Friday, May 8, 1998
Self-centered motives must not drive athletic programs
STUDENT ATHLETES: Individual talent should be used to edify
team, grant sense of university pride, not promote individuals
By David Smith
In many cases, I believe student-athletes are super-employees of
the university. They go to school full-time while giving a huge
effort of practicing and competing in their respective sports,
often for some type of scholarship. Competing in these respective
sports – namely football and basketball – they are making huge
amounts of money for the university and the athletic program.
Depending on what games are won or what Bowl game they are accepted
to could make the difference on whether – and how much – UCLA gets
paid.
Unfortunately, this makes a very small portion of the student
body the most important students on campus, and they are treated as
such. They are the bread winners of the school.
Now, I can respect that to a certain degree; talent should never
be wasted and should be put to its best use for the individual and
the university. But there are a few student-athletes who give me
the impression they are here for nothing but themselves. They have
a talent which they know is valuable and decide to put themselves
before the university. One should let their talent speak for itself
in competition, but it is wrong to think that talent can transcend
what is good for the school, team, and in some cases, even
themselves.
There is never a time when the university should be second.
Self-centered attitudes do not make this university great. This
university was never great because a very small portion of
extremely talented student-athletes think they are above university
policy.
When I say I am a fan of my school, I am not talking about the
people who are here solely for themselves – not for the school or
especially for the team. It is a shame for me to say I am
associated with that. I’d rather root for a team that truly played
with heart and school spirit than a "team" that consists of
self-centered egos.
When you are given a chance to come here, it should not be taken
lightly. UCLA is top-notch in many aspects besides athletics, and
it is top-notch because people know that working together, and not
for themselves, will propel this school farther than all
others.
For all these student-athletes, you have the opportunity of
making this school well known and great in more ways than most
students do. Take that chance in stride and make everybody
proud.