As the COVID-19 outbreak continues, controversy has grown between fans, coaches, and the athletes themselves.  It is well known that fans would do anything to watch a live game in person, but they aren’t the only people fighting for what they want. During a recent game on Jan. 7th, 2020, coach Kim Mulkey returned to Baylor practices after getting coronavirus on Christmas. Mulkey was determined for the season to continue after games had been canceled but, with virus rates growing, she felt uncomfortable coaching. Mulkey felt that no matter what, the season will continue on because the NCAA “has to have” the almighty dollar from the men’s tournament. The money that the NCAA makes is “more important than the health and welfare of me, the players or anybody else,” said Mulkey.  

Other people in the industry have felt the same thing as the NCAA went to the Supreme Court this past December. The NCAA said there is a “blur between college and professional athletes” so, therefore, there is a separation in the rewards. This case was caused by an athlete fighting for the ability to be paid by the company. The NCAA has repeatedly stated that athletes should not be paid because they are getting an education instead. In 2017, they put athletes they had never met in certain classes based on one essay. This caused an uprising after education had been claimed to be the most important aspect of their athletic career.  

Now, with the disputes over athlete’s health, the NCAA has shown no more support than before. Athletes and coaches both do not feel safe or secure. Athletes have been determined to be paid the money they deserve after their commitment. Coaches, like Mulkey, are serious about the fact that they do not feel safe in this environment. The NCAA has some work to do in order to prove to athletes and coaches that they care about anything other than the money.