I tutored introductory economics for basketball and football players at a major D1 university as an undergrad for meager work-study money.
I am now a special education teacher. From a professional standpoint I can now say that the players were all majorly behind their peers at the university in terms of core academic skills and readiness. That they would have never been accepted otherwise was obvious. The players didn't care, for the most part. They weren't rude at all, and I actually ended up befriending some of them and going to their parties --it was just clear why everyone was there. I think they would probably be the first to tell you that the sport was the number one priority.
1
This is terrible. The Bowen most likely comes from a family that does not have money. You tangle 100k and the kid feels he is helping the family. It's wrong all around but those at Louisville and at addisas understoof what that amount meant to the family. No way Pittino was in the dark. Now the family will spend that money on attorney's fees.
1
Ok, what about the other shoe companies?
I am so sick and tired of reading all these improprieties of the universities and colleges throughout the country about their sleazy tactics of attracting young "student athletes"! The steady flow of these activities that have been investigated by those monitoring federal regulations are virtually ignored by the NCAA. Cases in point; what's been done about the situation at FSU where football players had their grades elevated after instructors complained on numerous occasions; what's been done at UNC where similar grade tampering was discovered; what's being done at UF where monies have been extended to players for their hair styles and tattoos!? And these are only the more recent reports!!
Everything quickly gets swept under the rug, no follow up reports! So where is the NCAA in all of this?
It's unfortunate that the term student athlete has become unfairly tainted by these illegal, egregious amenities that are made so readily available at the expense of education.
The solution to this illicit environment is to have "minor leagues" in these high profile major sports; forget about these young athletes being students! Copy what professional baseball has designed for their minor leagues and pay the athletes for their participation and talents; this is certainly not a new concept!!
The bottom line is that all these universities and colleges are willing to over look these illegal activities for the money that is generated from these programs.
JJM
2
Well, let's all shoot for a happy ending. Or a happy journey with hopes of getting to a happy ending.
Wouldn't it be nice if this kid was given a pile of money, taken from the too-flush-with-cash-to-know-what-to-do-with-it-except-screw-up-the-real-world world of NCAA and Professional Sports-Tainment industry, and he went to school and did not play for a big program but rather played for a school that put academics first, and he went on to be a lawyer and voice for change? If he's as smart and good-natured as the article says, wouldn't it be a happier ending to see him get a reasonable degree from a good school, marry, have a couple of well-reared kids? Wouldn't that be better than seeing him covered with tattoos and involved in scandal and having his soul ripped out so we can watch him slam a ball through a piece of metal?
Repeat that a few thousand times a year for a few decades and see if the world becomes a better place.
3
The NCAA has known about the problem with the money flowing from shoe companies and the control these entities had in college , The NCAA did nothing to stop it. As a long-time University of Louisville fan, I agree that Pitino had to go. However, I also understand his anger at being caught up in something the NCAA was well aware of and yet did nothing to stop. I love college sports but there obviously needs to be tighter controls and a stronger AND unbiased organization to head it. And, yes, the players should be paid. I've believed this since a young man from a poor family went from the South to UofL, didn't possess a heavy coat to wear in the winter and no one could buy one for him.
I agree with all the negative comments about the coaches and the she companies--but what about the parents and player? They knew they were not allowed to accept this money (set aside the discussion of paying athletes legitimately). And who know whether they asked for money before offered it or insisted on more after being offered?
Many like to absolve the cheating or bribed athlete--Cam Newton; Chris Weber; Jalen Rose; Derrick Rose--but I am unsure all are as innocent as they claim.
1
Nobody can blame a young kid from a very poor family for taking a bribe. The kid should around and immediately sue the school for not protecting the minor from the show industry and corrupt coaches. They destroyed the kids reputation
1
So, we’ve gotten the villain, Pitino, the way Nevada brought us justice for O.J. But let’s not absolve universities and their leaders for this—they’ve all accepted huge cash outlays from shoe/apparel companies that end up greasing coaches and God-knows-who on their campuses. If Nike and Adidas money is going to be gleefully claimed by athletic departments, colleges are just as culpable for all of this mess. And spare us the bleating of the so-called “clean” coaches who make ten or twenty times the salary of governors in their state. Their millions are the same kind of filthy lucre.
1
Pitino is a crook dressed as a saint -- one who will happily sell you a car without wheels and then get you to pay for rust-proofing and glass protection. It's great to see him getting his due (but I wonder about the lawyers - whether there are lawyers who endorsed this kind of behavior - funneling money from the sponsor to the athlete's family in exchange for the athlete's services).
With respect to the athletes, many say, "pay the players." I agree. Fully. But I don't think the kids should get to take a spot from another incoming freshmen. They should be employed by the NBA and should serve as professional basketball players. And jerks like Ricky Pitino should coach in the NBA if they want pro basketball players on their squads.
Alas, this is just one more depressing example of US society descending into utter corruption.
What connection is there between Brian Bowen, the University of Louisville, and higher education? Nothing. OTOH, this pales in comparison to Louisville providing prostitutes for recruits. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2715888-louisville-prostitution-scand...
