College sports are becoming even more popular and 'important.' So much so that some people go to college just to play them, not to study. Either people are losing their sense of what college is supposed to be for, or America's emphasis on college education is changing. The message being sent out to these young-adults is be involved in what's happening now, not where you will be in ten years. The best examples of this are three of the country's most talented quarterbacks - Dennis Dixon, Colt Brennan and Matt Ryan. They spend more time watching film than studying in class. Dixon's only class is billiards. Brennan, take only three classes, one of which is CPR. Ryan has a degree, but needs three classes to stay at the university so he takes 3 night classes all on different days once a week. Brennan said, "Basically, what your focus is on is Saturday and the game. The distractions are a lot less." Althought they are great athletes I feel that they need to see how this will effect them later on. As William C. Friday, former North Carolina president says, "intercollegiate athletics is becoming an entertainment industry." These players only care about one thing, making it to the professional level. If somehow they aren't able to play...what other options will they have?
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/01/sports/ncaafootball/01football.html?ref=education&p...
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4 comments:
Matt,
I agree with you. Playing sports is becoming more focused on the athletic aspect rather than the educational aspect. After all, they are "Student-Athletes", meaning that school becomes before athletics. Even in highschool, really talented athletes seem to be worrying about grades less and less because they know that their ability to play a particular sport well is enough to get them into a good college. Essentially, college (at least for athletes) is becoming something they do on the side when they're not playing their designated sport.
i agree with you too. I think the players should be smart enough to focus on their game but to also have a back up just in case. Of course trying to put all your effort in the game is hard when you have to study, but its the smartest thing to do. But not everyone is meant to be in the academic world, so players should see how they could follow their talents in sports with a business that they could excel in and study those areas in school.
hey wsup matt,
you definitely got a point. Let me tell you what I think. I think college athletics is more entertaining than professional sports. For example, I would for sure rather watch a college basketball game rather than an NBA game. I don't think college athletes have much time to study either. For example, after a hard practice, it is hard for them to go to their classes, stay awake, and complete all the work. They would be exhausted and wouldn't be able to think. I think college athletics is a full time committment and a crucial decision in the college life.
ZzZZZzzzZ,
I agree with the fact that kids are focusing too much on sports and too little on school. I know that while i apply to colleges, one major factor is whether or not the school has an impressive athletic department. I just think the school would be more fun and i would have a better experience. On the other hand, the athletes you used as examples are exceptions. THese are potential draft picks. College is for creating thoughtful citizens and preparing the students for their careers and in these athlete's case, they are going to play professionally. I have read into a lot of other college athlete's who understand they will not play for money and study to excel in their profession of choice.
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