Intercollegiate Athletics, Higher Education, & the Notion of Amateursim

Far predating the establishment of the NCAA in 1906, amateurism was a core concept underlying elite sport throughout the world. Dating all the way back to the ancient Olympic games, scholars declared that only those who participated in sport for the love of the game and character and moral growth that came from such pursuit were true amateurs and gentlemen. But, what if I told you true amateurism never existed... that it was an invented tradition created to separate social classes and keep only the wealth involved in various sports? And what if those corrupted principles were the core concepts that underlay the establishment of intercollegiate athletics and the amateur model upon which it was built? In today's podcast we will tackle the history of amateurism, its ties to college athletics, and how it fits the past, present, and future model of higher education. So, if you ever wondered why the NCAA has clung to the notion of amateurism so tightly, even while allowing its student-athletes to bring in scholarships, NIL money, and direct pay-for-performance, this is the podcast for you. So, just sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode of The Sport Professor Podcast.