Bazz: NCAA leaves players hungry

[ChrisSmith]

So do what normal students do - get some money from your parents or borrow $2,000 a year.

The UConn athletic department already loses money - if they give each student athlete another $2k, then normal students are paying for athlete's pizza.

I'm pretty sure the athletes are referring to grabbing a burger or pizza like a normal student. However, they fail to realize the myriad of other advantages their scholarship affords them

 

[huskymedic]

What athlete on a full division 1 athletic department doesn't have books, meals and housing covered along with tuition???

From the article:
"Currently, scholarships cover tuition to the university but fail to cover the expenses of items like food, text books, and often room and board."

I don't believe the article to be correct in that regard or at least as it applies to UConn's Full Athletic Grant-in Aid (which covers at least men's/women's BB and Football):

"Full Athletics Grant-in-Aid - A full athletics grant-in-aid by NCAA definition is financial aid that consists of tuition and fees, room and board, and required text books. It does not cover course-related supplies (e.g. art supplies for an art course, etc.)."

Page 14 - http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/conn/genrel/auto_pdf/2013-14/misc_non_event/SAHandbook.pdf

(More info on S/A Financial Aid on pages 14-18).

 

[BoatShow]

I remember back in the day Abrosimova was a waitress at some restaurant and people would leave her 100 dollars on 8 dollar checks.

 

[UConnDan97]

I remember back in the day Abrosimova was a waitress at some restaurant and people would leave her 100 dollars on 8 dollar checks.

In Soviet Russia, the checks leave YOU!

(ah...it wasn't that funny, but I always hear Yakov Smirnoff in my head and I wanted to share)

 

[AZHuskiePop]

Some things that are being a little overlooked here. If you offer basketball players a stipend (say $100/week) then you pretty much have to offer that to all scholarship athletes (don't you?). For UConn, according to what I just looked up, based on their D1 sports, they can have about 318 scholarship athletes. Now you're talking about $31,800/week in stipend money. If there are 30 weeks in a school year, that's $954,000/year in stipends. Sure, UConn could probably absorb that without too much impact, but a lot of schools can't. You could make the stipend an option that the school can choose to give or not (like some schools don't give athletic scholies of any kind). But if you did that, you would create and even bigger divide between the P5 and the rest as schools with kids knowing they're going to get an extra $3,000 stipend/year if they go to a place that can pay. Do we really need another recruiting advantage for the top?

It's just not as simple as we should give kids something for generating revenue for the school they play for. There's a lot of issues that arise once you open that can of worms.

Why couldn't stipends be awarded on a need basis.

 

[Tbone4457]

There's a lot of misinformation here. To learn the history see the documentary "Schooled" that is on netflix now. The scholarships do not cover all expenses and not having enough food is a common issue. The NCAA marketing has been so complete that many things that are legal are thought to be illegal by fans and athletes are not allowed to do things that other students are allowed to do. Other students can get paid by the school (like RAs), accept gifts from alumni, and work at jobs in their field of study or recreation. The NCAA and others don't want to share the money. The sneaker contract money alone is enough to take care of all athletes. But all of this won't matter soon as the major conferences are already pulling away from the NCAA so they can be fair to the athletes and still make hundreds of millions of dollars.

 

[jleves]

Why couldn't stipends be awarded on a need basis.

Again - the details become a problem. How do you define need? If you go by parents income, how do you differentiate between a couple living in a low cost place with one kid in college vs a single mom with 4 kids in a higher cost environment. What happens when you have 50 males getting a stipend and only 15 women? It sounds nice, but in the end, it's another thing that can be manipulated. In my mind, it has to be all or nothing, otherwise you open yourself up to problems no school wants to get into.

 

[CAHUSKY]

There's a lot of misinformation here. To learn the history see the documentary "Schooled" that is on netflix now. The scholarships do not cover all expenses and not having enough food is a common issue. The NCAA marketing has been so complete that many things that are legal are thought to be illegal by fans and athletes are not allowed to do things that other students are allowed to do. Other students can get paid by the school (like RAs), accept gifts from alumni, and work at jobs in their field of study or recreation. The NCAA and others don't want to share the money. The sneaker contract money alone is enough to take care of all athletes. But all of this won't matter soon as the major conferences are already pulling away from the NCAA so they can be fair to the athletes and still make hundreds of millions of dollars.

 

[David 76]

Not going to really comment overall, but thinking about this reminded me of the mini scandal 10-15 years ago where the players were ordering 60 dollar quarts of orange juice from room service at the plaza, ( or maybe the four seasons can't recall).

