Athletes and Cheating

There is a major difference between being paid to play a sport and playing it out of enjoyment. Paying student athletes in college would take away any last motivation they have to get an education. At this point, many of the more talented athletes are aware that they do not need an education. They know they will most likely be drafted after or maybe even before they graduate. But if we pay them to play in college, education will lose value. So what happens when those players don’t make it as professionals? They will have nothing to back them up.

When asked the question of whether or not outstanding athletes who are academically challenged should be admitted into colleges more often, there are ups and downs. In a way, I agree with the suggestion as long as they aren’t getting paid to play. Sometimes talented athletes can not attend college due to financial issues or academic struggles. Admitting them to a university based on their athletic ability would be a good start in helping them progress and receive a college education. On the other hand, the issue of cheating comes into play. Athletes that have been accepted to universities but are not prepared for the academic challenges they will face have been a main source of cheating or inappropriate help. Cheating is unacceptable in any situation no matter how much a person may be struggling. They may have to put their training or practice aside for a moment because education should always come first. Even though I am not an athlete, I understand that it takes great effort to keep grades and athletics balanced. Although, it is a skill you must acquire if you plan to take that road. Therefore, if you plan on participating in athletics in college, it is important that you have the ability to balance both academics and sports.