Connecticut resident and consumer advocate Ralph Nader is calling for the elimination of college athletic scholarships, saying the move is necessary to “de-professionalize” college athletes, The Associated Press reports.
“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.
he Associated Press obtained a copy of the proposal Thursday, ahead of its official release.
NCAA spokesman Bob Williams said referring to college athletes as professionals defies logic.
“They are students, just like any other student on campus who receives a merit-based scholarship,” he said.
Nader, a former presidential candidate, argued that his plan would also help reduce the “win-at-all-costs” mentality in high schools, by reducing the incentive of college scholarships.
He said he would try to gin up support for his proposal from university presidents, Capitol Hill and the Education Department.
