Pat Chun, the new Athletics Director of Washington State University (WSU), recently discussed the struggles of college athletics in a candid interview. He believes that the current system is “broken beyond repair” and that something needs to be done to fix it.
Chun pointed out that college athletics have become increasingly commercialized, with schools relying on television contracts and corporate sponsorships to fund their programs. This has led to a situation where the focus has shifted away from student-athletes and towards the financial bottom line. He believes that this has caused college athletics to become “a business model” rather than an educational experience.
Chun also noted that the current system has created an environment where student-athletes are often treated like commodities rather than people. He believes that this has led to a situation where student-athletes are often taken advantage of by coaches and administrators who are more concerned with winning than with the welfare of the athletes.
Chun believes that the current system needs to be changed in order to ensure that college athletics are an educational experience rather than a business venture. He suggests that schools should focus on providing student-athletes with a quality education, rather than simply trying to win games. He also believes that schools should provide student-athletes with better support services, such as academic counseling and career guidance.
Finally, Chun believes that schools should focus on creating a culture of respect and appreciation for student-athletes. He believes that this would help create an environment where student-athletes are treated as people rather than commodities.
Overall, Pat Chun believes that the current system of college athletics is “broken beyond repair” and that something needs to be done to fix it. He believes that the focus needs to shift away from commercialization and towards providing student-athletes with a quality education and support services. He also believes that schools need to create a culture of respect and appreciation for student-athletes in order to ensure that they are treated as people rather than commodities.
