It was long-speculated that there is more than a little racist-thinking (veiled or otherwise) in those that disapprove of paying college athletes. The plantation imagery summoned by some pay-for-play advocates has greatly relied on that notion. But, is there an actual relationship between the two?
The answer to the question seems to be that, yes, attitudes towards race do affect one’s perception of pay-for-play, irrespective of political party, gender, SES or other demographic factor.
Nteta and his colleagues looked at previous public opinion polls on college sports. When it came to pay-for-play, they showed a clear racial divide.