So without taking a position, I will say that it works both ways, normal college students don't get to stay at 5 star hotels, order room service and fly private.

Normal college students don't bring millions into their university either. I don't really think they stay at 5 star hotels either UCONN guides there visiting teams to a Marriott or Holiday Inn. The OJ was a scandal because the whole thing was exorbitant.

 

[Danzz]

Again - the details become a problem. How do you define need? If you go by parents income, how do you differentiate between a couple living in a low cost place with one kid in college vs a single mom with 4 kids in a higher cost environment. What happens when you have 50 males getting a stipend and only 15 women? It sounds nice, but in the end, it's another thing that can be manipulated. In my mind, it has to be all or nothing, otherwise you open yourself up to problems no school wants to get into.

You make a good point concerning manipulation and abuse of a stipend program. I don't think anybody wants a program that can be abused but there must be a way to put safeguards into effect. The amount would have to be minimal and standardized.
Maybe the money could be provided using a debit card good only at on campus eating facilities. No matter how it gets done there will be abuses but that isn't a good enough reason not to do it.

 

[Kitaman]

a person of such stature like bazz shouldnt be eating crap meals. get that man some lobster dinners.

I know there are some women living off campus (with a kitchen) that can and would hook a 'player' up. Bazz should have set all this up in Sept and Oct. before they started practice. They don't have to be pretty, just food luvin plump.

Come on Bazz!!........ are you a playa or a player?

Disclaimer: I will say though that his costs of such food services may be tricky.

 

[TheRogers]

The NCAA either permits meals and extra benefits or it doesn't. Logic would lead me to think that schools like UCONN offer similar benefits as other schools. If it gets to a point where players are starving, I have a hard time believing that this has not been addressed. Just quickly looked at some other schools and they all offer 3 meals a day 7 says a week for the school year. It would be sad if UCONN just does not offer this.

Then there's this:

http://www.holyturf.com/2011/05/foo...17000-annually-in-cash-all-within-ncaa-rules/

And this...

http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/daily-take/201307/living-high-life-not-so-much-college-athletes-say

I guess I come out of this not knowing who to believe.

 

[seanmc94]

http://thebiglead.com/2012/11/14/john-calipari-tours-the-kentucky-basketball-dorm-video/

No one at UK is starving

 

[mauconnfan]

http://thebiglead.com/2012/11/14/john-calipari-tours-the-kentucky-basketball-dorm-video/

No one at UK is starving

When he started talking about "Kentucky Coal" I almost barfed already so I will never see what they eat there….I really can't stand looking or listening to the crook!

 

[UConn77]

I can appreciate the concern, but I really can't feel sorry for kids who are essentially getting a free education (many of whom never even graduate or use that education), when every nickel for my UConn education came from loans, summer jobs, my parents and jobs during the school year. If they can't work, let them take education loans or let their parents kick in a few bucks.

 

[Buffett10]

pretty much all athletes sophomore and above life OFF campus. So they cant just hit the food hall. I remember around Turkey break about 20 UConn football players were sending out tweets saying "hungry need food" "everything is closed nothing to eat" and to show how hungry they were "So hungry thinking of eating another person" We even offered to bring them up some food, but they said they couldn't because of NCAA rules. what a messed up system they have in place.

 

[mauconnfan]

I can appreciate the concern, but I really can't feel sorry for kids who are essentially getting a free education (many of whom never even graduate or use that education), when every nickel for my UConn education came from loans, summer jobs, my parents and jobs during the school year. If they can't work, let them take education loans or let their parents kick in a few bucks.

How much money did you make for the university while there? I get they get a free education but would you like to see how much UConn makes for the #13 jerseys they sell as well as every other piece of souvineir $$$$'s they help sell out there……..

Sorry not the same! I am sure you're life is good and all paid for now and respect what you say, I do but Shabazz Napier, Kemba Walker, Emeka Okafor and you represent the university in a whole different way…….that's life. I am never going to pay 40 bucks to watch you or anyone else go to class 15 times a year nor are 16K others………..different world.

 

[Husky25]

UCONN didn't offer food on weekends to anybody on the room and board plan when I was there. You're on your own from Sat. a.m. until Monday a.m. When the team has a Sat. or Sun. game they probably get a pre-game team meal provided, but that's probably all they get for the weekend if it's a home game. My guess is they eat better on road trips because they have to provide them with enough food while they're out of town traveling.

