In an effort to dispell myths, rumors, fantasies and gossip about college athletes, I have compiled a list of the top 10 myths regarding college athletes.
Myth 10: College athletes are 'dumb jocks.'
Truth: The days of the unintelligent athlete passed away long ago. Today's athlete must have physical and mental strength to endure standardized college entrance exams, speaking before the media and the rigors of daily studies.
Myth 9: Athletes don't earn their grades, their grades are given to them.
Truth: Often, athletes are scrutinized more than other student by professors who feel they get by on talent and not brain power.
Myth 8: Professors feel obligated to pass star athletes.
Truth: Professors gain absolutely nothing from passing an athlete if their grades don't reflect effort.
Myth 7: Athletes don't take the same classes as other students.
Truth: Athletes don't have a special group of classes, professors or academic standards.
Myth 6: College athletes never study.
Truth: In the most structured athletic programs, mandatory study and tutoring time are built into the daily regimen of classes, practice and competition.
Myth 5: College athletes don't deserve the perks given to them by The University such as not having to wait in line for books, free university apparel, etc.
Truth: Athletics often draw student body, faculty and donations to The University, so it's just smart business to ensure athletes have all the proper materials, that they represent the name of The University and that they have a reasonable amount of comfort in exchange for their hard work.
Myth 4: Athletic programs don't deserve the attention The University gives to them.
Truth: A winning athletic team is one of the best recruitment and fundraising tools a university can have, so it makes sense that The University places them on the top of the promotion list.
Myth 3: College athletes usually end up worn out, uneducated and unemployed after graduation.
Truth: Most college athletes end up with great time management and team work skills long before their peers. Studies show their competitive natures, along with the aforementioned skills often make athletes more successful in business than others.
Myth 2: College athletes are paid.
Truth: Ha! Not only are athletes not paid, NCAA rules strictly permit the amount of time athletes can work.
Myth1: College athletes should not be paid.
Truth: You can say what you want about this issue. You can say scholarships are payment enough. You can say paying college athletes undermines the educational system. Whatever!
This is America, and it's as simple as this: IF YOU GENERATE INCOME, YOU DESERVE INCOME IN DIRECT PROPORTION TO WHAT YOU GENERATE.
The fact of the matter is, a winning athletic team can generate thousands of dollars, and athletes should be able to share in the wealth.
Our forefathers set up a similar program when America was very young. After being 'recruited,' a group of early Americans were told, "Do what we tell you to do, and we'll provide your room and board." While this groups basic needs were met, they in no way shared an equal compensation in proportion to the revenue they generated.
Americans became wise enough to set these people free.
Let's hope Amercians will soon be enlightened enough regarding the payment of athletes as well.
