Are Collegiate Sports Uglier Than Ever?

Scandals. From Miami, to Ohio State, to USC, to Penn State there seems to be a recurring trend of illegal activity from universities all over the country. Could it be these activities are new occurrences that have just recently developed?

I doubt it. What has changed is the ability to hide these infractions. Technology and social media are shedding light where these universities use to be able to hide. Collegiate and even high school level players have been receiving money, gifts, and special treatment for generations. Whether it is wrong is for a different discussion.

The problem is the NCAA itself. Double standards exist from top to bottom in this organization. Players are held to different standards than coaches. This may makes sense if players were held to a lower standard, but unfortunately this is not the case. Coaches, who often take place in awarding improper benefits to players, have simply left to coach in the professional ranks and get away scot free. While players face violations, suspensions, and damage to their name. 

The solution is not to penalize and reprimand these young adults, many of whom are underprivileged. The solution is to change the system. Student athletes already receive scholarships. Why not provide them with a reasonable stipend (allowance) included but in addition to their scholarship money. Student athletes as a whole bring millions upon millions of dollars to their universities.  The allowance should simply cover costs of living (food, transportation, etc.)  This could stop a player from accepting some of these improper benefits because the need won’t be as high. Will it stop all? Of course not, but we have to start from somewhere.