Over the summer, a group that represents NCAA student athletes began calling for the establishment of a “Bill of Rights” for athletes, as a result of what they see as gross abuse of them by the NCAA and by coaches.
We agree with this drive to aid student athletes. The NCAA colleges, most particularly in football, act as a de facto minor league. Yet unlike any other sports league, there is almost no protection for the players against the whims of the administration.
We do admit that we had a twinge of heartburn with the assertion that there are special privileges and benefits to being a non-athlete that athletes are unable to possess. Many student athletes receive free-ride athletic scholarships, and often are given the best tutors and free class materials, special academic tracks, catered buffets and the like — whereas the rest of us do not.
But that twinge is tempered by our belief that student athletes are also the closest direct analogue to the old Roman gladiators — who, while pampered and the target of the adulation of the masses, had almost no say over their lot in life.
The typical student athlete is, sadly, recruited because of his or her athletic ability, thrown into college with a full scholarship and then not given the time or the incentive to earn good grades. They are subject to dual responsibilities: Athletics and academics. Yet to devote themselves fully to athletics means neglecting their grades, and conversely, substantive attention to academics risks their being dropped from the team.
Student athletes also have little opportunity to earn an outside income, and payment for their services on the gridiron, court or diamond is forbidden. This too is analogous to the gladiators, who would make a pittance — if anything at all — for the entertainment of the masses and the coffers of those who sponsored the fights.
While covered by NCAA insurance for injuries incurred during formally sanctioned practices and games, student athletes are not covered during so-called “captain’s practices,” which are informal and supposed to be optional. Those who appear, however, get to play in the games. Those who fail to show up can find themselves benched. Sports injuries, especially in football, can be devastating physically, emotionally and financially.
The ultimate sanction, which can be wielded by coaches almost at whim, is dropping a player from the team. This entails, as well, the immediate loss of all the privileges associated with athletics, most notably athletic scholarships and thus the opportunity to receive an education, in many cases. There is no opportunity for recourse or appeal for those who are dropped. There is, unlike any other league, no players’ union whose role is to make sure that players “fired” are not “fired” arbitrarily.
It is for these reasons that we are wholeheartedly in favor of players being able to do what they love, and not be victimized in doing it. We believe that athletes should be able to make a living, should be insured for any injuries incurred from service on the team, no matter when, and should be allowed to have time to better their minds and not be dropped for arbitrary reasons. Otherwise, dissolve the NCAA, detach sports from the University and call it what it is — a minor league. At least then, the players could be paid for their troubles.