Commentary

Graduating from college is a goal many of us want to achieve. It's ingrained in us from early education all the way through high school. For those who work hard and stay committed, a degree is earned. For many athletes the goal is to play professionally, it's a dream that is spawned early in childhood, and for some through high school and for even less, college.
Reaching the ultimate playing field among the elite, signing a contract, having all the luxuries one can afford, are all very alluring, but is it worth bypassing a college degree? For a very small percentage the answer is simply, yes. No questions asked. But for the majority chasing the big dream can be a struggle and many athletes who were lucky enough to receive scholarships to promising colleges across the country, never make it.
Graduation rates for division 1 male athletes participating in baseball, basketball or football are alarmingly low. Fresno State men's basketball team graduation rate as of 2008 was 7%. Fresno State basketball is not what many would call a powerhouse. So why are more players from that program not graduating?
In football, Oklahoma is a perennial national powerhouse in the Big 12. In 2008 the Sooners posted a 46% four-year grad rate that was fifth-lowest in the NCAA's Bowl Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-A). Georgia and Georgia Tech were only slightly better at 48%.
As for baseball, players can be signed out of high school. Some take the scholarship to play at the college level but only 68% graduated with degrees.
What happens to the athletes that don't make it to the professional level? What do they do? There are plenty of students out there that would do anything to have a scholarship to the school they desire and would never dream of letting it go. It is confusing, aside from the possibility of the big contract, as to why many give up on such a great opportunity.
Many college athletes do graduate and that is what it should be about. Secure your future with an opportunity that is given to you. It's never too late to graduate, but graduate when you don't have to pay for it.