We can argue back and forth about whether or not it should be allowed, but as the rules are currently written, it is not.
Anyone that is offering money for a recruit's commitment, is cheating.
Anyone that is accepting money solely to play football, is cheating.
Anyone that is allowing a player to play for them with the understanding that the player is accepting money to commit and play for their school, is cheating.
I'll add that compassion would not be a valid argument for why pay-for-play should be allowed.
- Teach a man to fish, and he'll be able to feed himself for his entire life. These kids are getting access to an education. If you want them to improve their lives, the opportunity for that is already being provided.
- The game feeds many mouths and therefore the integrity of the game is paramount. If we don't find a way to regulate pay-for-play in some way, the quality of competition and interest in the game will be diminished; revenue and opportunities will dwindle.