So far this season, there have been 32 reported concussions among active football players in the NCAA. While concussions range in severity, from “you should never do what you were doing again” types to the less problematic “take it easy the next few days,” they all represent a serious head injury that can potentially cause lifelong health issues.
Unfortunately, these injuries, among others, are one of the many costs of the incredible emphasis placed on college sports and, particularly in Alabama, college football. We demand that our players be tougher, more aggressive and more violent than the opposing team, and would be remiss to say we don’t love seeing a good hit being leveled on that team’s players. However, we simply cannot ignore that that love has a cost, especially to the players.
Last week, a former U.S. Justice Department official released a report outlining the full extent of UNC-Chapel Hill’s academic fraud that allowed hundreds of players throughout the years to enroll in classes that required little to no work. In some cases, academic counselors even went so far as to suggest to the professors what grades each student should get to ensure the “student-athletes” remained eligible to play. This is a crime.
Though it is understandable on the students’ part, considering they typically must spend upwards of 50 hours a week in practice or watching film outside of school, it is absolutely inexcusable on the part of the university administration and the coaches. These individuals claim that the students are being properly compensated for their services to the university in that they are having all costs of attending the institution covered. Still, those costs are of little to no value if students are not receiving a meaningful education.
Careers can end on a single bad play, and many students do not even intend on playing professionally in their respective sports. It is foolish to assume that they are being “properly compensated” for their hard work and dedication in the form of a bottom-feeder education. Though the report exclusively centered on UNC-Chapel Hill, such schemes are likely rampant throughout the country.
As a member of the Million Dollar Band who gets free admission to all home games and many away games, I arguably benefit more from our success on the field than most. Every Saturday, I watch some of the most talented and hardworking individuals in the world risk their health and future success to win games for us, their fans. Alabama football is a culture I am proud to be a part of, and the sport is central to our collective pride as Southerners. But, as with most things, its many benefits carry at least as many costs. Lest we choose the route of ignorance, we would do well to face these costs head on. It is the least we can do for a lifestyle on which we depend.
Chisolm Allenlundy is a junior majoring in philosophy and economics. His column runs weekly.
