I hate that this discussion ALWAYS goes into paying the players. ELA, you said it. A kid getting $10K to peddle used cars doesn't prevent him from sitting out. If the deal stipulates that the kid must play, well, that opens a whole different can.
You play for the team and school you joined, period. The team that help you by catching or throwing a pass, a block, etc. The school that made you what you are, with support, elite training, special diets designed by professionals, etc. Not playing after receiving all of that, in addition to an education, is just selfish.