It's only a matter of time before we see an academic conference titled "The Optimal Use of Prostitution, Bribery, and Other Illicit Activities in College Recruiting". Conference chairman: Rick Pitino.
This is dumb. Just pay the players. Or better yet, separate sports from school completely.
7
They already do. Athletes get their educations, food, housing, medical care, individual tutoring, clothing and everything else they need paid for by the university they attend.
1
College sports should be abolished, entirely, except for track & field, and other purely fitness related events. Cross country running, swimming, and rowing would be permitted to remain, but all team sports should be reduced to intramural endeavors.
In fact, I would make some form of physical exercise mandatory for every college student. It would certainly cut down on the excessive drinking and partying that goes on. Just like high school, if you can't jog a mile you shouldn't be allowed to take your degree.
Football, basketball, hockey, and baseball would be spun off and made for-profit, independent, under-21 semi-professional leagues.
In fact, I would make some form of physical exercise mandatory for every college student. It would certainly cut down on the excessive drinking and partying that goes on. Just like high school, if you can't jog a mile you shouldn't be allowed to take your degree.
Football, basketball, hockey, and baseball would be spun off and made for-profit, independent, under-21 semi-professional leagues.
10
Can someone explain to me why it's a scandal for a college athlete to pursue money in exchange for the work they provide? They are at the center of an industry that generates millions for universities, coaches, video game developers, and the NCAA, yet they don't get one cent and cannot pursue any income directly or indirectly for their years of hard work. That's the scandal and it goes on year after year and no one seems to care.
I say good for Mr. Bowen, for pursuing income that reflects his talent and hard work, that's the American dream. Isn't it?
I say good for Mr. Bowen, for pursuing income that reflects his talent and hard work, that's the American dream. Isn't it?
7
This is the way an underground economy works, sports fans. And nothing will stop it short of maybe Coach K being shown on the perp walk.
2
I don't understand the problem. Why is it a scandal that a talented young man should share in the bounty that will flow from his participation in a basketball program? That it is "forbidden" is the true scandal. Why is the FBI involved?
3
Let's separate athletics from academics.
Pay the players and end the pretense.
Make the teams into sports clubs with an affiliation to the school.
The sports clubs could function as a farm system to feed the tip top professional leagues.
This would help end the hypocrisy and corruption that surround major college sports and end the bizarre system that pays a football head coach $6 million a year while the university president receives $400,000.
If the sports club affiliated with a university wants to build a $1.5 billion football complex it can do so without affecting funding for academic programs or calling into question a school’s priorities.
Other nations’ academic institutions already manage to exist without intercollegiate sports as part of their “academic” programs. We should emulate them.
Pay the players and end the pretense.
Make the teams into sports clubs with an affiliation to the school.
The sports clubs could function as a farm system to feed the tip top professional leagues.
This would help end the hypocrisy and corruption that surround major college sports and end the bizarre system that pays a football head coach $6 million a year while the university president receives $400,000.
If the sports club affiliated with a university wants to build a $1.5 billion football complex it can do so without affecting funding for academic programs or calling into question a school’s priorities.
Other nations’ academic institutions already manage to exist without intercollegiate sports as part of their “academic” programs. We should emulate them.
8
I am at a loss as to why the Federal Government is using criminal laws to enforce NCAA rules. If a shoe company pays a high school kid, why is that a crime? If a shoe company wants a kid to play at a certain college why is that a crime? This is all the unfortunate confusion between law and NCAA Rules. This is not a crime. In business money is spent to get customers all,of the time. Golf, travel, hotels, tickets to this or that are used to attract new business.
Sure these kids are not business customers. No, they are the business. I realize it is an old saw, but why not use the FBI and prosecutors to go after real crime, like Wells Fargo where tens of thousands of forgeries occurred? Why not pursue drug company payoffs that result in our medicine being impossibly expensive. How could where a kid plays basketball be anywhere close to these types of issues?
The NCAA is a sham. It shills kids for huge money for schools and for itself. It is a Park Avenue big spender. It should not need the entire power of Federal prosecution to clean house. This case would be interesting if they charged the NCAA with illegality. Instead they are doing the NCAA job for it at taxpayer expense.
Sure these kids are not business customers. No, they are the business. I realize it is an old saw, but why not use the FBI and prosecutors to go after real crime, like Wells Fargo where tens of thousands of forgeries occurred? Why not pursue drug company payoffs that result in our medicine being impossibly expensive. How could where a kid plays basketball be anywhere close to these types of issues?
The NCAA is a sham. It shills kids for huge money for schools and for itself. It is a Park Avenue big spender. It should not need the entire power of Federal prosecution to clean house. This case would be interesting if they charged the NCAA with illegality. Instead they are doing the NCAA job for it at taxpayer expense.
8
And just who said there is no money to be made in High School sports? Sports = Money. At ALL levels. We have always associated shadiness with gamblers and politicians, and it has been right there with us all the time, masquerading as the NCAA or other entities. Jeez.....I wonder if there are any Junior High School Teams for sale....they have probably all been spoken for.........
