<p>^^^^^</p>
<p>That is another angle of this growing problem. And for MrsRef: I wouldnt be so proud of the 100 schools only representing 10% or so of the roughly 1,000 schools in Div. 1. This is the first time the NCAA has lowered the boom on schools who have been glossing over this problem for years. I specifically avoided labeling any particular conference or school to avoid any hint of elitism. Its a widespread problem.</p>
<p>Athletes also get better health care than the average student, often better dorms and food. Meanwhile, many of them can’t spell and tie their own shoes without any “help”, which it turns out was beyond what the NCAA deemed to be legal help and cost them bowl appearances, tournaments and scholarships.</p>
<p>Nothing wrong with sports. In fact, I am a strrong supporter of inter-collegiate sports. Much moreso than I support or follow the professional leagues in fact. But I am tired of athletes with subpar stats getting into highly competitive schools and taking up valuable seats, while outstanding NON athletes are denied admission, or if they are admitted are left to fend for themselves. </p>
<p>I just want the NCAA to police these abuses more and weed out the bad apples with strong sanctions, which alone will cause schools to tighten their standards. </p>
<p>That isnt being melodramatic. Its supporting academic integrity, supporting a more even “playing field” (pardon the pun) on the academic field and admissions field, and reminding athletes that they are there not just to play sports but to attain an education, particularly if they are using scholarship money…as in “FREE RIDE”, while the rest of us are writing big checks to keep our students in college.</p>