I understand that NCAA athletics is a big money-making business, and that's fine. But that means the players and coaches are employees of the "business" and it is part of their "job" to follow the rules! These "kids" knew they were breaking the rules, knew it was wrong, and they also thought they could get away with it. It's clear now that Jim Tressel was more than willing to lie and break the rules in order to "protect" his players and his winning record and 2010 season.
In my opinion, these students ARE paid, with quality educations and room and board. Therefore, they need to follow the rules or risk loosing their scholarships. I am so sick of hearing people whine about how it's unfair that student athletes don't get compensated for their performances. They are paid with an education and the opportunity to showcase their talents and possibly move on to the NFL. However, they are NOT guaranteed a spot in pro football, so they shouldn't jeopardize their educational opportunities. They should be just as focused on their education and keeping their noses clean as they are on their sports.
Yes, student athletes are held to a higher standard. Yes, they are often put under a microscope, especially in larger programs. However, they are very aware of this when they choose to become members of these programs. And they should be held to a higher standard, they represent the school nationally and are examples to other students. They should take pride in their roles as student leaders.
In my opinion, Jim Tressel should be fired and all 5 of these students should be kicked out of the football progam and loose their scholarships. All parties involved knew the rules, knew the difference between right and wrong, and knew the possible consequences of their actions. Ohio State should now make them pay the consequences for their actions, instead of sucking up to Tressel and acting like this violation is no big deal. This situation is a perfect example of what is wrong with college sports today, and it's obvious that these problems are becoming more rampant. Let's hold our colleges and universities to a higher standard, and focus on the reason they exist in the first place: preparing students for jobs, for life, and giving them a quality education!
I know my opinion is naive, and idealistic, but it's how I feel nonetheless. In a perfect world, students would be focused on education and being leaders at their schools, not on being all-stars.
1 comment:
Very well thought out and executed argument. My only qualm is this; do you really suppose the DEA agent that contacted Jim Tressel via e-mail did not CC the Athletic Director or the President of the University? An agent of such a policing force would be sure to cover all bases, I would think. Should Tressel still have done something? Abso-fucking-lutely. However, I do feel his is being made a patsy. But that's me, conspiracy theories everywhere.
Post a Comment