I never did “get it” because I thought that the scholars would benefit our society more than the athlete. I still think this way.
...depends on what they do with all that ‘scholarship’...if they go on to become college professors, I’ll take the athletes any day...
I worked with men P.E. college teachers for decades. I always liked them because they were BOTH athletes and scholars, the "complete man."
And, of course, there are scholars who are buff but if one is VERY scholarly there is often no time for anything else.
EVERY profession is valuable in our society. PLUMBERS are an absolute necessity. I've learned to value all honest jobs.
And, no, prostitution (male or female) isn't honest work even if some countries legalize it...like some European countries.