I've been against player compensation from the start, because I believed that a free tuition was enough. But after thinking about it and hearing some of Neuheisl's comments, I don't think CFB players are being given the gift of an education.
1. The ability to enter a degree program of your interest, as a player, is very low. The average GPA requirements for most programs are much higher than the average GPAs of student athletes, specifically FB players.
2. Many universities try to bring accolades to higher Ed programs and they raise minimim requirements to increase demand of "smarter" students, especially out of state students. That notoriety aids the school in grants, scholarship donors, etc.
3. The demands of CFB training, practices, etc conflicts with many many programs, thus, the programs that are convenient to the student athlete are few. Usually the athletes in major sports fill those classes. Athletes that do enter programs of their interests usually back down to a degree that fits their schedule and convenience. It's sad to see them choose a degree they are not interested in b/c of the demand of their sport.
4. Most schools do not have fully-vested support systems for athletes to provide instruction and testing outside of the regular schedule. Teachers are paid salaries and aren't asked to go above and beyond their contracts. Many teach multiple classes as well.
I don't think paying these players makes up for what the college athlete was intended to be. I also think CFB has pulled the student out of the classroom as consumer demand and fan expectations have increased.
What should be done?
1. The ability to enter a degree program of your interest, as a player, is very low. The average GPA requirements for most programs are much higher than the average GPAs of student athletes, specifically FB players.
2. Many universities try to bring accolades to higher Ed programs and they raise minimim requirements to increase demand of "smarter" students, especially out of state students. That notoriety aids the school in grants, scholarship donors, etc.
3. The demands of CFB training, practices, etc conflicts with many many programs, thus, the programs that are convenient to the student athlete are few. Usually the athletes in major sports fill those classes. Athletes that do enter programs of their interests usually back down to a degree that fits their schedule and convenience. It's sad to see them choose a degree they are not interested in b/c of the demand of their sport.
4. Most schools do not have fully-vested support systems for athletes to provide instruction and testing outside of the regular schedule. Teachers are paid salaries and aren't asked to go above and beyond their contracts. Many teach multiple classes as well.
I don't think paying these players makes up for what the college athlete was intended to be. I also think CFB has pulled the student out of the classroom as consumer demand and fan expectations have increased.
What should be done?
