Academic shenanigans at UNC

[angus]

Stories like this are why the NCAA should actually drop all of the academic requirements for athletes. If they just want to piss-dick around for 4 years and play football, let them. If they don't get their degree, that's on them. At the same time, drop the special treatment too.

It seems like a good idea, but it is irresponsible.  Students are accepted generally with the expectation that they will graduate.  I think that the better idea is to stop treating student-athletes like gods and role models, and to stop treating collegiate athletics like professional training grounds.

[angus]

This is why we need to get rid of college sports

But that sends the wrong message.  A component of the current liberal arts education model is wellness and athleticism.  Typically, a minimum of 3 credits (of 120) are required.  Also, college and university games are fun to watch, and promote fellowship and community among students.  A sports program can generate pride and and enthusiasm among students, and endowments from alumni.

I do agree that we should stop paying them.  Moreover, they must be students first, athletes second.  I also don't necessarily have a problem with the professional leagues recruiting straight out of high school.  In fact, if the public could accept that some of these pro-bound athletes weren't really cut out for cerebral labors and just allow the pro leagues to recruit them at the age of majority, then several of these problems would be solved because university athletics could go back to being what they were meant to be.