[Eracer]

The only real criticism of your argument I have is that college athletic programs are intended to be a supplement to an education. If high school athletes could attend a university and get a degree in "Pro Athlete", then I would agree that other scholastic pursuits would be superfluous. But scholar-athletes are role models, and, like hip-hop stars, set a glittering goal for many young people. The truth is that very few make it to the pro ranks. And many fall by the wayside, having spent their dreams ignoring their education. Kids need role models, and a scholar athlete who ends up as a businessman is a lot better role model than one who fails as an athlete and has nothing else to show for it.