Stand up for real college students

Big Sol receiving his degree from Rockhurst University. The only other time he's this happy is before dinner.

Disclaimer: I have become increasingly angered by the greed in college sports. Probation, allegation, and investigation seem to be the new buzz words. What happened to graduation? This post will show a decided bias toward those student-athletes who intend to use college as a means to earn a degree and become productive citizens. If you are a supporter of the greedy, enabler of the entitled, or just promote ignorance in general...this post will offend you - greatly!

This post is for Trent Ross, Jimmy Myers, Megan Wood, Katie Kennedy, Jason Grant, and Zasmine Johnson. These six young people personify the term student-athlete. Trent's a college junior. Jimmy and Megan start their sophomore campaigns this year. Katie, Jason, and Zasmine are incoming freshmen. All are winners of the St. Louis Sports Commission Associates Sportsmanship Scholarship. All exhibited outstanding sportsmanship on the field of play. All are excellent students who use their athletic gifts to achieve higher goals. They are the rule and not the exception.

There'll be no extra benefits for these young people - no cash payouts, luxury cars, tattoos, and whatever other nonsense you see on the highlight shows. Any argument anyone has for this madness is deadened by the lack of education. Don't believe me? Well, consider one of the greatest athletes of this generation. Mike Tyson made more money than any athlete playing his or her sport. I don't mean endorsements. Tyson jabbed and right hooked his way to over $300 million in his boxing career. He has since lost every dollar. As a matter of fact, he now owes people money. Tyson could physically dominate 99.9% of the human population but his pockets were knocked out by people who were smarter than him.

Athletes in other sports have lost fortunes simply because talent can't beat intelligence. Allen Iverson, Antoine Walker and Lenny Dykstra immediately come to mind. Here's how you can help real student-athletes. I need seven people to join Big Sol's All-Star Team for this Saturday's Sports Commission Trivia Night. This event is the primary fundraiser for the Sportsmanship Scholarship. Your participation is guaranteed to help a young person fulfill their education goals. I need seven more people to join me. For $25, you can team up with me. It's a great deal when you think about it. You're supporting young people and you get to rub elbows with the Emperor of Sportsmanship. Sorry, I couldn't help it. Seriously, call me at 314-345-5130 or email salexander@stlsports.org to join #TeamBigSol. Sports Commission Trivia Night is this Saturday, August 27 at Temple Israel in Creve Coeur. Doors open at 6 p.m. Trivia begins at 7 p.m. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol