Athletes need to remain in school to mature intellectually and physically

This letter is in response to two items in the Wildcat's sports section, the first being the article, "Fans differ on Simon's decision," the second being Scott Bricker's column, "Simon returns for all the wrong reasons."

Am I the only one who sees Simon's decision as a positive one? With an increasing number of college players dropping out of school to be in the big money section of the NBA, we miss that they are losing a valuable life experience by leaving college.

Yes, the NBA will pay later for him to finish college, however he will be years past his peers. Education needs to be more sacred than big money. Scott Bricker states in his column, "Let's hope they, the players, realize they need to stay in school, not basketball," this is not the point. The point should be to teach all athletes that education is a way to grow along with their abilities as an athlete. Rarely does any group in this country get to develop like college athletes do. The key is to equalize the two concepts of sports and education together, not to pick on or the other as Mr. Bricker seems to be stating. Yes, Simon may not be back solely to do sports; however he has to be in school to do this. This is a good thing. As for the fans, WAKE UP! Money will make you a lot of things, but smarter isn't one of them. I think all athletes should be required to get a degree if they are in college. After all with the school footing the bill, it would be a good way for the athletes to give something back to the university, and to themselves. When you are a 50-year-old athlete, you may only have your mind left.

It's a real pity that today's universities don't require the athletes to complete a degree that improves the muscle groups in their heads, as well as they do to their bodies.

By Andrew Coan (letter)
Arizona Daily Wildcat
May 5, 1997