With America’s secular Holy Day now behind us, it’s likely many of us have felt the early tremors of winter football withdrawal. Thankfully, InsideAcademia.tv can provide a small consolation. One of our latest episodes focuses on the professionalization of college football, and the modern “myth of amateurism” that pervades the NCAA sport.
Michael Oriard, associate dean at Oregon State University and author of Bowled Over: Big-Time College Football from the Sixties to the BCS Era, spoke with Andy Nash on the subject, pointing out both minor and major contradictions in the regulation of a sport that, on the one hand, generates untold millions for the academic establishment, while, on the other hand, bars the student-athlete stars to profit from their hero status.
Without improved athlete compensation, says Oriard, the NCAA could risk death by a thousand lawsuits. Tuition, room, and board scholarships no longer cut it.
Oh, THAT's why Phi Beta Cons was so quiet yesterday; there was a football game.
It being a nice day (as usual for this time of year, here) I went down to the beach. I realize that those of you who live in other climates might have had no choice but to stay indoors and watch some ad-laden TV show.
Interesting point on the history behind the creation of the athletic scholarship.
I actually support a super-conference that operates out of the confines of the NCAA, and I'm warm to the idea of athletes being compensated for their work.
I wonder, though, if the basketball players win their suits and there is a redefining of the student-athlete's role to one of a worker, will that have a ripple effect on other students who receive stipends? Would GAs then have a case that they are not fairly compensated?
Oh, THAT's why Phi Beta Cons was so quiet yesterday; there was a football game.
It being a nice day (as usual for this time of year, here) I went down to the beach. I realize that those of you who live in other climates might have had no choice but to stay indoors and watch some ad-laden TV show.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseInteresting point on the history behind the creation of the athletic scholarship.
I actually support a super-conference that operates out of the confines of the NCAA, and I'm warm to the idea of athletes being compensated for their work.
I wonder, though, if the basketball players win their suits and there is a redefining of the student-athlete's role to one of a worker, will that have a ripple effect on other students who receive stipends? Would GAs then have a case that they are not fairly compensated?
Reply to this commentLinkReport Abuse