Academic fraud seems to be all the rage in college athletics these days, and why not? Billions of dollars are up for grabs, and damnit, this money isn't going to end up your bank without some effort, junior.
Notre Dame, which is a prestigious academic institution in its own right (or so I'm told), has had its fair share of academic fraud among its football team. Its head coach has come to realize something needs to change.
From Eric Hansen of NDInsider.com (via SBNation.com):
"I think we recognized that all of my football players are at-risk. All of them, really. Honestly, I don't know that any of our players would get into the school by themselves right now, with the academic standards the way they are. Maybe one or two of our players that are on scholarship.
"So making sure that with the rigors that we put them in — playing on the road, playing night games, getting home at 4 o'clock in the morning, all of the demands that we place on them relative to the academics, and going into an incredibly competitive academic classroom every day — we recognize this is a different group.
"And we have to provide all the resources necessary for them to succeed and don't force them into finding shortcuts.
"I think we've clearly identified that we need to do better. And we're not afraid to look at any shortcomings that we do have and fix them."
Kelly's intentions might not be 100% pure here, but that doesn't dilute the rightness of his message. It's also refreshing to see a coach admit players are often set up for failure by being admitted into institutions they can't handle and that their players aren't all scholars.
Will this mark a turning point in how America handles its collegiate football players? Probably not, but it's a good start.
Now if you'll excuse me, I must go shower with hydrochloric acid to wash away the sins of praising Brian Kelly.
