I believe that no one should be treated differently when it comes to academics. Students who do not take the time to prepare for a test, because they had a game the night before, should be able to have it postponed to the next day or take it the day before. Allowing an athlete to cheat is absolutely unacceptable and unfair. There are students, who are in other organizations such as, band, volunteering, and other organizations. They do not receive a brake on their academics
As an athlete myself, I can see the temptation to cheat to keep eligibility, but I could never see the justification. Cheating is cheating, no matter what the reason. And let me just say that I also think that “inappropriate help” is basically just a cover up by the president of the school, Inappropriate help is also cheating on a minor scale. It is getting the answer with help from a teacher or student.
Theses students are being paid to play in college. I believe it they are not able to challenge themselves enough to remain on the team and remain an appropriate G.P.A, they should not be considered for the team.
I know from experience, that being a student athlete teaches you certain things and really teaches you how to manage your time. I believe that if athletes in colleges are paid then they will have even more of an incentive to commit indiscretions like the one at FSU. I think that the rules and restrictions on student athletes in college should stay in place. Yes, some student athletes will go on to play in professional leagues; however, what happens if that does not work out? If those students go to the pros and it does not work out and they did not have strict rules on them for keeping their eligibility in college, then they will have nothing to fall back on outside of the sports world. They would have been able to slip by in college so that they could play their sport and they would not have gotten a quality education.

Comments

[alexandria cruz]

Erin I completely agree with you. When I answered the question I took it more as should athletes be paid? I was on the fence about this whole issue because I had no idea where to start, but when I read yours I realized I should not have answered mine the way I did, so unsure. But you make great points. It is unfair because students who go into college sports should know and be prepared for how difficult it will be. I agree that students who cannot keep up their GPA should not be on the team. However, should an athlete be denied (even if they are the best of the best) just because he failed a class? That is the question that is difficult for me to answer only because I am not an athlete. I am not aware of how hard it is or anything. That is the only thing that seems remotely unfair to the athletes. I like the fact that you were able to relate to this because you are an athlete. You are right, I can imagine, that playing sports in school teaches you great time management. Some students can handle it, and some cannot. I also agree that the restrictions should stay the same. To change them would cause a huge problem. The students need ot take responsibility for the workload they take on. If the students were positive they would make it to be a professional, then they should major in something easier so they have time to balance their lives. They should be prepared to make sacrifices, like going out late on a night before a game or practice. You also make the point of, what happens after college if the student doesn’t make it to the pros? What will they have then? Certainly not a true college education if the only reason they got through college was because they either cheated, or were treated differently just because of sports. Then that degree isn’t truly earned. This is an excellent answer to a hard issue.