That's a fair statement. Nobody really feels that the women's tennis team is being "exploited". But something does feel intrinsically off about watching 19 yo kids sacrifice their bodies to a violent game when the kids are not getting fairly compensated, and in many cases are not actually getting the education that is supposedly part of the deal. The coaches are getting millions, the AD and his minions are getting millions, the college president is sitting up in a luxury box watching it all happen (and getting millions) - and the kid doesn't even qualify for worker's comp when his knees are ruined for life. The kid can't transfer to another program if he's mistreated, and we've all heard about some of the shady situations where kids are forced out of programs to make room for the next big thing.
Not coincidentally, football is the main place where one could reasonably expect a meaningful percentage of players to be able to get paid by outside parties for endorsements, appearance fees, autographs, etc. At the very least, some of them might want a paying job in the offseason. Which is why I am not arguing for all student athletes to get paid "fair market" salaries, whatever that means, but instead for them to be able to maximize their income outside the university if they want to. To go back a few posts, kids on music, art, academic, or any other scholarship are completely free to make money outside of college - whether in their chosen field or not. Athletes cannot, even non-revenue athletes, without causing impermissible benefit problems with the NCAA. How is that fair?
I also think it is ridiculous that a kid can't hire an agent - or other professional - to advise them without losing their eligibility.