Fort Smith Four
Covering Local News and Local Issues
Screw Stereotypes: Student Athletes
Averie Warren
November 16, 2015
Lazy Conceited. Selfish. Proud. Paid to play. Inconsiderate. Easy classes. Babied. Arrogant. Rude. These are a few of the words that come to mind when people think about student athletes. Perhaps three of the most prominent misconceptions are that they are lazy, dumb jocks, and they believe themselves to be privileged. But is there any truth behind these words, specifically on the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith (UAFS) campus? One must delve into UAFS and a Student Athletes life to find out.
Misconception #1: Student Athletes are lazy
The average day of a student athlete includes more than some people accomplish in a week. An average day can include: class, cardio workout, meals, strength training, practice, homework, and then the occasional things like meetings. It takes a lot of energy and will power to get through a day like that. None of these things can e skipped or replaced. The UAFS Student Athlete handbook states “Students are expected to attend all classes.” With the exception of games, Student Athletes are to be in class. And on a campus as small as UAFS, it is usually noticed if a Student Athlete is not in class.
Student athletes at UAFS are required to take 12 hours a semester. This makes them a full time student. Being a student with 12 hours is considered a full time job. Being an athlete is considered a full time job. Somehow, Student Athletes do both. This is definitely not laziness.
Misconception #2: Student Athletes are just dumb jocks.
UAFS Student Athletes are required to maintain a 2.00 GPA. If the student’s major requires it to be higher, than they must maintain the higher GPA. With a requirement like that, a student cannot afford to be dumb.
The Student Athlete handbook states: “A student-athlete shall complete his or her seasons of participation during the first 10 semesters or 15 quarters in which the student is enrolled in a collegiate institution in at least a minimum full-time program of studies, as determined by the regulations of UAFS.” This means that a Student Athlete needs to keep their grades and hours up to meet this requirement of graduating within 10 semesters.
Misconception #3: Student Athletes are privileged.
Student Athletes sometimes face the misconception that they are privileged, particularly in classroom settings. However, this is not necessarily true in all instances.
Some people, particularly non athletes, think professors are lenient with Student Athletes and give them special privileges. However, at LSU one student was quoted saying, “[T]he majority of my teachers were aggravated I would be missing class and that they had to change the requirements of the class just for me because I played a sport.” This can be applied to UAFS athletes too.
In the UAFS Student Athlete handbook, there is a section dedicated to Illegal Benefits. It begins with the text, “You may not receive any award or expense allowance that is not
authorized by the NCAA. If you accept illegal benefits or awards, you may lose your eligibility, your scholarship, and your right to compete in intercollegiate athletics. Many student-athletes consider illegal benefits only in terms of accepting gifts or money.” It then continues on to list various activities and benefits that are off limits. These include benefits that many non-athlete students think Student Athletes receive.