Arguments Against College Athletes

There is no greater support system in the United States than a universities athletic department. With records to be broken, championships to be won and legacies to be created, college athletes are given special priorities. No college athlete is given more special treatment than college football players. They are given special buildings and receive thousands of dollars in scholarships and equipment and are treated as celebrities when they walk around campus. At universities across the country, coaches and athletic directors cover up any athlete’s mistakes that could result in their player’s suspension from the team, just to keep their playoff dreams alive. However, these athletes leave hundreds of victims behind, victims who are afraid to speak
Whether the evidence was clear or not, the town believed that the football players were innocent. Both Beau Donaldson and Jordan Johnson played for the University of Montana’s (UM) football team. After Jordan Johnson was proven innocent of his rape against Cecilia Washburn, fans posted on online discussion boards. One fan stated, “Missoula loves you Jordy!!!! We have been behind you the entire time!” (pg. 300) The same support was nowhere to be found for Washburn. After Alison Huguet was raped, lies were spread that she and Donaldson had engaged in sexual intercourse multiple times and that she was lying about being raped. These support for the rapists and lack of support for the victims made the city of Missoula a hostile environment. Neither women wanted to go out and face the wrath of the fans of UM football. This occurs on college campuses across the country, costing women a college education as they are forced to drop out of school to stop the harassment. However, it is not only the fans that stand up for the