[mbyron]

I work in post-secondary education, and I think that most college athletes in big-time programs are done a disservice by their universities. Generally they are not educated, they are moved through a system of remedial (or worse) classes, and sometimes they graduate. But, to echo some of the other posters, it is all about the money.

I would like to see athletes at these programs (and it's only some programs -- college athletics runs the gamut from sheer professional to quite amateur) treated as employees of their respective universities. They should be paid and given benefits, including the option to attend the university at no cost (if they can get in). This would treat these professional athletes as they deserve to be treated -- as professionals -- and yet give them the opportunity to educate themselves to whatever level they can attain.

Sorry to divert the thread. I'll get off my high horse now.