All of that would be safe. Uncontroversial. Heck, Hayes could even discuss hoops. This is the Big Ten's annual media day, after all, and the versatile six-foot-eight, 235-pound senior forward for Wisconsin had just been named the conference's preseason player of the year.Speaking of which."It's the dumbest thing," Hayes says. "It's worse than a participation award. At least when you get a participation award, you did something."A small, satisfied smile."Preseason player of the year, I didn't do anything. I showed up, and they said, 'You might be good this year. You might not. But we think you might!'"Herein lies the problem. Hayes is perceptive, and honest. Shut up and play ball? When he sees something, he says something. Two days from media day, Hayes will appear on ESPN's College Gameday before a Wisconsin home football game, holding a sign reading "Broke College Athlete Anything Helps" and directing spectators to the brokebadger1 handle of a send-cash Venmo account. But right now, in this conference room, on an October afternoon, he's explaining how he and his teammates are being exploited, and why the same multibillion-dollar amateur campus sports economy that provides them with athletic scholarships—and not a nickel more—is bullshit.Read More: Does Racial Resentment Fuel Opposition to Paying College Athletes?
Nigel Hayes, speaking his mind at Big Ten media day. Photo by Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Sam Dekker, Frank Kaminsky, and Nigel Hayes during the 2015 NCAA Tournament. Photo by Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Former Wisconsin basketball player Zach Bohannon. Photo by Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

NCAA president Mark Emmert enjoys a generous compensation package. Photo by Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
When the pressure is on. Photo by Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Nigel Hayes is a fan favorite. So why rock the boat? Photo by Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Nigel Hayes with his mother, Talaya Davis, and stepfather, Albert Davis, Sr. Photo by Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
