Key Issues

« back to 2010 | Back to NCAA News Archive Index

Get It Right

Get it Right is an occasional feature created to provide accurate information on NCAA-related issues.

Bob Kravitz’s Aug. 6 column in the Indianapolis Star focused on the NCAA and student-athletes. He missed on several major points. 

Kravitz logic: Athletes should be given the choice of a scholarship or a salary. Let's say the average annual tuition in all colleges is $25,000 a year. Make that the number, then. I can guarantee you that 99 percent of all athletes would take scholarships, and less than a handful in each athletic department -- the one-and-done basketball players, for instance -- would take the cash. They wouldn't be required to take classes. If the salaried players want to take some classes, fine. Pay for it out of your own pocket.

Fact: Student-athletes have that option now—it’s called the minor leagues, overseas leagues and professional developmental leagues…and they might earn more than $25,000.  The educational foundation of intercollegiate athletics should not be altered to accommodate a few select players who want to be professional.

Kravitz logic: Athletes should be given the freedom to hire an agent without fear of losing eligibility, and that agent should be allowed to do what agents are supposed to do.

Fact:  The NCAA supports the notion that those select few student-athletes who have the opportunity to turn pro should be able to get all of the information available to weigh their options. However, negotiating a pro contract and providing financial benefits not available to all others changes the player’s status from student-athlete to professional and you can’t be “partially” professional.