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. @ClayTravis
Hey @MattJMayhewPhD, I hear you. It can be tough being the adult in the room taking an honest stance that things could be better by unifying behind football. But its a shame you caved to a bunch of entitled, immature children. Let me explain. https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2020/09/29/author-apologizes-inside-higher-ed-article-he-recently-wrote-opinion
Hey @MattJMayhewPhD, I hear you. It can be tough being the adult in the room taking an honest stance that things could be better by unifying behind football. But its a shame you caved to a bunch of entitled, immature children. Let me explain. https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2020/09/29/author-apologizes-inside-higher-ed-article-he-recently-wrote-opinion
Our youth are partly typical kids; their Prefrontal Cortex is still in development, the inhibitors that regulate risky behavior are not totally present, and their neurons are firing like crazy. This leaves them very open to new ideas but prone to addiction and indoctrination.
Now, couple that with years (especially at the college level) of being told that you are oppressed because of your skin color. Pay no nevermind to the fact that in this case, we are talking about D1 top tier athletes (I'll get to that soon). Also, they are grossly undereducated.
But to an extent, these issues aren't their fault. Our education system has failed many of our youth. They no longer can critically think due to the Critical Theory rampant throughout their academic years. But this is a separate issue I address often.
Now Matt, I hope you're still practicing your listening skills. Here's the interesting part. These kids throwing temper tantrums, AREN'T OPPRESSED. They are playing a game as a means to pay for their degree, housing, food, etc. But its more than that.
Lets focus on the @pac12 to take @OhioStAthletics out of the mix. And I'll pick a state school over the private schools in the conference. So here is AZ and its cost of attendance. It costs b/w $30k-$55k to attend U of AZ including housing and board.
https://financialaid.arizona.edu/cost/incoming
https://financialaid.arizona.edu/cost/incoming
Now, add in that the @NCAA allows for additional stipends for athletes above cost of attendance up to roughly $2500. But we aren't done there because we are talking about top tier D1 football. What follows is a list of other things they get access to.
-24/7 health care access (Athletic Trainers)
-Private charter planes to away games, though I'm sure if its within a couple hours they use charter buses
- Access to team academic tutors
- a full-time sports psychologist. https://arizonawildcats.com/staff-directory/amy-athey/58
-Private charter planes to away games, though I'm sure if its within a couple hours they use charter buses
- Access to team academic tutors
- a full-time sports psychologist. https://arizonawildcats.com/staff-directory/amy-athey/58
At many big schools, like Washington, Student Athletes have access to their own dining halls. https://gohuskies.com/sports/2013/7/2/208569561.aspx
-Many teams have sport only training facilities, video rooms, iPads for each athlete, etc.
Not to mention all the gear they are given for being part of the team (depending on the team and program; could be a $1000 or more).
And much more
Not to mention all the gear they are given for being part of the team (depending on the team and program; could be a $1000 or more).
And much more
In the end, a D1 FB player at a Pac12 or Big10 school gets close to $100k in indirect compensation for their UNFORCED participation. But we aren't done.
For those Pac12 athletes, there are these bonuses. In a letter from the Pac12 Commissioner Larry Scott, he spells out the extra goodies for their athletes. How about health care for four years after eligibility is used up?
https://images.saymedia-content.com/.image/cs_srgb/MTc0NDMyOTM4NjI3MjQ1NzAy/scott-response-1.pdf
https://images.saymedia-content.com/.image/cs_srgb/MTc0NDMyOTM4NjI3MjQ1NzAy/scott-response-1.pdf
But I digress, let me say this; I am all for these athletes getting paid and I'm all for these athletes having access to all these awesome resources. I support paying them to play college sports. In fact, I propose we actually make these big FB programs minor league NFL.
However, they better understand that they don't get a guaranteed four years of $100k salary...unless its written into the contract of course. They will have to risk security for more pay and opportunity. But I am supportive of their choice on this matter.
The ironic part is these athletes that are "protesting" and feel like their are being oppressed benefit from a capitalistic society, but protest for a communistic/socialistic one. I hope they understand that they are the Bourgeoise in this scenario.
Where I have a major issue is with the "oppressed" college athletes that regardless of their SES coming into college, live a far better lifestyle (at least for 4-5 years) than 98% of America. Couple that with their lack of cognitive development, and thus you have entitled brats.
So in finality, I am sorry you backed down with the groveling you professed to the Church of Woke. Just understand, it won't help. They may be appeased for the time being, but they will use this episode to control you in the future. It will not go away.
I agree with your original writing. We do need something like Football as a unifying action for the country. These pampered Prima Donnas need to do some self-reflection. And I agree, "their black bodies" are not for my entertainment; well my money is not for their benefit.
