<p>The result of this kind of lawsuit, other than delivering a sum of money to former student athletes and their lawyers, is to punish the students who are enrolled now. Many states have limited school budgets, leaving them to raise tuition and or cut the number of classes available. This could also open the floodgates to investigations and lawsuits at other colleges.</p>
<p>Maybe the real problem is the idea that someone can devote themselves full time to playing sports while also attending college, especially if an athlete is admitted with lower academic skills than other students. Maybe it’s time we recognize that the talent to play sports at the college level is a skill set on its own and treat this in a similar manner as GI Bill. " Congratulations on being accepted to State College X Sports Academy. For four years you will live on campus, be provided with room, board, a stipend for living expenses, and part time enrollment in remedial and general education classes as determined by placement test. On completion of this program, you will be awarded a four year scholarship to any state college that you gain admission to. The terms of this are…"</p>
<p>I think the only way to avoid the possibility of many expensive lawsuits is to offer an education option, not a cash payout. </p>