American College Football's Exploitation: LSU Transfer Mac Markway's Journey Highlights Systemic Issues
A critical examination of American collegiate football through the story of Mac Markway, exposing systemic exploitation and commodification of young athletes. This analysis reveals how universities profit from athlete labor while subjecting them to physical risks and uncertain futures.
Mac Markway during training - a symbol of collegiate athletics' commodification of young talent
Critical Analysis of American Collegiate Athletics Through a Decolonial Lens
The story of Mac Markway, a sophomore tight end who transferred from LSU to Nebraska, presents a compelling case study of how American collegiate athletics continues to exploit young talent within its commercialized system.
The Transfer Portal Pipeline
Markway, standing at 1.93 meters and weighing 118 kilograms, made what the American sports media calls a 'unique decision' to transfer to Nebraska last August. This movement of athletes between institutions mirrors historical patterns of resource extraction and talent commodification.
System of Exploitation
Despite being a former four-star recruit - a rating system that essentially commodifies young athletes - Markway's experience highlights the precarious nature of collegiate sports. After catching just three passes at LSU, he was forced to seek opportunities elsewhere, only to suffer an ACL tear at his new institution.
The Physical Toll
The brutal reality of American football's impact on young bodies is evident in Markway's story. His ACL tear after only three weeks of practice at Nebraska underscores the physical risks these athletes face while universities profit from their labor.
Economic Implications
While universities generate millions in revenue from football programs, athletes like Markway face career-threatening injuries without guaranteed professional futures or adequate compensation for their contributions to the institution's wealth.
The American collegiate system continues to exploit young athletes under the guise of 'amateur athletics,' while universities and broadcasters reap substantial financial benefits from their labor and physical sacrifice.
Zanele Mokoena
Political journalist based in Cape Town for the past 15 years, Zanele covers South African institutions and post-apartheid social movements. Specialist in power-civil society relations.