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<p>Athletes of the caliber to make it to the pro ranks are not in college for the academics. It’s ridiculous to even talk about “graduation rates” for that caliber of athlete because their entire job in college is to play their sport. Accomodations are made to make it look like they are actually a college student.</p>
<p>There isn’t a serious candidate for the NFL draft who has been in class since the end of the college football season. They are enrolled full-time in preparation programs for the NFL scouting combine, some at their universities, some at institutes scattered around the country – Arizona, Los Angeles, etc. Many do evenually go back and get their degree at some point, taking courses during the professional offseason.</p>
<p>There’s a story in the book “Patriots Reign” about the New England Patriots coaches looking a particular draft prospect. During their discussions with the player’s coaches, it came to light that he had missed some team meetings. The reason? His chemistry class had conflicted with the football meetings and the kid was serious about his academics. The Pats took him off their draft board because they aren’t interested in a player unless football his his number one priority. The Pats coaches were quoted to the effect that the kid had his entire life to learn chemistry, but only four years of college football to prepare for the pros.</p>
<p>I’m not complaining about that. I actually think big-time Div I programs should abandon the pretense and be allowed to openly hire their athletes.</p>