It’s college basketball’s “March Madness” time again, and as we marvel and root for favorite teams and players, the conversation seems to come around like clockwork, on an annual basis “Should College Athletes Be Paid”?
I’ve spoke on this subject several times over the years, and as I was watching NBC’s Meet the Press Sunday morning talk show today, I noticed that a poll was shown (apparently taken by the Washington Post) that showed 33% of the general public is in favor of paying the college athletes, while 64% of the general public as opposed to paying the college athletes. I fall into that latter category, but I do think there are ways to be creative and come up with “deferred compensation plans” that are contingent and conditional upon the athletes obtaining their college degrees.
After all, isn’t that what the spirit of “collegiate athletics” is supposed to be about? That is, if were serious about having these young performers be “student/athletes”.
There was a recent CNN report earlier in the year, which showed a survey of the top 25 basketball/football powerhouse schools (Florida, Alabama, Clemson, Oklahoma, LSU, Texas, and several more), and in that survey, it reported that up to 30% of the so-called “student athletes” were reading at the 5th grade level. That’s absolutely incredible, astounding and totally unacceptable!
Something has to be done about that, and since most of the collegiate athletes, aren’t going to make it onto the pro levels, we need to start shifting our focus into making sure that these young athletes at least obtain their college degrees.
Take a look at this video clip from the NBC Meet the Press show from this morning, and then also, read through my op-ed that I wrote a couple years ago in regards to how we can become creative and further compensating the college athletes, without them becoming actual employees of the universities, and enhancing the odds that they will complete their college experiences and walk away with a degree in hand.
www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/should-student-athletes-get-paid-n59866
www.youniversitytv.com/news-sports/5354-should-college-athletes-be-paid
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
