You don't have to require it at all. Players would be smart to major in something else. But, I have no issue if players wanted to major in their sport. Core classes should include media relations, personal money management, and time skills. It's better than taking urban studies or sport management.
I agree that those things are important. Why would you think that those things are only important to a student athlete?
One of the best teachers my son had in high school spent a week, showing the class what happens when you are given a credit card with a 25% annual interest rate, and let it get just a little behind. He came home saying OMG, that debt takes off like a rocket. Amazing how many kids (and adults too) don't understand compound interest.
Time management is important too. As for the money management - there is a class called "finance" and another called "economics" that help in understanding these things and yes, you can get a degree in them. Even math - kinda puts that 25% annual interest thing in perspective.
Are you saying there needs to be a special class for the football team to grasp these concepts? Maybe something not as hard as a true business class? Maybe something for those that were given a free ride in high school because they were good football players and can't read now that they are in college?
I'm not saying you are wrong here. It's actually sad that a lot of these kids were given a pass and graduated without college skills. It's sad that many barely meet the entry requirements. I get that. For those - yes- they should be exposed to a part of the university that will, when they leave, have some "walking around sense" about the way the world works so they don't get exploited.
Bottom line - it's a very, very small percentage that make it to the professional level. After 4 years, they should leave there better than when they arrived.
By the way - UT should be very proud of what Joe Scogin has done with the Thornton Athletic Center. It addresses much of what you stated. Here's a link, and I'll paste one paragraph in for you.
Joe Scogin Named Director of Thornton Athletics Student Life Center | Tennessee Today
The Thornton Center helps student-athletes balance the difficult demands of their academic and athletic schedules by providing academic support services. NCAA rules require colleges and universities to provide these services for student-athletes. At UT, these services fall within the academic structure of the university.
Over the last two years, weve made some important changes at the Thornton Center to strengthen the bridge between academics and athletics, said Susan Martin, provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs. Joe has a strong background in both academics and athletics; he will be an effective liaison between the two and provide a positive influence on the lives of our student-athletes.
edit:
The Thornton Center has had a VERY positive effect on recruiting. It's a very big pitch to the parents of recruits. The GPA's of UT's Athletes reflects the excellent work done here.
UT Student-Athletes Post 3.03 GPA - University of Tennessee Official Athletic Site
