NCAA Athletes Strictly Amatuers At Entitlement Game
Follow
By DERON SNYDER
Their high-profile positions give them access to gifts and services not available to everyone else. They know they’re not supposed to accept the extra benefits, but they do so anyway, often bringing shame to their institutions when caught. Despite numerous examples of prohibited perks leading to a downfall, the cycle continues, with new reports surfacing on a regular basis.
No, not quarterbacks and point guards in college dorms, but politicians and CEOs in halls of power.
Paul Magliocchetti, head of a powerful lobbying firm on Capitol Hill, pleaded guilty last fall to campaign-finance fraud. Tom DeLay, the former House majority leader, was convicted in November of illegal contributions and money laundering. Jack Johnson, former Prince George’s County Executive, pleaded guilty last month to accepting bribes. And in my home state, New York, the scandal-scarred Legislature is crafting a bill to address an unprecedented string of corruption and ethics cases.
When adults are willing to risk criminal charges and jail time for hundreds and thousands of dollars, we shouldn’t be surprised when teens and 20-somethings risk their collegiate eligibility for tattoos, autographs and sweet deals on a car.
