To what extent do you care about the "college" part of collge football?

[SaintLouisVol]

I am not going to pretend to be idealistic here, but I am curious about the mentality of the fanbase.

Recently I have seen thread about cheating and such while others seem to want to preserve the notion that "student athletes" still exists. I've seen it suggested that the university has an obligation to balance between psuedo-pro sports and educatution.

So, let's hear it. How far do you push it? Is this about football or is this about college?

Where does the balance lie?

 

[orangebloodgmc]

Gotta have both ... but it is clearly a different world from what it was 40 yrs ago.

 

[Special Ed]

When college football became a big money enterprise, the education quotient went right out the window. In spite of all the bloviating to the contrary by college administrators, the student-athletes are students in name only. The vast majority of them are there in pursuit of an NFL degree and the dream of big bucks, expensive cars, and fast women.

 

[Ttucke11]

I could honestly care less. If the player cares about his education then great. If they don't then whatever, their choice.

 

[olstumpjumper]

I would much prefer to keep the "college". The more the pendulem swings to paid pros the less "spirit" the players have towards the alma mater and in a lot of cases don't even bother to get their degree, even after seeing most pro players go broke soon after leaving the game.
We do have to face the fact that a lot of young players just want to get thru with college so they can make lots of money in the pros. But that doesnt mean we shouldnt try to instill a love for UT in them.

 

[CardsNVols]

The balance lies somewhere between ambitious scholars and thuggish jocks.

Moderation is key. I don't mind the fact that college athletics (football and basketball) is a booming industry that produces millions upon millions, and I also don't mind that these kids are expected to maintain at least decent grades and work for what they are receiving (free education, meals, and housing).

I do mind, however, that college football has become nothing more than a training ground for the NFL in the minds of many. I hate the fact that there are outcries from numerous fans, many of whom are college graduates, about how their school or "team" I should say, has raised the academic standards one single iota for athletes. When I think about how small of a percentage of these guys get a shot at the NFL, and the even smaller percentage that actually succeed in the NFL, I wish that a significantly higher number of these "ball playas" would take advantage of their opportunity while they're in college and get themselves something to fall back on.

On the flip side, I want to cringe when certain schools simply de-emphasize athletics as a whole and disregard the positive influence it can have on a university. There is a balance somewhere in between, and I think each and every college and university should try to find and maintain it. Unfortunately, that will never happen, because all we see is green.

 

[LaserRocketArm]

If not for the college part, what would be the difference between the NFL and CFB?

The college part is what keeps a lot of things in check in terms of competition.

That said, I think the "student" part of student-athlete(SA) is completely bogus. 99% of highly ranked SA's have some almost-made-up major like "Family Resource Management" or "University Studies". A lot of them don't care about the education, and it shows when they go on twitter and write something that needs to be deciphered by someone equally uneducated.

I think the problem is on both sides. The kids just want to play ball and make money, but aren't eligible for the NFL out of HS. The university wants to keep them around for sports revenue because the amount of money athletes bring in far outweighs their scholarship fees.

As a fan, I watch them for their athletic talents, and I feel their education is not my business (although I do hope they get educated). The academics are the private side of their college life. It should be important to them, not the fans. We don't ask them to publish their GPA's, do we?

I sometimes wish the system was like the old days where a sports scholarship meant an opportunity and privilege to earn their education for free because of their athletic talents, but sadly its turned into a way for student athletes to promote and showcase their athletic abilities instead.

 

[Vercingetorix]

I am an alumnus. I care far more about the "college" part than the "football" part. I have many, many arguments on this board about it.

 

[emzeeee]

I am an alumnus. I care far more about the "college" part than the "football" part. I have many, many arguments on this board about it.

Agreed.

I see a lot of people with very negative opinions on the academic side of college football. UT has mismanaged quite a few things. But, I can't say 'hell with it' when it comes to academics because less than 1% of the athletes coming into college to play football will make it into the NFL.

I absolutely will not support an organization that foregoes education completely in favor of just football.

They are codependent and should be treated as such.

 

[shoney]

To be honest I really could care less about the academic side of Tennessee football. I want players to stay eligible, so they can play and help us win. I am just being honest. Now, I know how important a college degree is, and I wish they would all graduate, but the only thing I really care about is Tennessee getting back where it belongs, winning, winning, winning. I know this opinion makes me selfish, but I am what I am.

