Quote:
Originally Posted by CoMoChief
The biggest problem is that these kids get exploited by the time they're 11-12 with big colleges trying to recruit the best players etc. A lot of times to get the best player theres a price.....esp now with as much parity there is now in bball.
They get exposed as being great and they are treated like rockstars from the very beginning. They get money under the table, shoe deals etc, tickets to games, access to players etc. I mean hell its getting to the point where HS games are being telecasted on ESPN if it involves a high blue chip player(s).
These players eventually don't develope a sense of responsibility and eventually get into trouble, don't focus on school work etc because really they dont think they have to, if the price is to hide some baggage under the run so to speak, a program with tons of money is willing to do so if the payoff is big enough. In many cases, these players can change a program around so the payoff can be worth it.
I mean do you really think these kids pass classes that are raised in terrible neighborhoods, going to terrible schools where teachers don't care to teach because the kids don't care to learn? Then a big time "friend of the school" calls them up and asks for a buyout to change a grade or 2 when their payout is 5-6 times more than they make in a year. If I was a teacher I sure as shit would accpet that and would keep my mouth shut.
It's all part of the game.
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I agree with you all the way here. It's a hypocritical system, but one that can still burn a school if the NCAA or an outside party is willing to investigate.
That's why the NCAA needs to crack back big-time on: The AAU circuit, hiring family members/coaches, street agents, etc.
And maybe even start giving players a cut of the revenue they generate so they have some cash in their pockets (in forms other than meal cards, free tuition and a place to stay).