The Detrimental Effects of Big-Time College Sports on Black Student-Athletes’ Academic Success

Abstract

The pressures of big-time college sports coupled with NCAA academic legislation set up a system of inequality among student-athletes to achieve academic success. Blackman (2008) emphasized that NCAA academic legislation was racist in nature. Several researchers determined that Black student-athletes are underprepared for college but are recruited for athletic ability. Black student-athletes are often isolated from the rest of campus, especially with stereotypes others have about their motives, academic ability, or skin color. The purpose of this study was to examine GPA, time-to-degree, and demographic characteristics of student-athletes at Division I institutions, comparing Black and White student-athletes in order to examine disparities and the detrimental effects of the system on Black athletes. Through the lens of Critical Race Theory, results indicated that Black athletes are disadvantaged prior to enrollment and struggle to graduate on time.