<p>"A former University of North Carolina football player has become the first to sue the university over an 18-year academic scandal that kept athletes eligible to play sports by taking classes that never met ... Now he's suing the university in federal court, saying UNC broke its promise to give him an education in return for playing sports. His lawsuit is a class-action suit that the other 3,100 students who enrolled in the fake classes -- nearly half of whom are athletes -- could easily join." ...</p>
<p>These events happened years ago, and now a lawsuit? My first reaction is “opportunist” - not sure if it is him, lawyers.</p>
<p>This would be my response to all those students if I were the judge. OK, you were promised an education. Here is a 4 year full scholarship to return to a NC state college at whatever level you are prepared to enter- from CC to graduate degree. Fees for any placement tests and applications will be waived. Academic advisers are available to help review your records and suggest schools and programs to apply to. Your scholarship will include a stipend for family housing while you are enrolled in college. To maintain the scholarship you must be enrolled in at least 12 hours a semester and maintain a C or better in your classes.</p>
<p>Now, it is up to them to take it, </p>
<p>The result of this kind of lawsuit, other than delivering a sum of money to former student athletes and their lawyers, is to punish the students who are enrolled now. Many states have limited school budgets, leaving them to raise tuition and or cut the number of classes available. This could also open the floodgates to investigations and lawsuits at other colleges.</p>
<p>Maybe the real problem is the idea that someone can devote themselves full time to playing sports while also attending college, especially if an athlete is admitted with lower academic skills than other students. Maybe it’s time we recognize that the talent to play sports at the college level is a skill set on its own and treat this in a similar manner as GI Bill. " Congratulations on being accepted to State College X Sports Academy. For four years you will live on campus, be provided with room, board, a stipend for living expenses, and part time enrollment in remedial and general education classes as determined by placement test. On completion of this program, you will be awarded a four year scholarship to any state college that you gain admission to. The terms of this are…"</p>
<p>I think the only way to avoid the possibility of many expensive lawsuits is to offer an education option, not a cash payout. </p>
<p>This lawsuit is coming from a guy who got kicked out of UNC for cheating on assignments.</p>
<p>If that is the case, then I hope this is settled quickly in favor of UNC. </p>
<p>UNC was quite aware of what it was doing and did it shamelessly. I hope it costs them BIG.</p>
<p><a href=“CNN Analysis: Some college athletes play like adults, read like fifth-graders”>http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2014/01/us/college-scores/index.html</a></p>