Nader Proposes NCAA Eliminates Athletics Scholarships

ESPN is reporting consumer advocate and former presidential candidate Ralph Nader is “calling for the elimination of college athletic scholarships, saying the move is necessary to ‘de-professionalize’ college athletes”. ESPN’s article stated: “‘As we near the exciting conclusion of ‘March Madness’ — which would more accurately be described as the 2011 NCAA Professional Basketball Championships — it’s time we step back and finally address the myth of amateurism surrounding big-time college football and basketball in this country,’ said Nader, whose League of Fans is proposing that the scholarships be replaced with need-based financial aid.” The NCAA, through vice-president of communications Bob Williams, said that Nader referring to college athletes as professional players is inaccurate since “they are students, just like any other student on campus who receives a merit-based scholarship”. Nader’s proposal would essentially move the NCAA Division III model (which does not provide athletics scholarships) to Divisions I and II. Nader was smart to announce his idea during the biggest basketball tournament in the country, but I do not think this idea will gain traction due to the money involved in all aspects of intercollegiate athletics.