Lawmaker Bashes Buckeyes
Reported by Kevin Landers
Ohio State University student athletes got dumped on by a state lawmaker. And now the university is coming to their defense.
Out of nowhere, student-athletes found themselves the targets of Representative Tom Brinkman of Cincinnati.
While discussing how tougher academic standards could hurt schools like Ohio State, Rep. Brinkman said, "Be careful what you wish for because sports teams like Ohio State’s... are filled with dummies."
It was a remark that Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith did not appreciate.
"It's very disappointing. It further stereotypes student athletes," Smith said.
Smith also said that Brinkman is “misinformed.”
According to Smith, 56 members of the football team carry a grade point average 3.0 or higher, and just under 60 percent of all student athletes graduate in 6 years or less.
"Our student-athletes graduate at a higher rate than the rest of general student population," said Smith.
Brinkman went on to say that athletes at Ohio State are not solid academic material.
Brinkman was quoted in the Cleveland Plain Dealer saying he did not intend to insult athletes, but wanted to point out that tougher academic standards will damage sports programs.
Brinkman did not return calls from 10TV for comment.I was under the impression college was 4 years.
So if student athletes are taking 6 years to garduate and are doing better then the rest of the student body......