davis, can't do the same. Players ,like Todd Gurley, are having their name dragged through the mud, while we sit here and celebrate Mo'ne Davis for doing the very same thing. How's that for a double standard?