When was that? Are you a recent graduate?

From 1995-1999, On campus students were given a choice between 14, 17, and 21 meals. All came with Husky bucks to spend at the Student Union and to get crappy pizza from Ryan Refectory (Since closed). Freshmen were required to get the 21 meal plan, even though the major dining halls (McMahon, South, Jungle, Putnam and Whitney, etc.) were open for 19 meals during the week. Brunch was from 10-2 and dinner was from 4-7 every Saturday and Sunday. All the dining halls were open from breakfast, lunch, and dinner Mon-Fri. I lived in Alumni as a freshman and the Basketball team all ate together at McMahon most mornings. That was the Scheffer, Allen, King, Johnson, Knight year.

Was the food great? Not really and it was better in the small dining halls than the bigger ones, but the teams were not under nourished.

pretty much all athletes sophomore and above life OFF campus.

Is this a recent development as well? Eric Hayward was my neighbor in Alumni. He was a Senior. As a sophomore the Hart twins (Track) were in the other wing in West. My Senior Year, Jon Fitzsimmons and Taber Small Lived on my floor, as well as a DT whose name I regret I can't remember (I want to say McManus, but its only a guess). True, those athletes were not high profile. So I offer up, Ricky Moore, who had a single 4 floors below mine. He was a senior. Of course many athletes live off campus, but I don't think you can make the general assumption that most live off campus in any great a ratio than an other student group.

 

[sawxfan23]

Listen I love Bazz but he is way off here. I played baseball at UConn and had no problem eating well and having money left.
1. Room and Board,Books, and any other school needs are paid for by scholarship.
2. On road trips $35.oo a day is given for meals plus a small pre and large post game meal are paid for by UConn. I basically pocketed $30 a day this way.
3. During NCAA tournament $55.oo a day is given.
4. The dining halls at UConn have come a long way and athletes have the ability to special order meals.
5. There are plenty of opportunities for summer jobs on campus.{especially for athletes}

 

[Tbone4457]

Some of you are just completely missing the point on the issue. It's not about pocket change for food. (But, all the Div I schools breaking away from the NCAA admit the scholarships do not cover all expenses as listed in the financial letter sent annually to all students.) This is also not about athletes in sports that do NOT generate revenue. This is about having two sets of rules for students which is blatantly unfair and discriminatory, and the false notion of amateurism. This new push to pay athletes for their work is partly due to recent Court decisions that basically affirm it is unconstitutional to have two similar people but apply different sets of rules concerning their rights. Sorry, I don't have enough time or space for a full explanation. But, even Jay Bilas has commented on how he doesn't understand how his nephew on full non-athletic scholarship at Kentucky can also be paid as an RA and have zero restrictions on work, gifts, or anything else while athletes have a long list of rules to follow. Also, the writing is on the wall in the Ed O'Bannon case (schools and associated companies profiting from his likeness in perpetuity without his consent or sharing the profits) and the Northwestern football players starting a union. It's only a matter of time before there are a slew of new workers' comp cases that won't be stopped by the NCAA's original plan and reasoning to call them "student-athletes." (The schedule, expectations, quid pro quo, and profit will constitute employment.) Even the first head of the NCAA who made the power grab that started all this admitted in his last speech before he died that with all the money involved now the old rules are just crazy and unfair. Like it or not, the near future will have revenue generating athletes receiving a stipend and insurance like an employee. Those of you who still hold on to the false notion of amateurism will get over it like you did with the Olympics.

 

[seanmc94]

If kids are opting to live off campus; making the dining hall not available; who's fault is that? You are an athlete first, student second, social being third. I know it's not as cool long in the dorm. However, if it gets you the calories you need, so be it.

 

[Yonick]

If kids are opting to live off campus; making the dining hall not available; who's fault is that? You are an athlete first, student second, social being third. I know it's not as cool long in the dorm. However, if it gets you the calories you need, so be it.

Don't know if you saw this, or not, Sean, but AAC commish Aresco was at the Memphis game Sat. He stated the AAC is prepared to approve stipends, assuming the big 5 conferences approve this. Supposedly, the approval vote Is just a formality.
My question is if/when this measure is approved what will the New Big East do?

 

[Henry]

I hadn't seen a thread about this, but I think this is absolutely disgusting that the NCAA can profit off of these players and leave them hungry. It is very strong and courageous for Bazz to speak about this.