7
He got a promise of $100,000 ON TOP of the $100,000 per annum (pre tax) value of tuition, room, board, books and stipends. This does not include grant money available for spending if qualified. The athletes in this strata do not go to school while working part time and do not graduate with six figure school loan debt facing them. Why do they need to be paid more?
So what they got $100k or less as it sounds. The school, Its president & coaches, and others would make 20X that from his skills. I'm so tired of the hypocrisy in the NCAA & education. If you want to work these kids and benefit royally from their athletic talent then set up a transparent system to allow them to participate fully & immediately in the financial benefits accrued as a result.
19
Michigan State does it the right way. I wonder how Bowen feels being at the 'Ville now?
4
Agree. Not the 1st player Izzo has lost to corrupt characters. See: Cliff Alexander; Caleb Swanigan.
1
Swanigan is a great example. Even Izzo was shocked he committed, but not when Swanigan flipped. Also, I think there's something to be said about boosters who pay players. Is this prevalent?
And let's not have any nonsense -- this is NOT directed at you, chsat103 -- about who the "corrupt characters" are.
If it wasn't for the "how much you offerin' for my boy" bidding-war approach many of these young men's parents take to their sons' "education" guys like Pitino would have to find other venues in which to apply their skill-sets.
Like bundling collateralized debt obligations and selling them to public employees' pension funds...
If it wasn't for the "how much you offerin' for my boy" bidding-war approach many of these young men's parents take to their sons' "education" guys like Pitino would have to find other venues in which to apply their skill-sets.
Like bundling collateralized debt obligations and selling them to public employees' pension funds...
Disappointing article, I'm still waiting to have it explained to me what any of this has to do with the FBI, if NCAA rules have been broken then so what, why does this concern the FBI, surely they have better things to do than to act as the investigation and punishment arm of the NCAA
11
As I understand the theory of the criminal complaints, each of these universities affected receives federal funds. As a result, when university employees (coaches) solicited bribes "in connection" with a federally-funded university or as "agents" of a federally-funded organization, that violated federal law. These actions also defrauded the universities in the sense that the actions, in persuading players to attend the schools, robbed the schools of their ability to control the use of their assets--here, scholarships. To your larger point of the FBI having larger fish to fry, I don't have an answer.
5
It may be politically motivated, however, laws were broken and the whole thing stinks to high heaven. I welcomed the investigation and subsequent charges. On another side, the player and his family are the ones who lose the most. Did they accept the monies? Yes, allegedly. The sport called college basketball is a cash register...everyone appears to be making money. Why wouldn't the player and his family take the money? The coaches and the Athletic Directors are the ones who have the choice to run a clean program. The lure of fame and cash must shut down their cerebral cortex or maybe the ones who cheat just don't give a shite.
2
Sounds like the university should be doing the investigations. There are plenty of oversight staff within them to handle this. If its a Federal violation, their report goes to the US Attorney, The FBI! What a waste of manpower.
Just follow the money.
The NCAA is as corrupt as the NFL. By and large (this Bowen kid not withstanding) these are not student athletes. They are pawns. The NBA and NFL have no minor league system, so they use the colleges instead, who give scholarships to many athletes who have no intention or use for an education. In Florida the football players alone are creating a minor crime wave. Just last week a few of them were caught being involved in some kind of credit card scam. One guy was ordering food on the phone and held the food vendor on the phone while he kept trying more and more credit cards. The vendor reported him and the scam blew up. It all stinks.
The NCAA is as corrupt as the NFL. By and large (this Bowen kid not withstanding) these are not student athletes. They are pawns. The NBA and NFL have no minor league system, so they use the colleges instead, who give scholarships to many athletes who have no intention or use for an education. In Florida the football players alone are creating a minor crime wave. Just last week a few of them were caught being involved in some kind of credit card scam. One guy was ordering food on the phone and held the food vendor on the phone while he kept trying more and more credit cards. The vendor reported him and the scam blew up. It all stinks.
17
Just wondering who paid the 45k tuition at Lalu?
13
Probably a scholarship. He was that good.
1
As a person of high character, had he any inkling of money changing hands he could have deduced it likely was not proper and distanced himself from it. His parents could have done the same. Still, the youngster should not have his future ruined but rather to learn from this and chart his life accordingly.
9
This behavior is widespread in both college football and basketball. The best players are for sale. The NCAA's rules about eligibility and amateurism are a smokescreen to placate the alumni, who don't want to think their guys are illiterate mercenaries. The athletes register for one basket-weaving class after another, have tutors write papers for them, and couldn't find their classrooms on a map. Some can't even read at a high school level. No one cares as long as they win.
The NCAA needs to stop with the lies, and let guys get paid openly, or drop scholarships entirely. Go back to a real amateur model where the student-athletes are actually students. Of course, the level of competition would drop dramatically, and no one would watch the games, but at least it would be honest.
The NCAA needs to stop with the lies, and let guys get paid openly, or drop scholarships entirely. Go back to a real amateur model where the student-athletes are actually students. Of course, the level of competition would drop dramatically, and no one would watch the games, but at least it would be honest.
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