UW would be out of tourney, if Education Sec. had his way

cathal said on March 20, 2010 at 6:03 PM

Hurray for the Educ Ses - we are talking about student-athletes, not just athletes. That's a very low suggested requirement rate. I hope it is supported and enforced.

dakota001 said on March 17, 2010 at 9:09 PM

These kids need to be taught to appreciate what they have been given and use this opportunity for education to the fullest extent. Either that or we need to quit giving out these free rides to people who are just going to waste them and give more of them to deserving students who will use them.

aleexsb said on March 17, 2010 at 8:40 PM

Maybe he should go to the NBA and ask them not to waive millions of dollars in front of these kids, so they can complete school, risks injury and lose their shot at the NBA. The schools should dictate their own graduation goals, and rules.

runner693 said on March 17, 2010 at 7:50 PM

Gritz, you just don't get it. I've got two words for you: "Atlas Shrugged". These "kids" have every opportunity to get something out of their education. It is all up to them. In fact, they have it better than the average student strugging their way through school. The socialist idea is, exactly as you said, " helping those who are helping us". 'From each, according to his need, to each..........................' you know the rest. When you remove the personal responsibiltiy for each to look out for his own interests, the natural result will be societal mediocrity. Not to put too fine a point on it, but some bozo 3000 miles away, as Midwest mentioned, deciding who gets to play and who doesn't is exactly the political spin I detect on this story. It is creeping up all around you.

blankingout said on March 17, 2010 at 7:33 PM

So people aren't smart in the head, but PHD a basketball... don't punish them cause one's ideas of skills don't meet another's.

gritz said on March 17, 2010 at 6:14 PM

I still don't understand the political aspect. Its about a system that uses these athletes to make millions of dollars for the school and in return they are are not even guaranteed a diploma which cost a small fraction of the money they bring to the school.You all are quick to complain about the cost of tuition to the schools but are unsympathetic to the people who are the schools major cost infusion program.I know some of you want to blame the Democrats for everything but sometimes its basically about whats right and whats wrong.There should be some goal, some standard that allows these kids to leave the institution with something to show for their efforts.This is not a matter of Red State/Blue State or Race or gender. Its about helping those who are helping us.

midwest said on March 17, 2010 at 4:35 PM

If the citizens of Washington State want to impose certain rules on their institutions that is their business. If an unelected bureaucrat 3000 miles away wants to have the final say that is a different story. Of course this is political. The main political divide in this country is over what amount of control government should have over our lives. Maybe the D.C. folks should try applying this 40% rule to their high school athletes first and see how it works.

organdonor said on March 17, 2010 at 4:32 PM

I have to agree. They shouldn't be able to play. 3 out of 10 isn't that great when it comes to your athletes graduation rates.

gritz said on March 17, 2010 at 3:26 PM

Runner this has nothing to do with politics. I think the schools should be committed to these student athletes for six years. The season starts in Nov and runs all the way to April. The kids are on the road and making large amounts of money for the schools, television and Las Vegas. Most will never play in the pros.Based off of home ticket sales alone, the schools should ensure that these guys have the opportunity to get a degree. There should be stipulations, like they must maintain a passing GPA, stay within the guidelines for good conduct etc. Considering the amount of training and away from class time required to be in NCAA sports it is unfair to think they can finish with a degree in the same time as a non athlete.

runner693 said on March 17, 2010 at 2:17 PM

To all of you democrats out there who have drunk the oBama-flavored kool-ade, but didn't bother to read the package first, pay attention to this small story. This is just a little clue as to what the socialist left has in mind for all of us. In their endgame, EVERY part, and the smallest detail, of our lives would be controlled and directed by a govt agency somewhere. Who says daycare is only "for the kids"?

1beachperson said on March 17, 2010 at 2:13 PM

Only 40%? I think it should be MUCH higher - maybe 75%. No free rides just cause you can do something with a ball.