Shabazz Napier: NCAA Revenue Doesn’t Feed Cash-Strapped Players

I went to college for academics. There was no feeder system for my future profession. I had to figure it out for myself. I had an academic scholarship for tuition but had to take out loans for room,board and books. Shabazz gets tuition,room and board and I assume books are covered. Also, if he is good enough he may play in the NBA. Even if I were good enough as a BIO major there were literally tens of thousands of us who had to figure out own future profession. Athletics is an opportunity to get a free college education and maybe the chance to play in the NBA. Everyone knows the NCAA is a racket and those who don't like it have the chance to do something else. I find it very hard to believe the parents can't contribute enough for a kid to buy the proverbial pizza once a week.

 

[seanmc94]

Don't know if you saw this, or not, Sean, but AAC commish Aresco was at the Memphis game Sat. He stated the AAC is prepared to approve stipends, assuming the big 5 conferences approve this. Supposedly, the approval vote Is just a formality.
My question is if/when this measure is approved what will the New Big East do?

I would hope they would follow suit. Logical to do so. That being said; you never know.

 

[uconnfan68]

I remember back in the day Abrosimova was a waitress at some restaurant and people would leave her 100 dollars on 8 dollar checks.

OK, but to be clear, she wasn't in school then. There is no statute of limitations for the NCAA.

 

[BoatShow]

OK, but to be clear, she wasn't in school then. There is no statute of limitations for the NCAA.

I thought it was like over the summer when it was widely known she was struggling to get enough money together to fly her mother in for a game.

 

[Husky25]

I went to college for academics. There was no feeder system for my future profession. I had to figure it out for myself. I had an academic scholarship for tuition but had to take out loans for room,board and books. Shabazz gets tuition,room and board and I assume books are covered. Also, if he is good enough he may play in the NBA. Even if I were good enough as a BIO major there were literally tens of thousands of us who had to figure out own future profession. Athletics is an opportunity to get a free college education and maybe the chance to play in the NBA. Everyone knows the NCAA is a racket and those who don't like it have the chance to do something else. I find it very hard to believe the parents can't contribute enough for a kid to buy the proverbial pizza once a week.

There is certainly a difference in the amount of aide received, but I don't think you can necessarily call college athletics a feeder system that is any different than that for accounting or biology. Was there internship or co-op opportunities for you? If so, where you offered a job at its conclusion? If so, could that be considered a feeder system? I believe it can.

Disregarding non-revenue generating sports for a moment, even if a high school athlete gets an athletic scholarship, about 1% are as fortunate. Further, about 1% go on to that sport at a professional level. That means less than 1/100th of 1% of high school scholarship athletes are fortunate enough to play in a pro league and have that occupation sustain them as their sole livelihood. The numbers get even more miniscule when expanded to the non-revenue generating sports (e.g. I'm pretty sure that field hockey is not one of those sole-sustaining careers).

I'm more or less against any pay-for-play scenario (even if it is a few hundred dollars per semester), unless it can be applied equitably. The NCAA has already demonstrated that they cannot equitably regulate current infractions, let alone additional rules for an entirely new system. Even if they could, any amount of money is not enough. It is a widely held notion that Johnny Manziel comes from money, yet he still sold his ink-penned signature for $10,000.

 

[freescooter]

We can't buy him a burgher. Food plans may not cover weekends. He can't work, even in the summer. Some money would make sense just to avoid fencing laptops to make ends meet.

What planet are you living on? Look I support some kind of a stipend. But UConn's dining halls are open all weekend. So are most others. When student athletes are on campus for athletic-related programs, say practice over Christmas break, the school can provide them meals and most do. At most schools once your in the dining hall, they don't limit what you eat either. so this idea that the players starve because they have to eat dining hall food...well that's kind of crazy. As far as summer work, that's not the case. That they mostly choose to focus on their games is a choice. Tell the kids who work a couple of jobs while going to school and hope to scramble together enough cash to pay the next semester's tuition and graduate with debts how tough life is.

 

[Inyatkin]

Tell the kids who work a couple of jobs while going to school and hope to scramble together enough cash to pay the next semester's tuition and graduate with debts how tough life is.

This is a typical response, to make it some kind of competition.
In fact, you can favor more support for non-athletes who are struggling and also think that basketball players who make millions of dollars for people who never set foot on the court aren't being treated as they should be.

 

[huskyniner]

I just took a trip to the co-op yesterday and bought myself a new #13 jersey. I'd say after covering cost of production, at least 50% of the $80 I spent should be be given to Mr. Napier. Put his name on the back of my jersey to be sure.