I'm Back, Folks

For anyone that even reads The Mint Julep anymore, I would like to extend my deepest apologies for not maintaining it for the last month or so. I have been extremely busy acclimatizing myself to a new city and a new job, and have not had adequate time to talk about interesting/controversial/hilarious items on this blog. In the future, I will make a concerted effort to post more frequently on here.

With that, here is a good article discussing the prevailing sports scandals which have plagued various universities this summer. The article focuses on the segregation of athletes from the general student body, asserting that this practice gives athletes a false sense of power and authority. Add this to the common irresponsibility of the typical college kid, and trouble is sure to brew. Below is a brief excerpt from the article.

The segregation of athletes from students dramatically increases the chances of outrageous behavior such as the allegations facing Duke, Auburn and Montana State. When 18-, 19- and 20-year-old young men and women are thrust onto quasi-professional sports pedestals, some will mistake the limelight for the green light.

It’s not simply a limited group of unfortunate schools. Many Division I colleges and universities have been ensnared by sports scandals in recent years. From allegations of improper recruiting practices and hazing incidents to steroid use and academic misconduct, the list of recent Division I sports scandals is as lengthy as it is disgraceful. Why the common problems? The runaway desire for a national sports championship — and the corresponding jackpots that accompany the likes of Final Four appearances — has led too many schools to create a parallel campus universe for athletes that rarely, briefly, and then only by necessity, intersects with the world of their student peers.