The discussion about what's wrong with big-time college sports continued Tuesday in Chapel Hill, as The N&O's Luke DeCock reported in today's column. Taylor Branch, a UNC grad whose writing on what he considers the exploitation of college players has received much attention, said UNC players have been told by their coaches not to talk with him. Hodding Carter, who teaches at UNC, said the faculty had been passive, as other college faculties had been, "allowing the slaughter of the integrity of the institutions they serve to go forward." The N&O's reporting on the UNC football program (and the NCAA investigation into it) has shown some significant problems. We will continue reporting.
At the same time, it's worth noting that there are some outstanding young adults who play big-time college sports. The N&O featured prominent stories today on two of them as they prepare to play their final home games. NCSU's C.J. Williams' hustle and leadership have been apparent during his four years at State, our J.P. Giglio reports. That's how he got to be a team captain as a sophomore and junior. His coach says he's been "a great young man to coach." He will graduate in May with a degree in business.
UNC's Tyler Zeller also has been outstanding. He's a business major and a two-time academic all-America. One of his business professors told The N&O's Andrew Carter, "It seems like he really believes (in) doing things the right way for the right reasons, treating people with respect and working hard."
Let's hear it for C.J. Williams and Tyler Zeller (and for their parents). They've set a high standard and have shown how good big-time college sports could be.
--John Drescher
Comments
http://www.dicka-berbagi.blogspot.com/
Sat, 03/03/2012 - 14:51 — djackriasewa ruang kantor jakarta murah
CJW and Zeller's parents are role models
Wed, 02/29/2012 - 11:51 — ViperRetMr. D., we finally AGREE on something. I watched the Indiana game over the weekend and saw Tyler's parents cheering on Cody, Tyler's younger brother. I read the article on CJW this morning. As a retired, among other things, Environmental Engineer, I applaud CJ's dad for what he is sacrificing, personally and financially, for CJW. CJ may not be a top lottery pick and will NOT be the primary breadwinner for his family. It would appear that his family does not have unlimited financial resources. This is a GREAT story about two young men who do it the right way.
You might want to do some research on Kendall Smith. He is a walk on Senior with a 3.8 or so GPA in BioChemistry for NCSU. He is the heart and soul of the "scout team" and has to learn a new offense each week...in 10 minutes. Coach Gottfried says that he has a great work ethic and also will call out a "starter" if the starter is taking it easy in practice.
College athletics needs more Kendalls, Tylers and CJ's!