I don't view these kids as lost causes because of their back

Posted on: August 30, 2016 at 20:33:53 CT

grounds. I believe they can learn new ways of life, different from what they've seen - and given the fact that they are providing literally millions of dollars of entertainment value to the University, they deserve the very best support.

They each should have, individually:

A Counselor/sports psychologist, a Tutor/Education Facilitator, assigned 'buddies' in the regular student body, a member of the police force, perhaps even a 'foster family', a home they can visit during the semester.

In other words a safety net of people that are there to help them make it through an incredibly challenging situation - playing D1 ball while also going to college. A group that cares about them individually and really wants to know 'how it's going' at all times.

I'd also like to see a significant 'career center' where players that have graduated (or even haven't) can get help in finding jobs.

And yes, these are all privileges, special privileges they get because they are or were on the football team.

I like Pinkel's comment 'you'll be in my phone forever - you can always call me.' That's the way the entire football program ought to function. You're not just joining a football program, you're joining a second family.

This is a way to get players successfully integrated as productive members of society. Just doing that on a regular basis within the football program would be a huge step forward for everyone, especially for the type of 'at risk' players we're talking about.

No, it's not a solution for everyone, everywhere, but it's far better than what is going on now, which is a breath away from bald-faced exploitation...