I love Louis CK’s “Of course, but maybe” comedy routine where he juxtaposes his precious beliefs against the harsh possibility that unfairly taking advantage of human beings results in some grand aggregate outcome we appreciate. Even if I don’t reflexively believe life is zero-sum, I’m partial to the concept that my values are sometimes at cross purposes with my preferred outcomes.
Of course, adults should be allowed to gamble, do drugs and see prostitutes if they so choose. I believe in freedom and balk at the practice of throwing people in prison for committing victimless crimes of vice. Of course. But maybe…I don’t want every city I visit to be like sordid, miserable Las Vegas?
In that vein, of course high level “college” athletic stars deserve to operate in a free market that rewards their value. Of course. But maybe…the value proposition of college sports, for whatever reason, relies on the idea that these professionals get screwed in some capacity?