We hate on college athletics but we love them. Some believe collegiate athletics presents a serious set of modern moral problems. Others think there is nothing wrong – if we could just take care of a few specific issues and get the knuckleheads out of sports, we will be better off. With exploitation, competitive imbalances, drugs, gender equity, payments for players beyond scholarships, recruitment issues, unruly fans, and academic failures, it’s worth asking why we insist that our colleges and universities in America maintain a system of intercollegiate sports competition, and, in some cases, minor league teams for professionals.
Today, let’s talk about intercollegiate sports. Do they have or add any value to a community? Why are intercollegiate sports so important? Is the college or university environment the proper context for competitive sports programs? What about all the problems facing competitive college athletics? Can you have a competitive athletics program at a college or university and still maintain your soul (whatever that means)?
See you, today, from 3-5 p.m. in the Howard Thurman Center (lower level of the GSU) for Coffee & Conversation. I’ll bring the coffee you bring your best game.
Peace.
3 Comments
Robert Woodward posted on February 9, 2009 at 2:12 am
I’m too scared to come to Coffee and Conversation… it seems really intense to me–sitting with the Dean of Students with a high likelihood of looking stupid.
I really wish I felt more comfortable–it seems too much like a stressful environment. Oh well!
kennmore posted on February 13, 2009 at 5:42 am
Don’t be scared. It’s a great atmosphere and vibe. We have a great time.
Allison posted on March 10, 2009 at 3:48 pm
An interesting take:
http://www.doubleazone.com/2009/02/michael_cross_princeton_why_athletics_matter.php