In April 1998, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) gave final approval to Proposition 62, a rule that allows Division I athletes, with the exception of first-year students, to hold part-time jobs. The rule took effect on August 1, 1998, amid debate over whether the NCAA’s decision will help impoverished athletes or provide an easy way for athletic boosters to funnel money to star players.

Opponents to Proposition 62 argue that a key problem with the rule is that it allows athletic departments or boosters to arrange the jobs. Critics contend that boosters will offer star athletes jobs that involve little or no work at high wages, possibly surpassing the NCAA-imposed $2,000 annual limit. Sports Illustrated senior writer Rick Reilly writes that college athletes deserve money but receiving it from boosters is an ill-conceived solution. He observes, “This thing invites every cheat, influence peddler and...