Before I start this editorial off I want to say that in no way shape or form or fashion am I saying that those who play sports on any level are going through anything on the level of what our ancestors went through during the harsh times of slavery. However what I am asking the readers to do is have an open mind and examine how college and professional sports not only exploit the Black community they also hurt HBCU who lost their students to PWI (Predominantly White Institutions). Once again let me say sports in no way shape form or fashion are anything close to slavery but the owners of these institutions have the same goal in mind making maximum revenue by exploiting the Black Community.
First off look at the Black college athlete. The NCAA will say they are giving these young people a chance to make it in life by providing them with an education. But that is bull. First off they are not giving anyone anything. The athlete is working for the school his or her services are through working on the field and they are paid with an education so nothing is given to them it is worked for. Second they are called Student-Athletes however this is false as the student aspect does not come first. Contrary to popular belief a full ride is not that. Each scholarship is up for review at the end of the year and based on the performance on the field the school determines rather or not they wish to review the scholarship. This means that a “Student-Athlete” could have made straight A’s but have a lackluster performance on the field and their scholarship is stripped. Yeah so much for Student-Athlete. Oh yeah and did I mention they are not paid at all even though other students who may work on campus to go to school are paid.
Speaking of money let’s talk about who is really winning and who is losing. It’s no secret to anyone that the best players go to the PWI, while the HBCUs are lucky to get some leftovers. But see the only problem I have with this is that a lot of the athletes that attend these big time schools are not qualified and only get in because of their skills on the field otherwise the probably would be at a HBCU that gives our Black youth a chance to make it. And when one looks at it you have to see all the money that the PWI makes off these players this is money that could be coming to a HBCU if we were able to keep our players. And yes I said our players and I say our because once again if it were not for their talents on the field they would be at our school.
In the end the PWI get the players for next to nothing they make millions off them and the HBCUs have to watch as Student-Athletes that probably would be at their school are off at another school generating revenue for the University. Is it wrong no but at the end of the day the rich and richer and poor get poorer?
The only solution to this I would say would be more Black athletes to start attending HBCUs. Not saying they have an obligation to do so but it would be nice to see some of them take pride in their heritage and remember what school would still be there for them and take them even if they could not shoot a ball or score a touchdown.
#RecKlessTruth
