Monday, August 13, 2012

Student Athletes vs. Pros

Last week the Honey Badger's drug problems were well documented as he was kicked off LSU's football team. Many other college football players have gotten in trouble for a variety of things, and it has been reported in the media. That is just the way it is - but is it right?

There are a ton of reasons why people discuss paying college athletes. But one I rarely, if ever, hear is that they get their name run through the mud and they aren't professionals.

The fact is, college football players are student athletes. Whether they are playing college football as a means to get a scholarship for whatever their particular field of study is, or they are preparing for a career in the NFL, these players are learning. They are learning how to be professionals because right now they are amateurs.

It's unfortunate when college players have their mistakes printed in the newspapers, written about on the internet and discussed on the radio. It's an embarrassment to themselves, their families, the team, etc. Yes, the players need to be careful about what they say and do. But they are not yet professionals. So why should they have to?

I understand that this is just the way it is. And with all the technology out there now it will only continue to be more prevalent. I just think it's a shame.

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