Out of control: College athletics has created superstars with no accountability

The University of North Carolina is just the latest school to deal with a star athlete who thinks he is above the law.

There are many more -- and much more disturbing examples of criminal activity, complete disregard for rules and, of course, a pronounced disinterest in graduation.

And those reports are becoming common news across the country.

Is there any doubt at this point? College athletics is less about education and all about business and the young people involved in those "games" are paying the price.

It is not good for a young person to believe that he or she can get away with anything as long as he or she can shoot a ball or score a touchdown -- or that having that ability will be enough to get them through life.

Truth is, for many of these college stars, the fame they experience is fleeting, resulting in disappointment after the fans aren't cheering anymore.

If we are going to allow student athletes to play by different rules, let's quit pretending and set up a pre-league for young athletes who really have no intention of ever completing a college degree.

They will be supervised, given contracts and be forced to earn their spots on national teams. There will be rules that involve sports and not academics.

That way, we can open up spots in college for true student athletes who have their priorities straight and a degree as their goal.

The games might not be as exciting, but perhaps the end will justify the means -- more graduations and fewer court dates.

Otherwise, it is time to get tough -- on athletes and boosters.

College should be for learning AND sports. Athletes should be forced to maintain grades and be held accountable when they act like idiots -- just like they will be in the real world.

Otherwise, we are doing them a disservice.

And who knows, maybe college sports will seem more like what it is supposed to be -- college, not a mini-NFL, NBA, etc.

Published in Editorials on July 29, 2013 10:42 AM