 

[#1DicksonVolFan]

To be honest I really could care less about the academic side of Tennessee football. I want players to stay eligible, so they can play and help us win. I am just being honest. Now, I know how important a college degree is, and I wish they would all graduate, but the only thing I really care about is Tennessee getting back where it belongs, winning, winning, winning. I know this opinion makes me selfish, but I am what I am.

Amen

 

[CardsNVols]

To be honest I really could care less about the academic side of Tennessee football. I want players to stay eligible, so they can play and help us win. I am just being honest. Now, I know how important a college degree is, and I wish they would all graduate, but the only thing I really care about is Tennessee getting back where it belongs, winning, winning, winning. I know this opinion makes me selfish, but I am what I am.

I admire your passion for UT football. Nothing wrong with having expectations for your team, but if all you care about is winning, then why not just pull strictly for a professional team? That's what they get paid to do.

Honest question.

 

[Vercingetorix]

To be honest I really could care less about the academic side of Tennessee football. I want players to stay eligible, so they can play and help us win. I am just being honest. Now, I know how important a college degree is, and I wish they would all graduate, but the only thing I really care about is Tennessee getting back where it belongs, winning, winning, winning. I know this opinion makes me selfish, but I am what I am.

It doesn't make you selfish, it makes you what a lot of people are -- a fan of the UT football team in the same way that you would be a fan of a pro team. There is nothing wrong with that. The stadium would be a whole lot smaller without you guys.

I don't have any illusion or expectation that most Vol fans care about the school itself. All I ask is that they regard academics sort of like NFL fans regard the salary cap -- as a constant irritation and limitation that unfortunately still has to be respected and adhered to. The school is a whole lot bigger and more important than its football team.

 

[AshG]

Let's call a spade a spade. The growing trend is for these young men to be treated like Roman gladiators and less like student athletes. There's very little in the way of human care left for them among what seems to be a growing percentage of fandom; they exist for our entertainment and not much else. They get injured or stop being entertaining to us, we replace them. They outgrow the system, we replace them. They succeed, we continue to follow them so long as they remain entertaining to us. There is no care beyond our enjoyment, our escape, our fulfillment. So who gives a care about their education? They are, after all, just creatures of pleasure who perform for us for a time.

The enlightened fan understands that these men have lives beyond the sport they play, and that the time they have is often short. A college education provides them with an opportunity to enjoy life beyond their usefulness to the plebians. When their body and mind have worn down (as they are wont to do) and they are tossed aside by their handlers, they must have something to fall back on. College is the opportunity to provide them with dignity when they are removed from the arena; whether they choose to take advantage of such a rich opportunity is up to them.

One path strips the man of dignity and leaves him at the level of an over-evolved mammal ripe for the pens; the other sees him as a fellowman who is cared for and properly directed in exchange for his services. A college education gives these kids their dignity and provides them with an opportunity to succeed beyond their use as entertainment to the masses.

 

[OrangeBlood4life]

I don't really care about about the college part. I'm only interested in the product on the field. I could care less if the players care about their education. But I hope they take advantage of that opportunity. I don't care about how smart they are, as long as they are out there playin ball. The elite players are only worried about gettin in the nfl, with some exceptions to that. I wish all the kids on our volunteer squad the very best in life no matter what they decide to do. Jmo. Gbo

 

[vol66]

Times Change. Football is a sport, like rugby. A violent sport. In the early 1900's folks tried to banish it, in truth, that's why the NCAA was created. It was not intended to be a police force for recruiting violations, the NCAA's sole purpose was to figure out a way to keep football players from dying on the field, most importantly keep the sport going.

Even in the 50's and 60's, as the sport grew, professional football players held down other jobs, it was like rugby in the US, a pro sport, yes, but like a club sport, most couldn't make a living at it.

Getting a scholarship to play college football, pay for an education...that had a value. That value was MORE valuable than the option of playing professional football.

Now, in my opinion, it's hypocritical...Football is a way out. 20 year old millionaires, Bryce Brown for example. Fresh legs right there. No education, no practice...and when McCoy can't go, boom there he is. I realize that is an extreme example, not the norm.

