The Virtual Charles Barkley

How is it that sometimes the subtlest thing can reveal a great truth?

It's March Madness season and those ubiquitous basketball analysts panels are explaining every turnover and rebound. Charles Barkley – former Auburn University and Philadelphia/Phoenix NBA star -- is noted for candor and straightforward honesty.

Last week, Barkley was interviewing the coach of a Sweet Sixteen team -- who shall remain nameless to protect the guilty -- when Barkley joked that he had one year of NCAA eligibility remaining, because he left college early to join the NBA.

Coach: "Sure, I've got a scholarship for you. You can come play for me. And we'll give you all your classes online!"

So much for the "Scholar/Athlete" branding that the money-grubbing universities like to boast about.

Gene V Glass
Arizona State University
National Education Policy Center