Ralph Nader: Replace scholarships

[salsadancer7]

Interesting comments, as much I think it would be a great idea, too much money is involved already with the whole recruiting thing.

WASHINGTON -- Consumer advocate Ralph Nader is calling for the elimination of college athletic scholarships, saying the move is necessary to "de-professionalize" college athletes.

Nader's League of Fans, a group aimed at reforming sports, proposes that the scholarships be replaced with need-based financial aid. He says that would help restore academic integrity to college sports.

The Associated Press obtained a copy of the proposal Thursday, ahead of its official release.

Nader, a former presidential candidate, argues that his plan would also help reduce the "win-at-all-costs" mentality in high schools, by reducing the incentive of college scholarships.

Ralph Nader proposes replacing athletic scholarships with need-based aid - ESPN

 

[riffjim4069]

I agree with Nader in principle, but the Cat is out of the bag...the Genie is out of the bottle...and the ship has long since sailed on this issue. It's too late to turn back at this point due to the amount of money on the table and the number of influence peddlers involved.

 

[salsadancer7]

I agree with Nader in principle, but the Cat is out of the bag...the Genie is out of the bottle...and the ship has long since sailed on this issue. It's too late to turn back at this point due to the amount of money on the table and the number of influence peddlers involved.

exactly.

 

[SamCdbs]

Why is what Nader thinks about any subject important? He is a private individual who, other than commenting, generally without insight, on every issue that has come up during his lifetime, is of no merit. He has never, for example, held an actual job.

 

[Derwin0]

I have to disagree. In most of the non-money sports, athletic scholarships are a way for some of these kids to go to school. Most of those are actually serious about their academic careers, and trying hard to be good at track/swim/tennis/ect is a way to pursue that career.

 

[Ira Lacher]

Nader's proposal is a good start, but doesn't go far enough:

Since athletic department revenue seldom goes toward the university's general fund, and indeed the institution usually has to subsidize its athletic department, it gains very little, monetarily. Institutions would spin off their athletic departments, which would become independent 401-c(3) nonprofits. Athletic department would pay institution to license its name, logo, colors, etc.

Recruit would have two choices:

1. Accept a student scholarship, meaning he or she would be a student with full responsibilities toward fulfilling degree requirements. Recruit would try out for the team, just as in high school.
2. Be hired as an employee of the athletic department, paid the equivalent of whatever full-ride four-year scholarship would be. (Not so incidentally, since athletes have five years to use their four years of eligibility, they are getting five-year scholarships at present, while non-athletes unfairly get only four-year rides.) No student responsibilities or benefits, no classes. Maximum of four years of employment; recruit or university would have right to terminate. Recruits have full employee staff privileges and responsibilities.

Recruits would have one chance to switch tracks during their eligibility, from student to employee and vice versa.

Scholarships would be freed up for actual students, athletes would be paid as professionals, and sham of "amateurism" would finally be laid to rest.

 

[Derwin0]

Scholarships would be freed up for actual students, athletes would be paid as professionals, and sham of "amateurism" would finally be laid to rest.

At which point college athletics will be finished and the NFL & NBA might as well set up a minor league same as MLB.