How can Mark Emmert sit in front of a camera and say student athletes are not employees of the Universities with a straight face knowing he pulls down nearly 2 million dollars a year? The only reason he has a job, is college football and basketball.

Hypocrisy...like the University of Tennessee accepting seven million dollars in gifts from the athletic department, before the season has started. Before the popcorn has been sold.

Hypocrisy like the NCAA selling the rights to a players likeness to EA Sports even though that player played for UCLA under Wooden.

Coaches salaries, all of them. assistants too...If I knew a few of my players couldn't afford a pizza and I made $100,000 dollars a year, it would be hypocritical NOT to help them out.

It's time to change an antiquated model and the baby doesn't have to be thrown out with the bath, but it's time to do the right thing. Let the players test the open market to see if they can supplement their grant and aid. Johhny Football, Candace Parker, Tim Tebow(@UF)...It's good for the Olympics, the X Games...and best of all neither the NCAA or the Universities have to pay. It's fair. Most players will reach the pinnacle in college and they could profit from it, and it hurts nothing and no one.

 

[Vercingetorix]

If we're going to have a decent conversation about university-vs-athletics, we should widen it beyond just academics. I have far more arguments about ethics and criminal behavior than I do schoolwork and admissions. I worry about the reputation of the university. A lot of fans sneer at that -- which I understand, because I don't ever worry about the reputation of the Atlanta Braves or Falcons, right? They're just teams. Whereas the Vols, obviously, aren't just a team to me.

 

[shoney]

It doesn't make you selfish, it makes you what a lot of people are -- a fan of the UT football team in the same way that you would be a fan of a pro team. There is nothing wrong with that. The stadium would be a whole lot smaller without you guys.

I don't have any illusion or expectation that most Vol fans care about the school itself. All I ask is that they regard academics sort of like NFL fans regard the salary cap -- as a constant irritation and limitation that unfortunately still has to be respected and adhered to. The school is a whole lot bigger and more important than its football team.

I guess I do look at it like the salary cap, and like I said, I hope they all graduate. It's just not something I think about much.

 

[shoney]

I admire your passion for UT football. Nothing wrong with having expectations for your team, but if all you care about is winning, then why not just pull strictly for a professional team? That's what they get paid to do.

Honest question.

Because I was born and raised in East Tennessee. I am a big NFL fan too.

 

[vol66]

If we're going to have a decent conversation about university-vs-academics, we should widen it beyond just academics.

Not sure I understand. Honest question.

 

[Vercingetorix]

Not sure I understand. Honest question.

Typo on my part, will edit. I meant "university vs athletics." That's the eternal tension -- UT-Knoxville and its athletic department. And a lot of fans would be stunned to realize how irrelevant athletics is to the university community as a whole.

 

[PrattvilleVol]

When college football became a big money enterprise, the education quotient went right out the window. In spite of all the bloviating to the contrary by college administrators, the student-athletes are students in name only. The vast majority of them are there in pursuit of an NFL degree and the dream of big bucks, expensive cars, and fast women.

Dang Ed...That's the most intelligent post you have ever...I mean EVER...have made. Congrats!

 

[vol66]

Typo on my part, will edit. I meant "university vs athletics." That's the eternal tension -- UT-Knoxville and its athletic department. And a lot of fans would be stunned to realize how irrelevant athletics is to the university community as a whole.

I'm still not sure which angle you'd like to discuss, and I assure you, I'm no spelling/grammar nazi.

I don't disagree or find it surprising "to realize how irrelevant athletics is to the university community as a whole." It's hard to relate to another college student when the only time you see them is on television.

That's why the whole system for college athletics is a joke. Title XI, all of it.

The problem is not the athletes, the problem is taking what they bring to the table like it's 1950.

Or 1965
HAL WANTLAND | The Vol Historian | GoVolsXtra.com

 

[fade route]

I could honestly care less. If the player cares about his education then great. If they don't then whatever, their choice.

This - we can't nanny kids into an education.

 

[tm3]

I admire your passion for UT football. Nothing wrong with having expectations for your team, but if all you care about is winning, then why not just pull strictly for a professional team? That's what they get paid to do.

Honest question.

College players are paid, also.

I can't improve on what vol66 and specialEd said, hypocrisy being a key word.