Collegiate

Until yesterday, I think I lived in relative ignorance of the exceptions that were made for college athletes. Yes, I went to UT. Yes, that university spends a ridiculous amount on athletics, especially football. Yes, they spent $8 million installing the then-largest jumbotron in the world at the stadium when they renovated it in 2006.

But it wasn't until I started this tutoring job in the athletics department that I realized the extent to which athletes get a pass. A football player came in to get help with a paper and could barely form a sentence. Suddenly I understood why I had to sign all these forms saying I wouldn't buy players meals, let them borrow my car, date them and such. These students have whole teams of people working to ensure they pass their classes, that they show up, that they don't accept gifts. I'm not saying that I think that is bad in and of itself. Mostly I'm just baffled that they got here in the first place.